The Apple Watch Series 3 brought built-in GPS and cellular connectivity to Apple's smartwatch lineup at an accessible price point. Choosing a refurbished Apple Watch Series 3 means accessing essential fitness tracking and iPhone integration whilst making a more sustainable choice. Find the smartwatch that delivers everyday functionality without unnecessary complexity.
What are the key features of the Apple Watch Series 3?
- Built-in GPS: accurate route tracking for outdoor runs, walks, and cycling without your phone
- S3 dual-core processor: reliable performance for apps and notifications
- Heart rate monitoring: continuous tracking with high and low heart rate notifications
- Water resistant to 50m: suitable for swimming and water sports
- GPS and Cellular options: stay connected with or without your iPhone (cellular models)
- Retina display: clear, responsive touchscreen available in 38mm and 42mm sizes
- Activity tracking: monitors movement, exercise, and standing goals throughout the day
- Workout modes: dedicated tracking for running, cycling, swimming, yoga, and more
- Siri integration: voice control for messages, timers, and information
- iPhone compatibility: requires iPhone 6s or later with iOS 15 or above
What are the differences between a refurbished and a used Apple Watch Series 3?
A used smartwatch is resold as-is, without professional inspection or guaranteed functionality. By contrast, a refurbished Apple Watch Series 3 from Back Market has been thoroughly tested by trusted refurbishers according to our Quality Charter. Each watch undergoes comprehensive checks covering the display, Digital Crown, side button, heart rate sensor, GPS accuracy, and water resistance.
All our products come with a minimum 12-month warranty and a 30-day return period. You receive dependable technology that integrates smoothly into your daily routine whilst reducing electronic waste. Choosing refurbished means accessing Apple's smartwatch ecosystem with confidence and peace of mind.
Who is the Apple Watch Series 3 best for?
The Apple Watch Series 3 suits users seeking basic smartwatch functionality at the most accessible price:
- First-time smartwatch users: straightforward features and Apple's intuitive interface make it ideal for beginners
- Budget-conscious iPhone users: access to the Apple Watch ecosystem at the lowest price point, particularly when refurbished
- Casual fitness trackers: GPS and heart rate monitoring suit regular exercisers who don't need advanced health sensors
- Young users: parents buying for children or teens benefit from core features and cellular safety connectivity without paying for ECG or temperature sensors
- Minimalist users: those wanting notifications, activity tracking, and Apple Pay without extensive health monitoring
Which Apple Watch should you choose?
Apple's smartwatch lineup has evolved significantly since the Series 3's 2017 release. The Apple Watch Series 3 introduced built-in GPS and optional cellular connectivity, making it the first Apple Watch truly independent from your iPhone for workouts and calls. It includes heart rate monitoring, activity tracking, water resistance, and basic fitness features. The Series 3 works well for users wanting essential smartwatch functionality at the most affordable price point.
The Apple Watch SE (2nd generation) offers significantly newer technology including the S8 chip, larger display, Fall Detection, Crash Detection, and better performance, whilst still excluding advanced health sensors like ECG and blood oxygen. The Apple Watch Series 8 and 9 add comprehensive health monitoring including ECG, blood oxygen, temperature sensing, always-on display, and the latest features.
The Series 3's age means it lacks many modern features: no ECG, no blood oxygen monitoring, no always-on display, no Fall Detection or Crash Detection, smaller screen, and slower processor. Storage limitations (8GB) can restrict app installations. However, for basic fitness tracking, notifications, and Apple Pay at the lowest cost, the Series 3 remains functional. If budget is your primary concern and you only need essential features, the Series 3 delivers. Those wanting current technology and health sensors should invest in the SE or newer Series models for better long-term value and software support.
Buy a refurbished Apple Watch Series 3 at the best price on Back Market
Back Market offers the Apple Watch Series 3 refurbished at competitive prices without sacrificing quality. Each watch is tested and verified by trusted refurbishers, complete with a minimum 12-month warranty. You'll benefit from excellent value on Apple's most accessible smartwatch whilst supporting a more circular economy.
Our professional refurbishers conduct thorough quality checks, examining everything from display quality to GPS accuracy and heart rate sensor functionality. Choose from different cosmetic grades (Pristine, Excellent, Good) depending on your budget and aesthetic preferences. With fast delivery, secure payment, and responsive customer service, buying refurbished Apple technology has never been more straightforward.
What's the difference between Apple Watch Series 3 and newer models?
The Series 3, released in 2017, lacks many features introduced in subsequent generations. It doesn't include ECG capability (introduced in Series 4), blood oxygen monitoring (Series 6), temperature sensing (Series 8), or always-on display (Series 5). The Series 3 has a smaller screen with larger bezels compared to Series 4 and later models. It lacks Fall Detection and Crash Detection safety features found on newer watches. The S3 processor is significantly slower than modern chips, which can affect app performance and responsiveness. Storage is limited to 8GB, restricting how many apps and music you can store. Newer models offer faster charging, better water resistance ratings, and longer software support. The Series 3's main advantage is its lower price point when refurbished, making it suitable for basic fitness tracking and notifications if you're extremely budget-conscious.
Does the Apple Watch Series 3 have an always-on display?
No, the Apple Watch Series 3 does not include an always-on display. The screen turns off when you lower your wrist and only wakes when you raise it, tap the screen, or press the Digital Crown or side button. The always-on display feature was introduced with the Series 5 in 2019. This means you'll need to actively wake the Series 3 to check the time or view complications, which some users find less convenient than constantly visible displays on newer models.
Can you take an ECG with Apple Watch Series 3?
No, the Apple Watch Series 3 does not include ECG (electrocardiogram) functionality. This advanced health sensor was introduced with the Apple Watch Series 4 in 2018. The Series 3 is limited to heart rate monitoring through the optical sensor, which can detect high and low heart rates but cannot perform the detailed heart rhythm analysis that ECG provides. If ECG capability for detecting atrial fibrillation or irregular heart rhythms is important to you, you'll need to consider Series 4 or later models.
Is the Apple Watch Series 3 still supported by Apple?
As of 2026, the Apple Watch Series 3 has limited software support due to its age. Apple typically provides software updates for approximately 5-7 years after a device's release, meaning the Series 3 (released in 2017) is approaching or has reached the end of major updates. This means it may not receive the latest watchOS features, app compatibility could be limited, and some newer apps may not run on the older operating system. The watch remains functional for basic features like fitness tracking, notifications, and Apple Pay, but long-term software support is limited compared to newer models. When considering a Series 3, factor in that it may not receive future updates.
Are refurbished Apple Watch Series 3 devices covered by warranty?
Yes, all refurbished Apple Watch Series 3 devices on Back Market come with a minimum 12-month warranty. This warranty covers functional defects in essential components including the display, Digital Crown, side button, heart rate sensor, GPS, accelerometer, and water resistance seals. You also benefit from a 30-day return period if the watch doesn't meet your expectations. Our customer service team is available to assist with any questions about your refurbished Apple Watch Series 3.