Original apple watch worth buying today?

[petsk]

Is it worth getting the original Apple watch or is it too slow and old?

I already ordered one for 215€ incl tax and shipping from a third party seller, but I didn't know Apple discontinued the original watch because it was simply underperforming?

 

[perezr10]

I'd say yes if you can get a used one or a great price. Otherwise, I'd counsel anyone buying new to get the upgraded processor of the Series 1 or 2.. The originals work great right now but I'd be concerned about getting software updates after this year due to the single core processor.

I upgraded to the Series 2 and really can't tell much difference in speed. But I was pretty happy with my Series 0 after the WatchOS3 upgrade. On Watch OS 3 the two are very close in performance.

There are some 3rd party apps that lag in the Series 0, but they also will lag in Series 2. Flipboard and Downcast are a couple of examples that come to mind. I think the problem has more to do with the Apps then with the watch. Where you may have had to wait 5 seconds before maybe you wait 3 seconds now. It's still not "snappy". Don't pay hundreds of dollars to upgrade thinking that the Series 2 is going to be as fast as your iPhone 7...or 5C.

I'd say the Series 0 is great for today but the tradeoff is you may miss any future enhancements or add-ones.

 

[DNAppleGold]

I'd say yes if you can get a used one or a great price. Otherwise, I'd counsel anyone buying new to get the upgraded processor of the Series 1 or 2.. The originals work great right now but I'd be concerned about getting software updates after this year due to the single core processor.

I upgraded to the Series 2 and really can't tell much difference in speed. But I was pretty happy with my Series 0 after the WatchOS3 upgrade. On Watch OS 3 the two are very close in performance.

There are some 3rd party apps that lag in the Series 0, but they also will lag in Series 2. Flipboard and Downcast are a couple of examples that come to mind. I think the problem has more to do with the Apps then with the watch. Where you may have had to wait 5 seconds before maybe you wait 3 seconds now. It's still not "snappy". Don't pay hundreds of dollars to upgrade thinking that the Series 2 is going to be as fast as your iPhone 7...or 5C.

I'd say the Series 0 is great for today but the tradeoff is you may miss any future enhancements or add-ones.

This review is spot on. Really good today but it's shelf life could be short. Battery is another issue. The original Wos3 killed my battery life. The .1
update restored most of it. But you can see the writing on the wall

 

[44267547]

I'd say yes if you can get a used one or a great price. Otherwise, I'd counsel anyone buying new to get the upgraded processor of the Series 1 or 2.. The originals work great right now but I'd be concerned about getting software updates after this year due to the single core processor.

I upgraded to the Series 2 and really can't tell much difference in speed. But I was pretty happy with my Series 0 after the WatchOS3 upgrade. On Watch OS 3 the two are very close in performance.

There are some 3rd party apps that lag in the Series 0, but they also will lag in Series 2. Flipboard and Downcast are a couple of examples that come to mind. I think the problem has more to do with the Apps then with the watch. Where you may have had to wait 5 seconds before maybe you wait 3 seconds now. It's still not "snappy". Don't pay hundreds of dollars to upgrade thinking that the Series 2 is going to be as fast as your iPhone 7...or 5C.

I'd say the Series 0 is great for today but the tradeoff is you may miss any future enhancements or add-ones.

Couldn't agree more. OP, this is likely the best answer from @perezr10.

 

[SHKLMRE]

I bought a series 1 to upgrade from my original... I didn't notice much of a difference. I only use my watch for notifications, replying to messages, and fitness tracking, so the faster processor didn't do much for me. You might find people saying that series 1/2 has better battery life, but either way you'll have to charge the watch overnight as it simply won't stretch two days. Do I say enjoy the first gen!!! If the price was right, upgrading to a series 1/2 isn't worth it. I'll be happily wearing a first gen stainless steel molds I picked up for 60% off, it serves my needs and looks great.

And for concerns of it might not last another software update: its simple, we'll find out when we get there. My gut feeling is that Apple won't leave the first gen model out there hanging because of its wide user base and in particular the super expensive gold "edition" models that I don't see apple just dropping support for.

 

[Badrottie]

Is it worth getting the original Apple watch or is it too slow and old?

I already ordered one for 215€ incl tax and shipping from a third party seller, but I didn't know Apple discontinued the original watch because it was simply underperforming?

Yes it is worth it. I got one and it doesn't slow down thanks WatchOS 3!

 

[LoveToMacRumors]

Is it worth getting the original Apple watch or is it too slow and old?

I already ordered one for 215€ incl tax and shipping from a third party seller, but I didn't know Apple discontinued the original watch because it was simply underperforming?

I would say no, in case of technology, never go too old, it's not like cars where a 4 years old car can run like a charm. If you're looking to save money, get the Series 1, twice as fast as the Series 0 making it more futurproof when watchOS 4 and 5 comes out.

