Apple Watch deal draws renewed attention to refurbished tech

A refurbished Apple Watch Series 5 is priced at £99 on Wowcher, underscoring affordability and the risks of buying renewed tech.

Shoppers chase £99 Apple Watch deal on Wowcher

Shoppers are flocking to Wowcher where a refurbished Apple Watch Series 5 is listed for £99, well below the £249 price of a new model. The listing notes the watch is renewed by professionals and may show cosmetic wear, but it functions like new. The 2019 release features GPS, heart rate sensing and sleep tracking that integrates with Apple Health. Buyers can pair the watch with an iPhone to manage calls, messages and payments using Apple Pay.

The deal sits alongside other budget options, such as the Series 8 on Backmarket for around £176, and cheaper non Apple wearables. Some customers note that refurbished devices vary in battery health and longevity, with reviews from different marketplaces highlighting batteries that may not hold a full day of charge. This underscores the tension between lower upfront cost and potential ongoing costs or reliability concerns.

The move to price cut refurbished devices reflects a broader market trend where shoppers weigh value against risk. Platforms that certify renewed products are increasingly shaping affordable access to premium ecosystems, even for older devices. Yet battery health and long term reliability remain the hot spots of contention, especially for wearables that users depend on daily. In a market that rewards instant savings, buyers should demand clear battery health data and solid return policies to avoid post-sale regret.

This deal also illustrates how marketplaces influence brand pricing. When refurbished options undercut new models, manufacturers squeeze margins or adjust warranties to stay competitive. For consumers, the key question is whether the savings justify potential tradeoffs like shorter battery life or cosmetic wear. Responsible shopping means checking seller credibility, warranty terms and compatibility with existing devices before committing.

Highlights

Smart shopping means weighing cost against confidence in a renewed device.