Refurbished Apple Watch Series 3

Name: Refurbished Apple Watch Series 3
Brand: Back Market
Price: 170 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.28 (2102 reviews)

A pioneer in Apple health tracking, the refurbished Series 3 still delivers integrated ECG and intelligent notifications. Ideal for budget-conscious users, it combines simplicity with proven reliability....

Compare devices

1 product

Trade in to get it for less

Today’s purchase could set you back a lot less when you trade in an old device at the same time.

Apple Watch Series 3

(1,626)

Starting at

Refurbished price:$170.00

Versus $299.00 new

+1 more colors

MacBooks

The Apple Student Discount: What you need to know | Back Market

The Apple Student Discount is a 5-10% discounted rate on certain Apple products offered to current or newly accepted college students, their parents, educators and schooling staff. Here's everything you need to know about this offer and where you can find more savings as a student.

Customer reviews for Refurbished Apple Watch Series 3

Overall rating

2,102 verified reviews

Rating details

Shipping
4.5/5
Packaging
4.4/5
Overall performance
4.2/5
Appearance
4.2/5

Reviews

Jamen V.
Verified purchase
Reviewed 2/20/26, United States.
It’s going good but I should have got a newer one now having it but it’s my first Apple Watch so it’s not that bad.
Apple Watch Series 3 (2017) GPS 42 mm - Aluminium Silver - Sport band White
Apple Watch Series 3 (2017) GPS 42 mm - Aluminium Silver - Sport band White
See item
Condition
Fair
Signs of wear. The body may have a few visible scratches and dents. Items with screens may have light scratches.
Purchased
2/6/26
Gerald L.
Verified purchase
Reviewed 7/27/25, United States.
I received an Apple Watch Series 3 from Backmarket and was impressed with the condition. It is fully functional and a great piece to my collection , although read negative reviews about it on Apple Store. Would recommend to anyone!!
Apple Watch Series 3 (2017) GPS + Cellular 42 mm - Aluminium Space Gray - Sport band Black
Apple Watch Series 3 (2017) GPS + Cellular 42 mm - Aluminium Space Gray - Sport band Black
See item
Condition
Excellent
Almost no signs of wear. The body may have very light micro-scratches. For items with screens, the screen will have no scratches.
Purchased
7/10/25
Tiffani W.
Verified purchase
Reviewed 8/2/24, United States.
I ordered Fair and it came like a brand new watch. It’s my first one, and so excited that I chose here to purchase. Should’ve been my first choice, but we learn from our mistakes. Definitely will if they sell, but more in the future!
Apple Watch Series 3 (2017) GPS 38 mm - Aluminium Silver - Sport band White
Apple Watch Series 3 (2017) GPS 38 mm - Aluminium Silver - Sport band White
See item
Condition
Fair
Signs of wear. The body may have a few visible scratches and dents. Items with screens may have light scratches.
Purchased
7/26/24
Ruby C.
Verified purchase
Reviewed 2/17/26, United States.
It works great. I ordered this watch on a Tuesday night and it arrived Friday morning. It has scratches and it looks well worn but it does not effect the way the watch works. I have not had a single problem with it and the battery life is great. I got really lucky finding this website and would defiantly recommend it!
Apple Watch Series 3 (2017) GPS 38 mm - Aluminium Space Gray - Sport band Black
Apple Watch Series 3 (2017) GPS 38 mm - Aluminium Space Gray - Sport band Black
See item
Condition
Fair
Signs of wear. The body may have a few visible scratches and dents. Items with screens may have light scratches.
Purchased
2/3/26
Hailey C.
Verified purchase
Reviewed 2/1/26, United States.
Only reason I gave it 4 out of 5 is because I had to get a new charger because the one that came with it charged my watch slowly but I love my watch it’s honestly amazing not to tight on my wrist I never miss a call or text or alert with this thing I ordered it and got it in 3 days I was skeptical but I love it
Apple Watch Series 3 (2017) GPS 38 mm - Aluminium Silver - Sport band White
Apple Watch Series 3 (2017) GPS 38 mm - Aluminium Silver - Sport band White
See item
Condition
Good
Light signs of wear. The body may have light micro-scratches. For items with screens, the screen will have no scratches.
Purchased
1/27/26
Tonye H.
Verified purchase
Reviewed 3/26/26, United States.
Device works great and my sister loves it for her XR. Only issue would be the charger charges very slow and gets extremely hot so I would recommend purchasing a new one other than that it’s perfect for an older device.
Apple Watch Series 3 (2017) GPS + Cellular 38 mm - Aluminium Pink - Sport band Pink
Apple Watch Series 3 (2017) GPS + Cellular 38 mm - Aluminium Pink - Sport band Pink
See item
Condition
Good
Light signs of wear. The body may have light micro-scratches. For items with screens, the screen will have no scratches.
Purchased
3/13/26
Raisa A.
Verified purchase
Reviewed 2/22/26, United States.
Battery life, based on someone who is moderately active, would last about 2 days. Came in great condition and the measurements within the fitness apps seem to be accurate. Some confusion on tracking activity and heartrate in comparison with the series 4. Measurements shown on both are pretty staunch in differences. Overall, the watch came in great condition and was very easy set up.
Apple Watch Series 3 (2017) GPS 42 mm - Aluminium Space Gray - Sport band Black
Apple Watch Series 3 (2017) GPS 42 mm - Aluminium Space Gray - Sport band Black
See item
Condition
Fair
Signs of wear. The body may have a few visible scratches and dents. Items with screens may have light scratches.
Purchased
2/9/26
Debbie P.
Verified purchase
Reviewed 1/25/26, United States.
So far it’s been a great watch.
Apple Watch Series 3 (2017) GPS 42 mm - Aluminium Space Gray - Sport band Black
Apple Watch Series 3 (2017) GPS 42 mm - Aluminium Space Gray - Sport band Black
See item
Condition
Fair
Signs of wear. The body may have a few visible scratches and dents. Items with screens may have light scratches.
Purchased
1/10/26
James G.
Verified purchase
Reviewed 12/22/24, United States.
always great suppliers and fast service with a quality product. This is the fourth Apple watch I have bought and all were as described. Fast delivery and great prices. The first two are bought I heave had for two years and still are perfect.
Apple Watch Series 3 (2017) GPS 38 mm - Aluminium Pink - Sport band Pink
Apple Watch Series 3 (2017) GPS 38 mm - Aluminium Pink - Sport band Pink
See item
Condition
Good
Light signs of wear. The body may have light micro-scratches. For items with screens, the screen will have no scratches.
Purchased
12/6/24
Jamia N.
Verified purchase
Reviewed 10/22/25, United States.
I’m not going to lie at first I was a bit skeptical, buying a refurbished Apple product but this company exceeded my expectations- my friend loved their gift!
Apple Watch Series 3 (2017) GPS 42 mm - Aluminium Space Gray - Sport band Black
Apple Watch Series 3 (2017) GPS 42 mm - Aluminium Space Gray - Sport band Black
See item
Condition
Excellent
Almost no signs of wear. The body may have very light micro-scratches. For items with screens, the screen will have no scratches.
Purchased
9/25/25

