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Cnasty

macrumors 68040
Original poster
Jul 2, 2008
3,336
2,106
ive been perusing the marketplace here but no luck lately. Where is the best place to buy trustworthy used AW?

I am looking for a 42mm SS and prefer to buy used at this point rather than the new plunge to save some money.

Also I understand a used stock supply may be low but getting some thoughts from the group here.

Thanks
 

exxxviii

macrumors 65816
May 20, 2015
1,423
557
How much do you want to save from retail?

eBay or craigslist. Early on, used prices were high because of short supply. Even though supply is wide open now, used asking prices still look high. So, it may take a while to find a price worth the used risk.
 

Gregintosh

macrumors 68000
Jan 29, 2008
1,922
546
Chicago
I would say Craigslist. I have seen Sports models of the 42mm for $300 to $350 on there. Considering you also save on sales tax, thats savings of $70-$140 over retail. Of course any time you buy from an individual you take some risks but if you can inspect the watch and make sure its functional before you leave the transaction it will be okay.

If you're considering this, make sure to do it before Watch OS 2 comes out. For the time being you don't have to worry about buying a watch that has been activation locked but that will change when the new OS hits in about a month.
 

Cnasty

macrumors 68040
Original poster
Jul 2, 2008
3,336
2,106
I would say Craigslist. I have seen Sports models of the 42mm for $300 to $350 on there. Considering you also save on sales tax, thats savings of $70-$140 over retail. Of course any time you buy from an individual you take some risks but if you can inspect the watch and make sure its functional before you leave the transaction it will be okay.

If you're considering this, make sure to do it before Watch OS 2 comes out. For the time being you don't have to worry about buying a watch that has been activation locked but that will change when the new OS hits in about a month.

This is good information as I did not know this. I mean I am realistic and know I am not going to get one for $200 off retail or anything like that but was just gauging the used market before deciding if I really want this device enough to buy a new one. For my needs I think the SS will fit much better as I wear a suit everyday to work and seeing it in person the SS looks much more aligned with that style sense if you will.

Love the look of the space gray as well but concerned how it will look with other bands trying to dress it up as the SS seems more versatile.
 

hallidc

macrumors 6502
Sep 26, 2013
497
75
ive been perusing the marketplace here but no luck lately. Where is the best place to buy trustworthy used AW?

I am looking for a 42mm SS and prefer to buy used at this point rather than the new plunge to save some money.

Also I understand a used stock supply may be low but getting some thoughts from the group here.

Thanks
Local classifieds, if not eBay.
 

Gregintosh

macrumors 68000
Jan 29, 2008
1,922
546
Chicago
I looked into doing Craigslist and saw SS model for $500 or so with Milanese loop in addition to the mentioned sports models. I ended up trying on at a store though and bought SS there, as I initially intended to return it.

They will let you try any watch with virtually any band. I can tell you now the space grey Sports looks really bad with the Milanese loop or link bracelet or any stainless steel band for that matter.

The Aluminum silver watch looks ok with those bands, but still nothing beats the SS model. It's the most universal for any band as its colors of black and silver match just about anything.
 

maflynn

macrumors Haswell
May 3, 2009
73,682
43,735
I'd opt for Craiglist over ebay, because its a face to face transaction, but failing that, I think you're only option is to buy on ebay.
 
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Cnasty

macrumors 68040
Original poster
Jul 2, 2008
3,336
2,106
I looked on Craigslist and there were a couple that caught my eye but I have never purchased anything on CL. I would meet them at a local shop and ask to turn it on and such. Risky, and I have to ask myself is it worth saving the $100-$150 versus buying new with Apple and adding AppleCare? I dont think so.
 

exxxviii

macrumors 65816
May 20, 2015
1,423
557
If you are not comfortable buying from CL, then you are probably better off getting a new one.
 
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Newtons Apple

Suspended
Mar 12, 2014
22,757
15,254
Jacksonville, Florida
Craig's list for sure. Multiple SS and Sport models listed and a good bit below list price. Some of the watches are as new from the images and some even have AC+ included.

