Apple Watch under €200: Possible or impossible?
An Apple Watch for under €200. Sounds like a dream. Or a Chinese knockoff. Because everyone knows: Apple products are expensive. Period. You scroll through Marktplaats, check obscure online stores, compare prices until you get a headache. But here's the thing: the hunt for the cheapest Apple Watch often ends in disappointment. Broken screens, dead batteries, no warranty.
Yet, it turns out there's a route no one tells you about. Buying refurbished isn't pathetic or second-rate—it's smart math. At Leapp, you get the same smartwatch others buy new, only thoroughly inspected and with a warranty. Just like their accessories collection and AirPods : professionally refurbished, fairly priced. No hassle, just working Apple tech at fair prices.
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Why refurbished is the smartest choice
Buying a brand-new Apple Watch feels like a significant investment. Prices start at a few hundred euros and go up to over a thousand. But here's the secret many buyers discover: refurbished models offer the same functionality for a fraction of the price. At Leapp, you're not just getting a pre-owned watch—each device undergoes a thorough inspection, cleaning, and repair where necessary.
The difference with Marktplaats or other secondhand platforms? Professional inspection and warranty. No hidden defects, no dead batteries after a month of use, no scratches you only discover at home. Every model is tested for water resistance, screen quality, battery life, and sensor functionality.
Which model fits your budget?
The price differences between Apple Watch models are significant. A refurbished Series 3 from 2017 often costs less than €200, while newer versions like the Series 8 hover around €400-500. But what exactly do you get for that money?
For the budget-conscious buyer: Series 3 and SE
The Series 3 remains popular among those looking for basic features. Pedometer, heart rate monitoring, notifications from your iPhone—everything works perfectly. The screen is smaller than newer models, but more than adequate for everyday use. The battery lasts about 18 hours.
The SE (both 2020 and 2022 versions) offers more bang for your buck. The newer generation features a larger screen, fall detection for seniors, and Family Setup for kids without their own iPhone. This model only lacks the most advanced health metrics like ECG and blood oxygen.
For the health fanatic: Series 4 to 6
Starting with the Series 4, you'll see real medical features appear. ECG measurements can detect heart rhythm irregularities. The Series 6 adds blood oxygen monitoring – useful for athletes or people with sleep problems. These models also have faster processors, which makes apps run more smoothly.
The always-on display from Series 5 onwards seems like a small detail, but it makes a world of difference. You no longer have to turn your wrist to see the time. Practical during meetings or exercising.
Battery life and daily use
A common complaint about smartwatches is battery life. Apple promises 18 hours, but what does that mean in practice? With normal use—checking notifications, logging the occasional workout, monitoring heart rate—you'll easily reach those 18 hours. Heavy users who constantly use apps or activate GPS tracking for long runs may need to recharge halfway through the day.
Refurbished models undergo a battery check at Leapp. Those with less than 80% battery capacity are replaced. This way, you can be sure your watch will get through the day without any problems.
Straps and accessories: save smart
Apple's original bands cost between €50 and €450. A Sport Band for €59, a leather one for €159, or a Milanese Loop for €109—the prices quickly add up. But all Apple Watch bands from Series 1 onward are compatible (just note the size: 38/40/41mm or 42/44/45mm).
This means you can use affordable alternatives or find used bands. At Leapp, you'll also find refurbished accessories at reasonable prices. A clever trick: buy a basic model with a sports band and then purchase additional bands later for different occasions.
Difference between GPS and cellular versions
Every Apple Watch comes in two versions: GPS only or GPS + Cellular. The price difference is usually €100-€150. The cellular version can make calls and use data independently without your iPhone nearby. This is handy for runners who don't want to carry a phone, or parents who want to keep their child reachable.
But beware: you pay an additional monthly fee for an eSIM subscription (usually €5-10). For most users, the GPS version is sufficient. Your iPhone is usually within range via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi anyway.
Sustainability and environmental impact
Buying a refurbished Apple Watch doesn't just save money. You prevent a functional device from ending up in landfills. Apple uses rare earth metals—cobalt, lithium, and neodymium—in its products. By extending the life of your existing devices, you reduce the demand for new raw materials.
Leapp goes a step further by recycling defective parts according to European standards. Batteries are responsibly processed, metals are recovered, and usable components are given a second life in other devices.
Warranty and security when purchasing refurbished
The biggest drawback to secondhand electronics? The risk of defects. Leapp solves this with a standard warranty on all refurbished products. If something goes wrong within the warranty period, the device will be repaired or replaced free of charge.
You don't get this guarantee on Marktplaats or Facebook Marketplace. There, you buy as-is, without any recourse. With official refurbished sellers like Leapp, you have the same rights as with a new purchase, including a cooling-off period and the right of return.
Tips for choosing your Apple Watch
Start with your primary purpose. Do you primarily want to count steps and receive notifications? Then an older model will suffice. Serious about sports and fitness? Then look for the Series 4 or newer for its advanced sensors.
Think about the future, too. Apple supports older models with software updates for about five years. A Series 3 from 2017 will no longer receive new watchOS versions, while a Series 5 from 2019 will still be available for years to come.
Size matters more than you might think. The smaller models (38/40/41mm) fit narrower wrists better but have a smaller screen and shorter battery life. The larger versions (42/44/45mm) are easier to read and last longer on a single charge.
The smart route to an affordable Apple Watch
So you won't find the cheapest Apple Watch in obscure online stores or on Marktplaats without a warranty. With Leapp's refurbished collection, you get professionally tested smartwatches starting at under €200, with peace of mind. Whether you choose a budget-friendly Series 3 or a sophisticated Series 8 with all the health monitoring features, you pay a fair price for working technology.
No hassle with broken screens or dead batteries after a month. Just an Apple Watch that does what it's supposed to, without having to take out a second mortgage.