Read our guides

Our recent comparisons

Searches so popular you can't sit with them

Apple Watch Ultra (2022) (without band)Mother's Day Father's Day DJI Drones Black Friday AirTag Apple Watch Series 4 Garmin Fenix watches Garmin watches Fossil Watches

The Apple Watch Series 3 delivers essential fitness tracking and Apple ecosystem integration at an accessible price point for users wanting core smartwatch features. Choosing a refurbished smartwatch gives you access to Apple's reliable health monitoring while making an environmentally conscious decision. Find the entry-level Apple Watch that handles everyday wellness tracking without unnecessary complexity.

What are the key features of the Apple Watch Series 3?

S3 dual-core processor: handles notifications, apps, and fitness tracking smoothly for daily tasks
Built-in GPS: track outdoor runs, walks, and bike rides with accurate pace and distance mapping
Heart rate monitoring: optical heart rate sensor provides continuous tracking and workout heart rate zones
Water resistant to 50 meters: swim-proof design for pool and open water swimming
Available in 38mm and 42mm: Retina display fits different wrist sizes comfortably
Cellular option: stay connected for calls and messages without your iPhone nearby (on GPS + Cellular models)
Workout tracking: multiple exercise modes including running, cycling, swimming, yoga, and high-intensity interval training
iPhone compatibility: works with iPhone 6s or later running iOS 15 or higher

What are the differences between a refurbished and a used Apple Watch Series 3?

