My favorite Apple Watch is finally back down to $169, even before Amazon's Spring Sale kicks off

Apple’s popular watch wearables are available in several models, and the Watch SE (2nd Gen) is still the latest base model watch to hit the market. Despite Apple unveiling the new Watch Series 10 in September 2024, the SE did not get an upgrade as originally rumored. And while it’s not packed with all the features of the Series 9 or 10, it offers great value for those looking to track basic health and fitness metrics, keep in contact with ease, and benefit from connection to the Apple ecosystem. 

Also: The best early Amazon Spring Sale deals live now

The Watch SE (2nd Gen) is the model I own, and it’s been the perfect smartwatch companion to my mostly low-key tech lifestyle. It’s proven great for tracking my workouts, steps, and more health metrics, and it has been a great introduction into sleep tracking. And right now you can grab my favorite watch model (and Apple’s most up-to-date base model) the Watch SE (2nd Gen), for $80 off its regular price at several major retailers, including Best Buy and Walmart. These savings come even before Amazon’s Big Spring Sale kicks off next week, too. 

Also: The Apple Watch Series 10 is on sale for its lowest price ever 

This isn’t quite as low as I saw the watch drop during Black Friday sales (where it was briefly on sale for $149), but, prior to this price drop, the Watch SE hadn’t seen many discounts at all, so this 32% off offer isn’t too shabby. Plus, I fully expect this model to drop even lower during Amazon’s Spring Sale or later in the summer during Prime Day. We’ll have to wait and see. 

If you’re not looking for the advanced features offered in the newer Series 9, 10, or Ultra and Ultra 2 models, the watch SE is a great buy with all the essentials. You’d be surprised how well this model compares to Apple’s other contenders. 

The SE offers users up to 18 hours of battery life and 32GB of internal storage, and it does offer some of the same health and safety features as the Series 9, 10 and the Ultra, though it doesn’t track blood oxygen, do ECG heart checks, or check your temperature.

Also: Apple Watch SE (2023) vs. Apple Watch SE (2020)

During Black Friday sales last year, I upgraded from the Series 3 Apple Watch to the 40mm SE model, and I’ve never been happier with a tech purchase. The SE has all the necessary features without the complicated bells and whistles I didn’t want (or need) — yet it still offers a crisp display, fast response rate, and seamless use. It’s perfect for tracking my workouts and walks, and for quickly answering texts, emails, and more. Plus, with the savings I got from purchasing the more basic SE model, I was able to snag several different watch bands to dress my look up or down. 

Grab the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) now and upgrade your or a loved one’s smartwatch setup.  

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How I rated this deal

Based upon the 32% off savings being offered, ZDNET’s rating system gives this a 4/5 Editor’s deal rating. This is not the lowest offer I’ve seen in my time covering Apple Watch deals. The Watch SE (2nd Gen) has been available during select sale periods for as low as $149, or $100 off. However, this $169 offer matches the savings price I’ve seen offered during Presidents’ Day this year, and is the second best lowest price of all time.