Apple Watches Are Quietly Going on Sale in the Black Friday Run-Up

Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. We may earn a commission from these links. Here’s how we test products and why you should trust us.Apple4 min readIt’s no secret that Apple has been dominating tech headlines this year. But between the news of its recent price hikes on MacBooks and iPads and the release of the iPhone Duo (the tech giant’s first foldable), not much fanfare has been made about the new generations of the Apple Watch. As far as we’re concerned, that’s a damn shame, because they’re well worth the upgrade—especially if you can find one on sale like we just did.SHOP THE BEST APPLE WATCH DEALApple Watches usually go on deepest discount during Amazon sales, Black Friday included. And while only two models are marked down right now (the Ultra 4 and Ultra 3), we know a thing or two about how Apple deals work. In the coming weeks, prices will drop and these wearables will sell out like hotcakes, which is why you’ll want to plan what you’re going to buy now.Below, we’re breaking down the differences between each model—and peeling back the curtain on our price-tracking prowess—so you’re all set come Black Friday. If you don’t take the plunge on one before then, that is.Apple Watch Series 12Commerce editor Luke Guillory argued that compared to other fitness trackers on the market, Apple was lagging behind with its lack of readiness score functionality—until now. The Apple Watch Series 12 marks the debut of the brand’s very own readiness score thanks to a revamped tracking system. Plus, the watch now measures your heart rate more frequently to deliver Heart Rate Variability (HRV) readings every five minutes. If you’re trying to pay closer attention to your health this year, it’s a smart buy, made all the sweeter when it inevitably goes back on sale for Black Friday.For October Prime Day, this brand-new watch surprisingly dropped to just $350, so we’re expecting a similar—if not deeper—discount in the coming weeks.Apple Watch UltraWhile the Apple Watch Ultra 4 isn’t necessarily reinventing the wheel, it did get the same advanced health tracking and readiness score features from the Apple Watch Series 12, so if you’re looking to get your first Ultra model, it’s worth grabbing—especially at $100 off. Not to mention, Guillory is partial to the new ocean-inspired, semi-translucent rubber watch bands.That said, if you’re not someone who needs the shiny new gadget immediately or who won’t take advantage of these souped-up health features—you’re not going to miss out on much if you score an older model on sale, like this $150 discount on the Apple Watch Ultra 3. Associate Commerce Editor Bryn Gelbart went so far as to dub it the “best Apple Watch ever” when it was released last fall.“I was never tempted to upgrade to the premium option, but the Apple Watch Ultra 3 changed my mind,” Gelbart said. “It turns out I didn't quite know what I was missing.” It has a bright 49mm display, satellite messaging features, a durable titanium case, and a long lasting battery (an impressive 42 hours under normal use and 72 hours on Low Power Mode). Gelbart recommends it for cyclists, runners, or the adventure-prone.At 17% off, this is the best pre-Black Friday deal to shop as of publication, although this model has dipped as low as $600 before.Apple Watch SE 3If you’re looking for Apple’s most affordable watch, we suggest turning your attention to the entry-level Apple Watch SE 3. It was actually the watch that converted Gelbart to Apple wearables in the first place, arguing that its beauty is in its simplicity.“It's an accurate and predictive workout tracker. It counts my steps and activity and connects to my phone to play music and receive messages and calls,” he says. “If you’re new to the Apple Watch and want to dip your toes, this is where I recommend you start.” It has the same sleep tracking features, like nightly sleep score and sleep apnea notifications, but lacks the ECG app or hypertension notifications of its newer siblings. It also has an 18-hour battery life so you’ll need to charge most nights.This dropped to a record-low $199 during October Prime Day, so we’re hopeful that a similar price cut will emerge for Black Friday, but this is by far the most affordable Apple Watch on the market, even at full price.Our philosophy when it comes to shopping for Apple tech during Black Friday? If you find the watch with the features you need at a price you can stomach, it’s worth grabbing quickly. During Prime Day, a handful of watches sold out completely—and you won’t want your wearable of choice to meet the same fate before you check out.SHOP THE BEST APPLE WATCH DEAL