X

Apple Watch Series 3 deal: Just $239

That's the best price to date on last year's flagship watch. It's a refurb, but still a killer buy.

Rick Broida Senior Editor
Rick Broida is the author of numerous books and thousands of reviews, features and blog posts. He writes CNET's popular Cheapskate blog and co-hosts Protocol 1: A Travelers Podcast (about the TV show Travelers). He lives in Michigan, where he previously owned two escape rooms (chronicled in the ebook "I Was a Middle-Aged Zombie").
Rick Broida
apple-091217-apple-watch-series-3-4061

Last year's $329 flagship is this year's $239 bargain.  

James Martin/CNET

Looking for the best deal on an iPhone ? Look to last year's models. And the best deal on an Apple Watch ? Same story.

To wit: For a limited time, and while supplies last, Apple is offering refurbished Apple Watch Series 3 models starting at $239. Until recently, when the Series 4 arrived, that same model would have run you $329 new. (It's currently $279 new.)

That $239 option buys you the 38mm GPS version; the 42mm models start at $259 -- just $20 more. Currently, the store has no cellular-capable watches in stock.

Although Apple doesn't promise the exact same level of refurb goodness afforded to iPhones and iPads -- you don't get a new casing or battery -- refurbished Watches are tested and certified and come with a one-year warranty.

At these prices, there's no guarantee Apple's inventory will last. The Series 3 was the flagship model until very recently, and viewed in a vacuum, it's still a damn good smartwatch.

Originally published Sept. 19.
Update, Oct. 17: Updated with latest details.


Read MoreAll the latest Apple coupons

CNET's Cheapskate scours the web for great deals on tech products and much more. For the latest deals and updates, follow the Cheapskate on Facebook and Twitter. Find more great buys on the CNET Deals page and check out our CNET Coupons page for the latest promo codes from Best Buy, Walmart, Amazon and more. Questions about the Cheapskate blog? Find the answers on our FAQ page.