I used to use eBay all the time but have found that you can buy and sell locally on CL if you are willing to filter out the nutty one via email.
 

Gregintosh

macrumors 68000
Jan 29, 2008
1,922
546
Chicago
Craigslist is ideal for those who want to save money/don't have the money to spend. Getting a 42mm Sports for $300 out the door can't be beat ($450 minimum at retail). Also, if you have a bit of time you can always sell on eBay or Craigslist again, or sell next year, and not take as big a hit.

For people who don't have much spare cash, $150 IS a big deal. I can totally understand that. Of course one can question the wisdom of getting a watch at all if you can't afford it, the point is it can be worth the hassle.

I don't think you can buy AppleCare on a unit you buy this way, but you never know. I bought an iPhone on Craigslist and had no receipt and they still let me do it (though it was within a few weeks of the original release date).

Also looks like you can buy a digitizer for $20 for the watch, so if your glass breaks you can DIY a replacement potentially (or someone can do it for you).
 
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bas.o

macrumors newbie
Jan 30, 2011
14
0
No one mentioned swappa.com. I've purchased several cellphones off there and watched the apple watch section for a bit before purchasing one off CL.
 

Cnasty

macrumors 68040
Original poster
Jul 2, 2008
3,336
2,106
i saw a SS 42mm on swappa for $480 which was a great price but I didnt pull the trigger and I think it is gone.

I am like others that think going sport on the first generation or purchase may be best for my price point but I can afford the SS but not sure I want to shell it out right now.

Not sure how professional the space gray sport looks with suits and 3rd party bands and such.
 

HelicalSlime

macrumors newbie
Aug 16, 2015
22
14
Based on the posts above, it sounds like you're not going to save that much buying used, so why not buy new on credit?

I get all my Apple stuff at Best Buy and just put it on my BB credit card with their free financing offers they run all time. Right now, it's 12 months no interest on purchases $399.99 and above.

Just ordered an Apple Watch Sport in Space Grey yesterday and it delivers on Aug. 18th.
 

blairh

macrumors 603
Dec 11, 2007
5,963
4,423
Swappa. I just bought a 38mm black sport model for $300 last week never opened.

I purchased two 3rd party leather loop bands on Amazon to dress it up when necessary. $41 each and I've posted pics in another thread.
 

Cnasty

macrumors 68040
Original poster
Jul 2, 2008
3,336
2,106
Swappa. I just bought a 38mm black sport model for $300 last week never opened.

I purchased two 3rd party leather loop bands on Amazon to dress it up when necessary. $41 each and I've posted pics in another thread.

I've been keeping an eye there for sure. I need a 42MM as I have big wrists and keeping an eye on the SS and the Sport for the right price.
 

Gregintosh

macrumors 68000
Jan 29, 2008
1,922
546
Chicago
Not sure how professional the space gray sport looks with suits and 3rd party bands and such.

The Space Gray looks more like a gadget than jewelry. Not by much but enough that I wouldn't wear it with a suit. It also doesn't match well with many steel bands.

The SS looks much better in person than SGS or even Aluminum Sport. It's a watch you wouldn't be embarrassed to wear with a suit and it opens up MUCH more band options. It literally goes with (read: looks great with) every band Apple makes and 99% of what's out there.

Plus, the Sapphire screen is a nice bonus too, especially because scratches might drive someone crazy on such a small display. Not to mention you'll probably bump the watch more than you do your phone.

Oh, and the steel casing can be polished (all minor scratches removed) and look brand new with a $5 kit. There is no way to restore any scratches or dings on aluminum though so Sports users are SOL there.

If you have to go sports I'd get the aluminum one. It looks like it matches a bit more with the Milanese loop or other steel bands. Not as well as SS by any means but it's closer than the space gray one. I'd say space Gray is only good with sports and leather bands.
 
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