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Apple recently began selling officially refurbished Apple Watch Series 7 models.
A refurbished Apple Watch is not new. It comes second hand. They can be a returned unit that has rarely been used, repaired after being replaced, or assembled from reused parts.
Since it’s not brand new, Apple is discounting these models. The $ 399 41mm Apple Watch Series 7, for example, can be picked up for $ 339, a $ 60 savings.
Each refurbished Apple Watch is cleaned and inspected by Apple before being packed in a new box with new manuals and a new charging disc. Here’s what’s different about a new model.
New versus refurbished: packaging and content
A refurbished Apple Watch comes in a packaging almost identical to retail packaging. There is a white cardboard wrapper with a 3D Apple Watch logo on the front. Just below is a small sticker that says “Apple Certified Refurbished.”
Refurbished Apple Watch Case
Beyond the front sticker, the labels on the back also differ. Apple keeps things more generic for the revamped model, while the business unit has a more descriptive label, complete with an image.
The generic image of the clock (top) versus the embossed image of the real box (bottom)
Once you remove the paper wrapper, you’re left with a generic grayscale image of a refurbished Apple Watch, while the retail unit has a embossed image of the watch it contains, including the type of metal, finish and size. The grouped band also has a generic image.
Inside the boxes of Apple Watch
However, as soon as you open this box, they become indistinguishable. Each Apple Watch is in a paper case next to the manuals and the necessary new charging cable.
Unless you keep a close eye on it, it’s almost impossible to know which box is new or refurbished. This is true when you pick up your watches.
Refurbished (left) and new (right) Apple Watch rear panels
Side by side, we saw no difference between a refurbishment and a new model. The refurbished model was perfect. No individual stains, scratches or imperfections were found. To all intents and purposes, it looked like a new watch.
Fronts of a refurbished Apple Watch (left) and a new model (right)
This is great for users so you don’t get a watch that looks like it’s made of used or recycled components. Get the same look and feel as a whole new model.
Apple Certified versus Retail Certificate
To be clear, we are looking at a refurbished and certified Apple Watch from Apple, purchased from the company itself. This differs from refurbished units from other dealers.
For example, a refurbished Amazon Apple Watch. This Amazon Renewed model only has a 90-day warranty, a quarter of Apple’s one-year warranty on its refurbished units.
Apple allows you to use the additional AppleCare + plan for more protection, while Amazon only offers a third-party protection plan.
Amazon and others also don’t come with the same packaging or components. They can come in cardboard boxes with a refurbished charger. This is not the new experience that Apple is trying to offer.
A revamped Apple Watch case
One big difference is the hardware itself. Amazon will do its best to clean the units, but you can often get units with visible scratches or scratches. They will be smaller, but they exist from time to time.
Apple has the advantage of being able to take advantage of its own supply of parts to create watches as pure as possible. There’s a reason Apple feels safe offering a one-year warranty, while others are limited to 90 days.
Is it worth saving with Apple Certified Refurbished?
In some cases, it makes sense to buy a refurbished, Apple-certified Apple Watch. Now that the 7 Series is available, it’s a great choice for those who want the latest Apple Watch with a little discount.
Refurbished Apple Watch and a new Apple Watch
That said, be sure to look for other offers before you do it all. We’ve seen Amazon reduce the 41mm Apple Watch Series 7 to $ 329, which reduces Apple’s renewed pricing. Other times, prices are rising and refurbished models may be the best way to save.