WIRED2022
WIRED praised the rugged design, safety and workout features, Action button, and best-in-line Apple Watch battery life, while noting that even its extended runtime was not enough for a week-long backpacking trip.
Read WIRED review →Home › Refurbished Apple Watches › Apple Watch Ultra (1st generation)
Refurbished Apple Watch Ultra (1st generation)
The first Apple Watch Ultra brought a 49mm titanium case, bright display, Action button, dual-frequency GPS, and longer battery life to Apple's lineup. It can still suit hikers and outdoor users, but it is not compatible with watchOS 27. Treat it as an older specialist bargain, check battery condition closely, and never assume a refurbished unit is water-resistant or dive-ready.
Refurbished from$278.00Price and availability can change.
Compare 1 offers →1 current offersGPS + Cellular
Latest watchOS: Not listed as compatible with watchOS 27 on 2026-10-29
KYM verdict
Is Apple Watch Ultra (1st generation) worth buying refurbished?
The original Ultra is a niche refurbished buy, not the default choice. Its size, GPS, and battery still appeal to outdoor users, but it has reached a software cutoff and is now an older device. Only consider it at a sizeable discount, with clear battery, returns, and warranty terms. Do not use a refurbished unit for diving unless the seller documents current testing and expressly covers that use.
Best forBuy it if you specifically want the large Ultra display, Action button, GPS, and longer rated battery life for outdoor use, and can get a substantial discount.
Biggest benefitIt delivers the core rugged Ultra hardware and outdoor controls for far less than a newer Ultra when refurbished pricing is right.
What to considerSkip it if you need watchOS 27, want a smaller or lighter watch, or plan to rely on a refurbished unit for diving or water sports without documented testing.
At a glance
What you get
What works
- Large, bright display
- Longer rated battery life than standard Series models
- Dual-frequency GPS and outdoor tools
- Titanium case and Action button
- Can be a strong deal at a suitably low price
What to consider
- Not compatible with watchOS 27
- Large and heavy for many wrists
- Refurbished water resistance and battery condition cannot be assumed
Specs and features
Apple Watch Ultra (1st generation) specifications
| Chip | S8 SiP |
|---|---|
| Display | Always-On Retina LTPO2 OLED, up to 2,000 nits |
| Introduced | 2022 |
| Storage GB | 32 |
| Case Size Mm | 49 |
| Case Material | Grade 5 titanium |
| Notable Features | Customizable Action button, Dual-frequency L1/L5 GPS, Depth gauge, Water-temperature sensor, Siren |
| Apple Rated Battery | Up to 36 hours when new, under Apple's test conditions |
Critic reviews
What reviewers say
We use outside reviews as supporting context, then compare that with current refurbished pricing, software support, and long-term value.
TechRadar2022
TechRadar praised the bright display, physical controls, and battery improvement, but said the runtime still required regular charging and criticized the lack of on-device mapping.
Read TechRadar review →Third-party review references are attributed to their original publishers. KYM summaries are added to help explain whether that review still matters at today’s refurbished price.
Current availability
Refurbished Apple Watch Ultra (1st generation) offers
Apple Watch Ultra (2022) GPS + Cellular 49 mm – Titanium Natural Titanium – Ocean band Black49mm · GPS + Cellular · Refurbished
$278.00Was $799.99Check availability →
KYM may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. Battery disclosure, included accessories, warranty, returns, and water-resistance testing vary by listing; check the retailer's terms before ordering.
Buying advice
What to check before you buy
- Ask for battery health or a clear battery guarantee; Apple’s original 36-hour rating is not a promise for a used unit.
- Verify the exact model, case condition, band, charger, GPS + Cellular status, warranty, and return window.
- Do not assume original 100-metre water resistance or dive certification remains valid after refurbishment; require current documented testing for water use.
- Check watchOS compatibility before buying; Ultra 1 is not on the watchOS 27 list.
FAQs
Apple Watch Ultra (1st generation) FAQs
Does the original Apple Watch Ultra support watchOS 27?
No. Apple's current compatibility list does not include the first-generation Ultra; the Ultra line's watchOS 27 support starts with Ultra 2.
Can I dive with a refurbished original Apple Watch Ultra?
Do not assume that you can. A refurbished watch's seals may have aged or been disturbed. Only consider diving if the seller supplies a current water-resistance test and explicitly covers that use.
