The Apple Watch SE 3 (left), Apple Watch Ultra 3 (middle), Apple Watch Series 11 (right). Nina Raemont/ZDNET
An Apple Watch is one of those iPhone accessories that, dare I say, is underrated. Before I tested them out, I had the same thought that many of my phone-obsessed peers did: why do I need a second screen around my wrist? I'm already addicted to the big screen in my pocket.
Then, I began running, tracking my weight-lifting sessions at the gym, and learning about all of the health features the smartwatch has to offer. I also used my Apple Watch during the workday and found it helpful for receiving messages while I was away from my laptop. I also learned about a new movement to turn those tiny smartwatches into fully functional dumb phones, leaving the actual phone at home. It became clear: I finally understood why someone would want a second screen around their wrist.
Also: The best Apple Watch deals to shop right now
That didn't address the other, more pressing question: do I have the money to spend $300 on a smartwatch? The answer to that is: You don't need to spend $300.
If you shop sales and keep a year-long eye out for deals (which most companies almost always participate in), you can buy a discounted Apple Watch -- yes, even a newer model -- for less.
In fact, ahead of Black Friday, I've been monitoring the sales on Apple's newest Apple Watch models. Already, the tech giant has discounted the rugged (and expensive) Ultra 3 by $100, bringing it down to $699, and the affordable SE 3 by $49, which was my sleeper pick for the best Apple Watch this year.
Also: The Apple Watch SE 3 just got its first discount - here's where to buy one.
When do Apple Watches go on sale?
I've been covering sales events for almost two and a half years now, and I've noticed a pattern in when big retailers discount their most popular devices. During sales events like Prime Day, Black Friday, or Cyber Monday, we often see steep discounts on the most popular tech products. Leading up to those events, retailers will begin to lower prices, but the best discounts are generally available during the deal event days. That's because there is the most interest in buying that product during these events, compared to a random Tuesday in, say, April.
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