Repair or replace defective Series 5?

[cinergi]

I have a Watch Series 5 Aluminum 44mm with a defective screen. It is out of warranty. My choices (in Canada) are to send it to Apple for repair for $389, or buy a new Series 6 for $569. My question is, does Apple really repair watches or just replace them? If I could pay the $389 "repair" fee and get a new Series 5, that would be my preferred option.

Thanks

 

[wilberforce]

My understanding is that Apple replaces with new or refurb (equivalent to new), at least here in the U.S. But I don't think anyone on this forum can be 100% sure that is always the case.
Here in U.S. Apple have craftily made the "repair" cost just slightly less than the cost of buying a refurb, which in turn is just slightly less than cost of new; meanwhile the refurb is one generation older. Makes it easy to upsell you to a new latest generation watch (where the older gen refurb watch is the classic upselling decoy.)
However, if all you want or need is the same Series 5, this "repair" is not a bad choice.

 

[cinergi]

My understanding is that Apple replaces with new or refurb (equivalent to new), at least here in the U.S. But I don't think anyone on this forum can be 100% sure that is always the case.
Here in U.S. Apple have craftily made the "repair" cost just slightly less than the cost of buying a refurb, which in turn is just slightly less than cost of new; meanwhile the refurb is one generation older. Makes it easy to upsell you to a new latest generation watch (where the older gen refurb watch is the classic upselling decoy.)
However, if all you want or need is the same Series 5, this "repair" is not a bad choice.

Thanks, great explanation. I think I'll go with a new Series 6 vs. a new/refurb Series 5. Which of course, is exactly what Apple wants people to do as you noted.