Refurbished Apple Watch: Everything you need to know about refurbished Apple Watches

A refurbished Apple Watch gives you the luxury of the smart watch, but for a lower price. Still, there are a number of things you should pay attention to when purchasing it. In this buying guide we provide all the information you need.

Refurbished Apple Watch: all the information you need in one place

Before you buy a refurbished Apple Watch, you naturally want to know what a refurbished Apple product is. A refurbished Apple Watch has been ‘overhauled’. There are various advantages to such a refurbished copy, but also things that you should pay attention to when purchasing it. In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know in five chapters.

  1. Advantages → What advantages does a refurbished Apple Watch have?
  2. Conditions → What should you pay attention to when buying a refurbished Apple Watch?
  3. Choose → Which refurbished Apple Watches are there?
    • Apple Watch Series 4
    • Apple Watch Series 3
    • Apple Watch Series 2
  4. Check → How do I check a refurbished Apple Watch?
  5. Returns and warranty → Not satisfied?
  6. More refurbished Apple → Still looking for another refurbished Apple product?

Step 1. What are the advantages of a refurbished Apple Watch?

Buying an Apple Watch refurbished has several advantages. The watch has been used before, but the advantage of refurbished is that it has been completely cleaned, repaired and, if necessary, provided with new parts. As a result, you have a well-functioning device that is much cheaper and also comes with a warranty.

However, it is not a second-hand copy of, for example, Marktplaats. A refurbished Apple Watch is therefore more expensive than a second-hand one, but cheaper than a new one. Do you not need the latest of the newest, but you do need a decent device? Then buying a refurbished Apple Watch is often the best deal.

Advantages of refurbished

  • Cheaper than new: you save up to hundreds of euros
  • A refurbished device has been checked and has a warranty
  • Safe purchases: providers are known and you have a legal cooling-off period and the right to return
  • You contribute to the environment (less waste)

Disadvantages refurbished

  • Apple Watch may be damaged or repaired with unofficial parts
  • Battery may have lost some of its capacity
  • No or unofficial accessories can be included (such as charger and cable)
  • Latest models often not yet available as a refurbished model

watchOS 6

Step 2. What should you pay attention to when buying a refurbished Apple Watch?

Refurbished is becoming increasingly popular, which means that the range is also increasing. That is good news for you as a consumer, because it gives you more choice from more different models. In addition, more and more refurbished providers are starting to compete with each other, which results in more favorable prices. When comparing, always pay attention to the following, which also explain the price differences.

  • Condition: if a device has more user traces, you can also expect the price to be lower;
  • Warranty period: The length of the warranty period can also affect the price;
  • Shipping costs: These are usually free, but are sometimes also charged separately.

Condition of a refurbished Apple Watch

Refurbished Apple Watches are offered in all states and have new parts as needed. As a result, they are offered in different conditions, also called gradations. Of course you pay the least for the models that are visibly used. Products that look as good as new are the most expensive. Therefore, pay close attention to the condition of the refurbished Apple Watch that you have in mind.

After all, sellers all use different refurbished conditions. We have solved this problem for you within our refurbished Apple Watch comparators by categorizing the range of all major refurbished providers in three levels: as good as new, lightly used and visibly used.

  • As good as new The Apple Watch is practically indistinguishable from new. You will therefore not encounter scratches, dents or other damage.
  • Slightly used Watches may have some light cosmetic signs of use. Think of small scratches, but no dents or heavier damage.
  • Visibly used Apple’s watches are the cheapest, but have the most obvious signs of wear. Think of small scratches on the screen, or a dent in the side.

Step 3. Which refurbished Apple Watch do you need?

The first Apple Watch appeared in 2014. The successor appeared in 2016 and since then a new model of the watch has appeared every year. This gives you a number of choices, and it can be difficult to determine which model you need. We list the three refurbished Apple Watches that are still relevant and supported. We no longer recommend all older watches because they are no longer updated by Apple and apps will slowly but surely stop working.

Apple Watch Series 4

The refurbished Apple Watch Series 4 is Apple’s biggest smartwatch evolution to date. With a larger screen that extends to the edges, advanced health sensors and even better water resistance. While older models are 38 or 42 millimeters in size, the Series 4 offers you a choice of 40 or 44mm.

This model is twice as fast as the Series 3 thanks to the 64-bit dual-core S4 chip. Also unique is that you can make an electrocardiogram (ECG) with this model. With such an ECG you can detect abnormalities in your heart rhythm at an early stage. The Apple Watch Series 4 is the best choice for people who want a refurbished Watch, but also the best performance and extensive functions.

→ Buy a refurbished Apple Watch Series 4

Apple Watch Series 3

Apple Watch Series 2

Not sure if an Apple Watch is right for you, but would you still like one? In that case, the refurbished Apple Watch Series 2 is highly recommended. Despite the fact that this model dates back to 2016, the watch does have a waterproof housing, its own GPS chip and a chip that delivers excellent performance.

Furthermore, this model is largely dependent on the iPhone, which is good if you want to record sports sessions with it without having your iPhone with you. Due to the water resistance, this can also be a swimming session from this model. The Series 2 has the fewest specifications of the Apple Watches featured here, but is a good choice for those who don’t want to spend too much money on such a watch.

→ Buy a refurbished Apple Watch Series 2

Step 4. How do I check a refurbished Apple Watch?

The origin of refurbished Apple Watches is diverse. It is possible to buy an almost new copy that has been used, for example, as a demo model. On the other hand, you will also come across watches that have had years of intensive use. We therefore always recommend checking a refurbished device when you take it out of the box.

After receipt, you check, for example, whether the housing matches your expectations. It is important to pay particular attention to any deep scratches in the screen: these can become coarser over time, which can cause dust to get into your Apple Watch. This can ultimately hinder operation.

After receipt, check whether the housing meets your expectations. Pay special attention to any deep scratches on the screen: these can become coarser over time, which can cause dust to get into your Apple Watch. This can ultimately hinder operation.

This is how you check the inside of a refurbished Apple Watch

When you buy a refurbished iPhone or iPad, it is a bit easier to check it by using a diagnostic app. You will not find this for the Apple Watch and it is also a bit more difficult to check on the inside.

It is advisable to at least check that the basic functions are working properly. Check if the touchscreen is working properly and the microphone is working properly by calling someone or activating Siri. In addition, check whether the side button and Digital Crown are working properly.

watchOS 5 review

Step 5. Returns and warranty

You always have the right to return and warranty when you purchase a refurbished Apple Watch. However, pay attention to the term: the warranty usually varies between the 12 and 36 months warranty. The reflection period is at least 14 days and can be up to 40 days. With some providers the return is free, although with others you have to pay the shipping costs yourself. If you are not satisfied, you have two choices:

  1. You claim the right of return. You return the refurbished Apple Watch to the selling party. As a consumer you have the right to terminate the purchase agreement within 14 days after receipt of the goods;
  2. You make a claim on the warranty – the warranty conditions and duration differ per provider, make sure that you are well informed about what the warranty relates to exactly.

Step 6. Still looking for another refurbished Apple product?

Not only for the refurbished Apple Watch we have an extensive buying guide with advice and tips.

→ Refurbished iPhone advice

→ Refurbished MacBook

→ Refurbished iPad

→ Refurbished iMac

Recent Articles

Related Stories