The Apple Watch Series 5 introduced the always-on display to Apple's smartwatch lineup, making it a significant milestone in the watch's evolution. Choosing a refurbished Apple Watch Series 5 means accessing this pioneering feature and comprehensive health tracking whilst making a more sustainable choice. Find the smartwatch that keeps information visible at all times.
What are the key features of the Apple Watch Series 5?
- Always-on Retina display: first Apple Watch with screen that remains visible when your wrist is down
- S5 SiP chip: reliable performance for apps, notifications, and daily tasks
- Built-in compass: real-time heading and elevation data for navigation
- Heart rate monitoring: continuous tracking with high, low, and irregular rhythm notifications
- ECG capability: on-demand electrocardiogram readings directly from your wrist
- Fall Detection: automatic emergency alerts if a hard fall is detected
- Built-in GPS: accurate route tracking for outdoor activities
- Water resistant to 50m: suitable for swimming and water sports
- Available sizes: 40mm and 44mm case options
- GPS and Cellular options: stay connected with or without your iPhone
- International emergency calling: call emergency services in multiple countries
What are the differences between a refurbished and a used Apple Watch Series 5?
A used smartwatch is resold as-is, without professional testing or formal warranty. By contrast, a refurbished Apple Watch Series 5 from Back Market has been thoroughly tested by trusted refurbishers according to our Quality Charter. Each watch undergoes comprehensive checks covering the always-on display, Digital Crown, side button, ECG sensor, heart rate monitor, compass, GPS accuracy, and water resistance.
All our products come with a minimum 12-month warranty and a 30-day return period. You receive reliable technology that integrates smoothly into your daily routine whilst reducing electronic waste. Choosing refurbished means accessing Apple's pioneering always-on display technology with confidence and peace of mind.
Who is the Apple Watch Series 5 best for?
The Apple Watch Series 5 suits users seeking Apple Watch functionality with the always-on display at accessible pricing:
- Always-on display enthusiasts: those who want a constantly visible watch face without upgrading to the latest models
- Budget-conscious buyers: access to advanced health sensors including ECG at a more affordable price point when refurbished
- Outdoor enthusiasts: the built-in compass provides valuable navigation data for hiking and exploring
- Health-conscious users: ECG, heart rate monitoring, and Fall Detection offer meaningful health insights
- iPhone users: seamless ecosystem integration makes it the natural smartwatch choice for iPhone owners
Which Apple Watch should you choose?
Apple's smartwatch lineup has evolved significantly since the Series 5's 2019 release. The Apple Watch Series 5 was groundbreaking as the first model with an always-on display, alongside introducing the built-in compass. It includes ECG, heart rate monitoring, and Fall Detection. The Series 5 remains capable for users wanting these features at an accessible refurbished price, though it lacks the latest sensors and performance improvements.
The Apple Watch SE (2nd generation) offers newer technology including the S8 chip and Crash Detection but removes the always-on display and ECG to hit a lower price point. The Apple Watch Series 8 adds temperature sensing for cycle tracking, blood oxygen monitoring, and a brighter display than the Series 5, whilst the Apple Watch Series 9 brings the significantly brighter 2000-nit display, faster S9 chip, and Double Tap gesture.
If the always-on display is your priority and you want ECG functionality at the most accessible price, the Series 5 offers excellent value when refurbished. Those wanting the latest health sensors including temperature and blood oxygen should consider the Series 8 or 9. Users who don't need the always-on display might find better value in the newer SE model with its more current chip and Crash Detection.
Buy a refurbished Apple Watch Series 5 at the best price on Back Market
Back Market offers the Apple Watch Series 5 refurbished at competitive prices without compromising on quality. Each watch is tested and verified by trusted refurbishers, complete with a minimum 12-month warranty. You'll benefit from excellent value on the first Apple Watch with an always-on display whilst supporting a more circular economy.
Our professional refurbishers conduct thorough quality checks, examining everything from the always-on display functionality to ECG sensor accuracy and compass calibration. 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 was new in Apple Watch Series 5?
The Apple Watch Series 5 introduced several meaningful features when it launched in 2019. The always-on Retina display was the most significant addition, allowing the watch face to remain visible at all times whilst intelligently dimming to preserve battery life. This marked a major shift in Apple Watch usability, eliminating the need to raise your wrist or tap the screen constantly. The Series 5 also introduced a built-in compass providing real-time heading, incline, elevation, and latitude/longitude coordinates—particularly useful for navigation during outdoor activities. International emergency calling expanded the watch's safety features to more countries. The S5 chip offered similar performance to the S4 but with improved efficiency to support the always-on display without significantly impacting battery life.
Does the Apple Watch Series 5 have blood oxygen monitoring?
No, the Apple Watch Series 5 does not include blood oxygen (SpO2) monitoring. This feature was introduced with the Apple Watch Series 6 in 2020. The Series 5 includes ECG capability, continuous heart rate monitoring, irregular rhythm notifications, and Fall Detection, but lacks the blood oxygen sensor. If SpO2 monitoring is important for tracking respiratory health or altitude acclimatisation, you'll need to consider the Series 6 or later models (Series 6, 7, 8, 9, Ultra).
How does the always-on display work on Apple Watch Series 5?
The always-on display on the Apple Watch Series 5 uses LTPO (Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Oxide) technology to keep the screen visible whilst managing power consumption. When you lower your wrist, the display intelligently dims and updates the refresh rate from 60Hz to as low as 1Hz, whilst keeping complications and the time visible. When you raise your wrist, tap the screen, or press a button, the display instantly returns to full brightness. This approach balances constant visibility with battery efficiency. The always-on display can be disabled in settings if you prefer the traditional raise-to-wake behavior to extend battery life further.
What's the difference between Apple Watch Series 5 and Series 6?
The Series 6, released a year after the Series 5, brought several improvements. The most significant addition was the blood oxygen (SpO2) sensor for measuring blood oxygen saturation levels. The Series 6 introduced the faster S6 chip (up to 20% faster than the S5) and a brighter always-on display that's 2.5 times brighter outdoors when your wrist is down. The Series 6 offered new case colours including blue aluminium and (PRODUCT)RED, plus faster charging. Both watches share ECG capability, Fall Detection, compass, water resistance to 50m, and always-on display technology. The Series 5 remains capable for everyday use, but the Series 6's blood oxygen monitoring and improved performance may appeal to health-conscious users. If blood oxygen tracking isn't essential, the Series 5 offers similar functionality at better value when refurbished.
Are refurbished Apple Watch Series 5 devices covered by warranty?
Yes, all refurbished Apple Watch Series 5 devices on Back Market come with a minimum 12-month warranty. This warranty covers functional defects in essential components including the always-on display, Digital Crown, side button, ECG sensor, heart rate monitor, compass, 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 5.