Do you remember that Apple had offered solid-gold Apple Watch models with prices ranging from $10,000 to $17,000? That’s right; the Apple Watch (first generation) had those options as part of the “Apple Watch Edition” collection, and they were sold alongside the aluminum models in the “Apple Watch Sport” collection and the stainless steel models in the “Apple Watch” collection. Apple later collaborated with Hermès to offer stainless steel models with Hermès-designed bands.
The original Apple Watch was introduced back in September 2014, released in April 2015, and discontinued altogether in September 2016. Its successor to the original lineup was both the Series 1 and Series 2. The former came in only the aluminum models while the latter came in aluminum and stainless steel cases for the standard collection. For the Apple Watch Series 2’s “Edition” collection, the ceramic material entirely replaced solid gold, which effectively brought the price down as Apple’s more affordable luxury option. In 2018, watchOS 5 would drop software support for all models of the Apple Watch (first generation).
Now, as of September of this year, all models of the original Apple Watch have now been considered “obsolete” by Apple because it’s been just seven years since they’ve been discontinued by Apple. Consequently, those models will no longer be eligible for repairs or servicing at Apple Stores or Apple Authorized Service Provider locations.
Therefore, if you’ve had one of those expensive gold Apple Watches lying around the house, you might want to consider selling that if it still works as you could get most of that value back towards a brand-new Apple Watch Series 9 Hermès model perhaps. Otherwise, you might be stuck with a “brick of gold” on your wrist that won’t tell time anymore.
