Apple’s premium pre-configured packaging for the original Apple Watch meant insane deals for the patient.

The original Apple Watch launch was a historic event. I would argue it had the best introduction of any new product category for Apple outside the iPhone. As any first generation product gets launched, mistakes are made, and one company’s mistake is another person’s good fortune.

When you look at Apple’s original packaging for the Apple Watch, they came in pre-configured units that were not modular like the current packaging. Today, you can pick your watch size and case material, pair it with any band you like, and you will get a standard cardboard flap that wraps two separate boxes: one for your strap, and one for your watch.

Original Apple Watch packaging with holes for the charging cable and 5W plug (left) vs Series 10 (right).

Pre-configured watches had the strap already assembled in the premium, glossy plastic box with felt lining, compared to a cardboard sleeve holding a paper sleeve with the watch inside.

This type of packaging makes perfect sense since it manages inventory better and allows for better logistics. You literally make the packaging based on what the customer ordered, instead of telling the customer to pick from these standard configurations.

It wasn’t like that for the first few generations of Apple Watch. You would get a pre-configured watch that was set at many price points, all the way from $399 for the base aluminum watch, to the over $1,000 stainless steel watch with link bracelet. If you wanted another band to go with your watch, you would have to buy that separately.

You know you got the Stainless Steel watch if you got the square box.

Same premium high gloss plastic casing.

Your Watch came fully assembled, and you also got the premium charging puck that was stainless steel instead of aluminum (not pictured).

I actually have it placed incorrectly here. The watch body would be in the gapped section, making it fit more flush.

I remember when Apple announced pricing for the Apple Watch, I was bummed because the Stainless Steel with link bracelet was at a minimum $1,000. I told myself there’s no way I would plunk down that kind of money.

Apparently, I wasn’t the only one who felt that way, and stores had piles of these sitting in inventory. Retailers didn’t know what to do with their stock of $1,000 plus Series 0* Apple watches that no one wanted to buy, so they heavily discounted these when the Series 2 came out. I’m talking heavy discounts.

Best Buy had a 38mm Apple Watch with link bracelet that normally retailed for $999 down to $349. Yes, $349. They also had the space black version of the same configuration for $449 instead of $1,049.

When I saw these deals online, my jaw literally dropped. Was this really happening? My premium Apple Watch dreams that were once crushed were rejuvenated. My mind was running wild with all kinds of ways to take advantage of this deal:

“I could buy both and sell one of them to essentially get a free Apple Watch.”

“If I kept both, I could mix and match the stainless steel look which would look amazing!”

“I can keep both watches and one of the link bracelets, and just sell a bracelet and still come out on top.”

The opportunities were endless. I always wanted the link bracelet with a stainless steel Apple Watch, and now I could easily afford it. So did I get the regular Stainless Steel or the Space Black?

Yes.

I grabbed both of these deals. The bands alone were worth $449 and $549, and now I can get the whole watch with that band for $100 cheaper!

This was one of my fondest memories of the original Apple Watch because of the insane value it was. Sure they were slower than the Series 1 and 2, but it was fast enough for me.

At first, I didn’t think I would like the 38mm size, but when I wore it, it was perfect. It didn’t look like a toy, but a proper luxury watch. I went from the 42mm Aluminum watch to a 38mm Stainless Steel and never looked back. The smaller size just looked better and became my size of choice from that point forward. The irony of the situation is now the smaller 42mm size equals the original, larger 42mm, so we’re back to square one.

*Series 0 refers to the original Apple Watch released in April 2015. Apple released a Series 1 alongside the Series 2 in September 2016 that had a faster processor and discontinued the original Apple Watch.