A used Apple Watch Series 3 is resold without professional inspection or warranty. Given the Series 3's age (released in 2017), used units may have degraded batteries, worn water resistance seals, or scratched displays from years of use. A refurbished Apple Watch Series 3 from Back Market has been thoroughly tested by trusted refurbishers following our Quality Charter.

Each watch undergoes comprehensive inspection of heart rate sensor accuracy, GPS functionality, battery health, water resistance seals, digital crown operation, touchscreen responsiveness, and charging capability. Every device comes with a minimum 1-year warranty and 30-day returns. You get reliable basic health tracking and Apple Watch features at the most accessible refurbished price, while extending the life of functional electronics.

Who is the Apple Watch Series 3 best for?

The Apple Watch Series 3 serves specific types of users well:

Budget-conscious iPhone users: entry point into the Apple Watch ecosystem without paying for features you may not need
First-time smartwatch buyers: learn whether you'll actually use a smartwatch before investing in more expensive models
Casual fitness trackers: basic workout tracking, heart rate monitoring, and activity rings cover everyday fitness needs
People wanting simple notifications: receive texts, calls, and app alerts on your wrist without overwhelming complexity
Swimmers needing basic tracking: pool and open water swim modes track distance and duration reliably
Users with older iPhones: if your phone can't support the latest Apple Watch models, the Series 3 remains compatible
Parents buying for kids or teens: provides safety features like emergency calling without the expense of newer models

Apple Watch Series 3 vs newer models: what are you missing?

The Apple Watch Series 3 lacks several features found on newer models. There's no Always-On Display—you need to raise your wrist or tap the screen to see the time. It doesn't include blood oxygen monitoring, ECG capability, temperature sensing, or fall detection. The screen is smaller with thicker bezels compared to Series 4 and later models that expanded display size in the same case dimensions.

Storage is limited to 8GB (GPS model) or 16GB (Cellular), which can fill up quickly with watchOS updates, limiting app installation space. The S3 processor is noticeably slower than newer chips when opening apps or processing Siri requests. Crash detection, double tap gestures, and other recent innovations aren't available.

However, the Series 3 still handles core Apple Watch functions well: fitness tracking with GPS, heart rate monitoring, swim tracking, Apple Pay, notifications, music control, and third-party apps (though limited by storage). Battery life remains solid at roughly 18 hours of typical use.

Choose the Series 3 if you want basic Apple Watch functionality at the lowest price and don't need advanced health sensors or the latest features. Consider newer models (SE, Series 8, Series 9) if you want Always-On Display, larger screen, ECG, blood oxygen monitoring, or faster performance—these features significantly improve the daily experience.

Buy a refurbished Apple Watch Series 3 at the best price on Back Market

Back Market offers refurbished Apple Watch Series 3 models at the most accessible prices for entry into the Apple Watch ecosystem. Each watch is:

Tested by trusted refurbishers: GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, water resistance, and core functions verified working
Backed by warranty: minimum 1-year coverage protects your purchase
Returnable for 30 days: test it through daily use to ensure it meets your basic fitness and notification needs
Better for the environment: choosing refurbished extends the life of older electronics and reduces e-waste

Browse different cosmetic grades from Premium (like-new appearance) to Fair (fully functional with visible wear). Choose between 38mm and 42mm sizes and GPS or GPS + Cellular connectivity. The Series 3 provides excellent value for users wanting essential Apple Watch features without advanced health sensors or premium pricing.

Is the Apple Watch Series 3 still supported by Apple?

As of 2026, the Apple Watch Series 3 (released in 2017) is approaching the end of official software support. Apple typically supports devices for about 5-7 years with watchOS updates. The Series 3 may not receive the latest watchOS versions, which means you'll miss new features and eventually security updates. However, the watch continues to function with its current software for basic fitness tracking, notifications, and core Apple Watch features. If you want guaranteed long-term software support, consider newer models like the SE, Series 8, or Series 9. The Series 3 works well for current needs but has limited future update potential.

Does the Apple Watch Series 3 have fall detection?

No, the Series 3 doesn't include fall detection. This safety feature was introduced with the Apple Watch Series 4 in 2018. Fall detection uses advanced motion sensors to identify hard falls and automatically call emergency services if you're unresponsive. If fall detection matters for safety—for older users, people with medical conditions, or athletes doing activities with fall risk—consider the Series 4 or newer models that include this feature.