An AW is not something you upgrade everyyear, so in 5 years when all the series 0 is going to struggle, you gonna keep it up with the series 1.

 

[44267547]

Yes it is worth it. I got one and it doesn't slow down thanks WatchOS 3!

Watch OS 3.1 has been a solid update and improving the battery life across the board.

 

[Gmouse]

I certainly hope someone wants to buy it. I have a Series 1.0 Space Black with Space Black link band--just a few scratches on the band (and, you can replace some links with those I didn't use). Doesn't look like anyone is willing to pay more than about $300 (it cost almost $1,200)

 

[chuyn]

It doesn't help that Best Buy had been clearing them out for $250-350 (SS and SB SS link models) for a while.

Also, the series 1/2 are not twice as fast as the first gen. I've yet to see a video review showing this, and even Apple states that it's only up to 50% faster.

 

[M-5]

I recently just picked up a used first gen Apple watch. I think it's worth it if you find a good deal. It performs many of the same basic functions as the Series 1 and 2, and there aren't very many applications out there right now that you would really benefit from by having the faster processor.

The other great thing is that it is virtually indistinguishable from the newer models as well, since the design is still the same. My plan is to save money by getting a used first-gen, and later upgrade to a newer watch if I need the features or if the design changes.

 

[DNAppleGold]

If you can get a really good price and don't need gps. Go for it. I have. A series 0 and with OS 3.1 it is very fast for the functions i use most often. My biggest concern after the. OS3 update was battery life, which was initially horrible. But it's improved significantly with 3.1, even though I still have to baby it on days I work out (e.g. Quick re charge or put in airplane mode when i'm at my desk).

I think you also have to assume that you won't get any more OS updates (and feel fortunate if you do). That said, if mine worked as is for several more years without doing anything more better or faster, I'd be very happy.

 

[SHKLMRE]

I bought a first gen SS 42mm w/product red band from BH photo for $269 on Black Friday. Received it yesterday and I am absolutely in love with it over my previous sport watches. I also picked up a knock off link bracelet for only $25. Basically have the look of the Apple Watch that I originally wanted, that I refused to pay $1,000 for, and I only spent $294. The best part is I sold my old sport watch for $200, so I only spent a $94 upgrading to an entirely new watch that performs just as well as my old sport on OS 3.1, but looks a lot better. I saw it as a great option for my to not spend a ton of money on series 2 for features that I didn't need, but I still have an amazingly beautiful watch.

 

[44267547]

I bought a first gen SS 42mm w/product red band from BH photo for $269 on Black Friday. Received it yesterday and I am absolutely in love with it over my previous sport watches. I also picked up a knock off link bracelet for only $25. Basically have the look of the Apple Watch that I originally wanted, that I refused to pay $1,000 for, and I only spent $294. The best part is I sold my old sport watch for $200, so I only spent a $94 upgrading to an entirely new watch that performs just as well as my old sport on OS 3.1, but looks a lot better. I saw it as a great option for my to not spend a ton of money on series 2 for features that I didn't need, but I still have an amazingly beautiful watch.

That's a great point. The Gen 1 Watch offers the same physical experience as Series 1/2, with essentially the same specifications, aside From the S2 Processor and GPS. Glad you like it. I love mine.

 

[Closingracer]

Honestly I love the fact I don't need to have a phone connected to use my Watch which to me is worth getting a series 2 watch. There is times when I forget to charge my phone or simply don't carry it and can use my watch to listen to music while I am not home which is worth it IMHO for me. Spent $800 after you include the SS watch, Apple care, and 2 bands... One sports band and $100 for a Classic band from Apple.

 

[Kendo]

Definitely go with the Series 1 if you can get the price to be similar to the Series 0. Most Series 1 watches were only $30 more than a Series 0 this past Black Friday. I realize you're not in the US though, but if there is only a small difference in price, get the Series 1. The upgraded dual-core processor is the most important function.

 

[petsk]

Definitely go with the Series 1 if you can get the price to be similar to the Series 0. Most Series 1 watches were only $30 more.

The series 1 was 35% more expensive, 215€ vs 330€. The cheapeat I could find, this for 38mm version.

So the jump was quite steep. I guess all of them (series 0/1/2) will be obsolete in a few years time anyway. The battery probably won't last many years when you run it dry 365 times per year.

 

[TxWatch]

So the jump was quite steep. I guess all of them (series 0/1/2) will be obsolete in a few years time anyway. The battery probably won't last many years when you run it dry 365 times per year.

With the 42 mm series 2, you can easily get 2 days out of the battery. (183 run it dry times) I put mine on this morning at 6:30 am and 12 hours later, I am still at 87% battery. I did not use the Workout App or GPS today, but I will use it tomorrow morning for my 7 mile run. I should have enough battery to make it through two days with a 60 min GPS Workout on one of the days.