The Apple Watch SE 3 40mm is the model to keep on your shortlist during Prime Big Deal Days this October, pairing an Always-On Retina display, comprehensive fitness and sleep tracking, and over four thousand five-star owner reviews. It hits the sweet spot for first-time buyers and anyone upgrading from a much older model. The Apple Watch SE 3 44mm is the pick if you want that same feature set with a larger face, and the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is worth watching if outdoor adventures and multiday battery matter more than saving money.
Prime Big Deal Days runs October 6-7, 2026, and most offers need a Prime membership (a free trial counts). These picks are the Apple Watch models worth tracking as the sale goes live.
Our Top 3 Picks for Apple Watch Deals: Prime Big Deal Days in 2026
Apple Watch SE 3 40mm
- Best for: first-time buyers and everyday wear
- Case: 40mm Starlight Aluminum
- Battery: 18 hours with fast charging
- WatchOS support: current
Apple Watch SE 3 44mm
- Best for: larger wrists and bigger-screen fans
- Case: 44mm Starlight Aluminum
- Battery: 18 hours with fast charging
- WatchOS support: current
Apple Watch Ultra 3
- Best for: outdoor athletes and adventurers
- Case: 49mm Titanium with Milanese Loop
- Battery: up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode
- WatchOS support: current with satellite
Apple Watch Deals: Prime Big Deal Days Compared
| Product | Specs | Action |
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| Apple Watch SE 3 40mm |
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| Apple Watch SE 3 44mm |
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| Apple Watch Ultra 3 |
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 Apple Watch Series 10 46mm |
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 Apple Watch Ultra (Renewed) |
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 Apple Watch SE (Renewed) |
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 Apple Watch Series 9 (Renewed) |
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 Apple Watch Series 8 (Renewed) |
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How We Chose
Every Apple Watch in this list was checked against owner ratings and review counts on the Amazon listing, current model year, case size, band ecosystem, and the GPS vs Cellular split. Renewed options were included where the owner ratings and Amazon’s renewed warranty make them sensible picks to watch during the sale. Data was reviewed on October 5, 2026, the day before the event goes live.
1. Apple Watch SE 3 40mm: Best All-Around Pick
Apple Watch SE 3 [GPS 40mm] Smartwatch with Starlight Aluminum Case with Starlight Sport Band – S/M. Fitness and Sleep Trackers, Heart Rate Monitor, Always-On Display, Water Resistant
Case: 40mm Aluminum
Connectivity: GPS
Battery: 18 hours
Display: Always-On Retina
Pros
- Comprehensive fitness and sleep tracking
- Fast charging adds hours in minutes
- Always-On Retina display at the entry tier
- Sleep apnea notifications included
- Fall and crash detection built in
Cons
- No ECG or blood oxygen sensors
- Lacks the temperature sensor of higher models
Owners praise the heart rate monitor, sleep tracking, and Vitals app, and reviewers report the fast charging is a real everyday win: 8 hours of battery from a 15-minute top-up. At 0.96 ounces on the wrist, it disappears during a workout. The Always-On display makes this entry-tier model feel more premium than its price suggests.
![Apple Watch SE 3 [GPS 40mm] Smartwatch with Starlight Aluminum Case with Starlight Sport Band - S/M. Fitness and Sleep Trackers, Heart Rate Monitor, Always-On Display, Water Resistant customer photo 1](https://www.manbolo.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/B0FQFNRH72_customer_1.jpg)
For first-time buyers in particular, this is a low-risk pick. The safety features (fall detection, crash detection, Check In) work without an iPhone nearby for setup, and the watch pairs seamlessly with iPhone. Coming from a Series 5 or older, the jump in speed and screen brightness is dramatic.
Skip the 40mm if you have a larger wrist or want bigger text and complications on the face. The 44mm version below is a near-identical feature set with more screen real estate, and the Series 10 higher up the list adds ECG and blood oxygen if those health sensors matter to you.
![Apple Watch SE 3 [GPS 40mm] Smartwatch with Starlight Aluminum Case with Starlight Sport Band - S/M. Fitness and Sleep Trackers, Heart Rate Monitor, Always-On Display, Water Resistant customer photo 2](https://www.manbolo.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/B0FQFNRH72_customer_2.jpg)
The band ecosystem is shared with the 41mm and 42mm Apple Watch cases across generations, so any band you buy now will outlast this watch.
