Help deciding.. DLC Vs Stainless Steel?

[skype88]

Hi Everyone.. I'm in need of some advice.. I'm about to pull the trigger on the most expensive watch I've ever purchased... Steinhart Nav B Chrono II... I've owned dozens of watches over the past few years, all of them mid range watches.. I do like the look of Stainless Steel, but recently Steinhart Released a DLC Version of the Nav B chrono II, So I'm trying to decide which model to order.

My biggest concern with the DLC is how will it hold up over the next few years.. I do not plan on selling this watch anytime soon.. Should I play it safe and go for the Stainless Steel? Or throw caution to the wind and get the stealthy DLC? Here are some photo's below..

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[cedargrove]

Steel is timeless. DLC might possibly be a fad. Considering this is a major purchase, I'd go with timeless.

[WnS]

Aesthetically, I prefer DLC a little more, the all black gives it a sharp look. The steel version has a transparent case back and domed crystal - that's also something to consider.

[stapleton33]

The stainless steel has a better contrast, looks more classic, and has an exhibition case back - something I'm sure you'll want to show your friends if you're buying your first very expensive timepiece. Furthermore, the last letter in DLC is "Coating" (or "Carbon" but that's a little redundant isn't it? :) ) and even if it's "diamond-like," I question Steinhart's DLC technology, and predict that it, like virtually all coatings, will eventually show evidence of wear that will be more off-putting than the typical character-inducing patina of a well-worn SS surface. Even if it was flawless forever, it doesn't beat the attractiveness of SS or the case back, IMHO.

[eliz]

I'm wondering if Steinhart's DLC refers to "Diamond-Like Coating"? (As with Ball watches.)
If it is then it's worth getting because it's indeed better scratch-proofed as compared with SS.

BUT if it's a fad than just get the SS or... maybe, check out other options

[alphablade]

Get the SS version. My coating on the ocean DLC is already showing wear after less than 2 weeks. I did get a replacement strap but still.. The coating on the case itself is somewhat ok, however, high abrasion points will fade pretty fast.

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[eliz]

Hmm... it's quite a let down if you're already seeing wear only 2wks in.
But then again.. SS is quite the scratch magnet as well.

Get the SS version. My coating on the ocean DLC is already showing wear after less than 2 weeks. I did get a replacement strap but still.. The coating on the case itself is somewhat ok, however, high abrasion points will fade pretty fast.

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[John MS]

Stainless steel for the look and relative ease with which it can be restored.

[mpalmer]

Stainless is traditional, adult, and more versatile. DLC looks more juvenile, can be scratched off, and quite possibly could prove to be a fad.

[Perseus]

I don't think the black cases are a fad, but not all are created equal. My only experience is with PVD and it showed some scratches, mainly to the bracelet, and it bothered me. If you're wearing it on a strap it won't be as noticeable.