Can I take an ECG with the Apple Watch Series 3?

No, the Series 3 doesn't include ECG capability. The electrocardiogram feature was introduced with the Apple Watch Series 4. The Series 3 monitors heart rate continuously and can send high/low heart rate notifications, but it can't perform ECG readings to check for atrial fibrillation or irregular heart rhythms. If ECG functionality matters for heart health monitoring, you'll need a Series 4 or newer model.

What's the battery life on the Apple Watch Series 3?

Expect up to 18 hours of typical use including notifications, occasional workout tracking, and heart rate monitoring. This matches Apple's battery estimate for most Apple Watch models through Series 8. During continuous GPS tracking for running or cycling, expect roughly 4-5 hours before needing to recharge. Given the Series 3's age, refurbished units may have slightly reduced battery capacity compared to when new—batteries naturally degrade over time. Back Market refurbishers test battery health, but very old batteries may not hold as much charge as newer models. Most users still get through a full day with typical use.

Can I track swimming with the Apple Watch Series 3?

Yes, the Series 3 is water-resistant to 50 meters and includes swim tracking for both pool and open water swimming. Pool mode tracks laps, distance, and calories based on your set pool length. Open water mode uses GPS to track swimming distance in lakes or oceans. The watch can detect different stroke types and provides basic swim metrics. After swimming, dry the watch and clear water from the speaker by swiping up from the watch face and tapping the water droplet icon to eject trapped water.

Does the Apple Watch Series 3 have Always-On Display?

No, the Series 3 doesn't include Always-On Display. The screen turns off when you lower your wrist and requires raising your wrist, tapping the display, or pressing the digital crown to wake. Always-On Display was introduced with the Series 5 in 2019, allowing the watch face to remain visible at all times with dimmed brightness. If you want to see the time without raising your wrist, consider Series 5 or newer models. Many users adapt to the Series 3's wake-on-wrist-raise, but it's a noticeable difference if you're used to traditional watches.

Can I use Apple Pay with the Apple Watch Series 3?

Yes, the Series 3 fully supports Apple Pay for contactless payments. You can add credit, debit, and transit cards to the Wallet app and pay by double-clicking the side button and holding the watch near a payment terminal. This works independently of your iPhone, so you can make purchases even if you leave your phone at home. Apple Pay functionality is identical across all Apple Watch models—the Series 3 handles contactless payments just as well as newer watches.

What's the storage capacity on the Apple Watch Series 3?

The GPS model has 8GB of storage while the GPS + Cellular model has 16GB. After the operating system, you typically have 3-5GB (GPS) or 8-10GB (Cellular) available for apps, music, photos, and data. This is significantly less than newer models with 32GB. Storage limitations can be frustrating—watchOS updates consume space, leaving little room for music downloads or many third-party apps. If you plan to store music or download many apps, the limited storage may be restrictive. For basic fitness tracking, notifications, and a few essential apps, it's manageable.

Choose location

Suggested searches

Popular searches

Refurbished Apple Watch Series 3

Trade in to get it for less

Apple Watch Series 3

The Apple Student Discount: What you need to know | Back Market

Reviews

Reviews

Jamen V.

Gerald L.

Tiffani W.

Ruby C.

Hailey C.

Tonye H.

Raisa A.

Debbie P.

James G.

Jamia N.

Read our guides

Apple Watch Series 11 colors guide: find the perfect match for your personal style | Back Market

Apple Watch 11 vs Apple Watch 10: a small bump or a big upgrade? | Back Market

Is the 1st Gen Apple Watch Still Good? | Back Market

Best Apple Watch in 2026: Matched with Your Needs | Back Market

Is Apple Watch Series 4 Still Worth It? | Back Market

Comparing the Apple Watch to the Amazfit GTS | Back Market

Our recent comparisons

iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) comparison

Galaxy Tab A9+ (11.0", 2023) vs iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) comparison

Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (10.4", 2022) vs iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) comparison

Galaxy Tab A7 Lite (8.7", 2021) vs iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) comparison

iPhone 15 • Locked T-Mobile vs Motorola Moto G Play (2024) • Unlocked comparison