2. Apple Watch SE 3 44mm: Best Value With Bigger Screen
Apple Watch SE 3 [GPS 44mm] Smartwatch with Starlight Aluminum Case with Starlight Sport Band – M/L. Fitness and Sleep Trackers, Heart Rate Monitor, Always-On Display, Water Resistant
Case: 44mm Aluminum
Connectivity: GPS
Battery: 18 hours
Display: Always-On Retina
Pros
- Larger face fits more complications
- Same Always-On display as the 40mm version
- Comprehensive fitness and sleep tracking
- Fast charging for quick top-ups
- Strong value versus Series 10
Cons
- No ECG or blood oxygen
- Slightly heavier than the 40mm model
Reviewers with larger wrists consistently report the 44mm face fits more comfortably than the 40mm, and the extra screen area gives more room for workout metrics, timers, and music controls. Battery life and feature set match the 40mm version, so you are paying for screen size and nothing else.
Owners highlight the same fast charging as the smaller SE 3, enough juice for a full day from a short morning charge. Sleep apnea notifications, fall detection, and crash detection all work here. If your phone has been telling you to upgrade from a Series 4 or older, this is a sensible step without overspending.
Pick this instead of the Series 10 46mm higher in the list if you want the bigger screen without paying for ECG, blood oxygen, and temperature sensing. You still get everything most people use daily at a noticeably lower price. If those health sensors matter, step up to the Series 10.
![Apple Watch SE 3 [GPS 44mm] Smartwatch with Starlight Aluminum Case with Starlight Sport Band - M/L. Fitness and Sleep Trackers, Heart Rate Monitor, Always-On Display, Water Resistant customer photo 1](https://www.manbolo.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/B0FQFJ8JX8_customer_1.jpg)
The 44mm shares band compatibility with 44mm, 45mm, and 46mm cases across recent generations, giving you a huge band ecosystem to pick from.
![Apple Watch SE 3 [GPS 44mm] Smartwatch with Starlight Aluminum Case with Starlight Sport Band - M/L. Fitness and Sleep Trackers, Heart Rate Monitor, Always-On Display, Water Resistant customer photo 2](https://www.manbolo.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/B0FQFJ8JX8_customer_2.jpg)
3. Apple Watch Ultra 3: Best Premium Pick
Apple Watch Ultra 3 [GPS + Cellular 49mm] Running & Multisport Smartwatch w/Rugged Titanium Case w/Black Titanium Milanese Loop – L. Satellite Communications, Advanced Health & Fitness Tracking
Case: 49mm Titanium
Connectivity: GPS + Cellular
Battery: 72 hours Low Power
Display: Always-On
Pros
- Up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode
- Satellite communications for off-grid
- ECG and blood oxygen included
- Rugged titanium build
- Precision dual-frequency GPS for trails
Cons
- Large 49mm case is bulky for smaller wrists
- Premium price versus standard models
Owners call the 72-hour battery in Low Power Mode a game changer for multi-day trips where you cannot recharge. The titanium case, 100m water resistance, and precision dual-frequency GPS are built for the trails, not the treadmill. Shortlist this watch if you hike, dive, or train outdoors and want a single device that handles all of it.
Satellite communications is a feature most people will never trigger, but for backcountry use it is the kind of safety net that justifies the price. ECG and blood oxygen monitoring are included, which the SE 3 line does not have. The 2.24-ounce weight is heavier than the SE 3, and reviewers with smaller wrists note the 49mm case feels oversized for daily wear.
![Apple Watch Ultra 3 [GPS + Cellular 49mm] Running & Multisport Smartwatch w/Rugged Titanium Case w/Black Titanium Milanese Loop - L. Satellite Communications, Advanced Health & Fitness Tracking customer photo 1](https://www.manbolo.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/B0FQG17FTN_customer_1.jpg)
The renewed Ultra further down this list wins on price, but you give up satellite communications and the longest battery. For multi-day trips where you cannot recharge, the Ultra 3 is the safer bet. Pair it with a charger that suits your setup, and our wireless charging pads for Apple Watch guide covers the options.
![Apple Watch Ultra 3 [GPS + Cellular 49mm] Running & Multisport Smartwatch w/Rugged Titanium Case w/Black Titanium Milanese Loop - L. Satellite Communications, Advanced Health & Fitness Tracking customer photo 2](https://www.manbolo.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/B0FQG17FTN_customer_2.jpg)
Skip this watch if you mostly train indoors or want something that disappears under a shirt cuff, since the 49mm size is not subtle. For most shoppers, the SE 3 line is the smarter spend.
4. Apple Watch Series 10 46mm: Best for Upgraders
Apple Watch Series 10 [GPS 46mm case] Smartwatch with Rose Gold Aluminum Case with Plum Sport Loop. Fitness Tracker, ECG App, Always-On Retina Display, Carbon Neutral
Case: 46mm Aluminum
Connectivity: GPS
Battery: 18 hours
Display: Always-On Retina
Pros
- ECG and blood oxygen sensors
- Fast charging to 80 percent in 30 minutes
- Sleep apnea notifications
- Carbon neutral certified
- Larger display with thinner case
Cons
- Higher price than the SE 3
- GPS-only on this model
Moving from a Series 6 or older, the jump to the Series 10 46mm is the most dramatic in this lineup. The Always-On Retina display is wider with more screen area than the SE 3, and the case is noticeably thinner. Fast charging is a real upgrade at 80 percent in 30 minutes, so a shower and breakfast is enough to get through the day.
Owners praise the ECG app and blood oxygen monitoring, the two features that separate the Series 10 from the SE 3 line. For anyone managing a heart condition or wanting more health data, those sensors are the reason to step up. Reviewers also like the carbon neutral certification, a small but real point for environmentally minded buyers.
![Apple Watch Series 10 [GPS 46mm case] Smartwatch with Rose Gold Aluminum Case with Plum Sport Loop. Fitness Tracker, ECG App, Always-On Retina Display, Carbon Neutral customer photo 1](https://www.manbolo.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/B0DGHV2B2Z_customer_1.jpg)
Pick this instead of the SE 3 44mm if the extra health sensors and thinner case are worth the price. Skip the Series 10 if you mainly want everyday fitness tracking without ECG and blood oxygen. This listing is GPS-only, so if leaving the phone behind on runs is a regular need, look at the Ultra 3 or the renewed Series 9 with cellular in this list.
![Apple Watch Series 10 [GPS 46mm case] Smartwatch with Rose Gold Aluminum Case with Plum Sport Loop. Fitness Tracker, ECG App, Always-On Retina Display, Carbon Neutral customer photo 2](https://www.manbolo.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/B0DGHV2B2Z_customer_2.jpg)
This is a 46mm GPS case, and 44mm, 45mm, and 46mm bands all fit. Coming from a 41mm or 40mm watch, your old bands will not work here.
5. Apple Watch Ultra (Renewed): Best Renewed Rugged
Apple Watch Ultra [GPS + Cellular 49mm] Titanium Case with Midnight Ocean Band, One Size (Renewed)
Case: 49mm Titanium
Connectivity: GPS + Cellular
Battery: 36 hours
Display: Always-On AMOLED
Pros
- Titanium case at a steep discount
- 100m water resistance for swimming and diving
- 3000 nit bright display
- Precision dual-frequency GPS
- 90-day Amazon Renewed warranty
Cons
- Previous-generation chipset
- 49mm case is large for smaller wrists
Want Ultra hardware without paying Ultra prices? This renewed Ultra delivers the titanium case, 100m water resistance, and 3000 nit display that reviewers love on the new line. At 61.4 grams, it is light enough for everyday wear despite the 49mm size.
![Apple Watch Ultra [GPS + Cellular 49mm] Titanium Case with Midnight Ocean Band, One Size (Renewed) customer photo 1](https://www.manbolo.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/B0BX4XG53Z_customer_1.jpg)
The trade-off is the previous-generation chipset, so satellite communications and the latest battery optimizations are missing. Battery life still hits 36 hours, well above the SE 3 line. GPS + Cellular is included, which means leaving the phone behind on a trail run still gives you texts, calls, and route tracking.
Owners report the 90-day Amazon Renewed warranty covers most early-life concerns, and several reviewers mention the watch arriving in excellent cosmetic condition. For buyers who want the rugged case and dual-frequency GPS without paying for the newest chip, this is the value play. Skip it if you want the absolute latest safety features or the longest battery, since the Ultra 3 higher up is the better pick there.
![Apple Watch Ultra [GPS + Cellular 49mm] Titanium Case with Midnight Ocean Band, One Size (Renewed) customer photo 2](https://www.manbolo.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/B0BX4XG53Z_customer_2.jpg)
6. Apple Watch SE (Renewed): Budget Pick
Apple Watch SE (GPS, 40mm) – Space Gray Aluminum Case with Black Sport Band (Renewed)
Case: 40mm Aluminum
Connectivity: GPS
Battery: 15 hours
Display: LTPO OLED Retina
Pros
- Lowest entry price on this list
- LTPO OLED Retina display
- Heart rate and sleep monitoring
- Fall detection and Apple Pay included
- Large pool of renewed inventory
Cons
- Previous-generation chipset
- Battery health varies on renewed units
- No ECG or blood oxygen
The lowest entry price on this list comes with a previous-generation chipset, but the core Apple Watch features still hold up here. Heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, fall detection, Apple Pay, and notifications from your wrist all work as expected. Reviewers report most renewed units arrive in excellent working condition.
15-hour battery life is shorter than the SE 3 line, and you lose the Always-On display and fast charging of newer models. For a first-time buyer on a tight budget, or someone who only needs notifications and basic fitness tracking, this is the sensible pick.
Coming from a Series 3 or earlier, both this and the SE 3 40mm higher up will feel like a leap forward. The trade-off is real money saved against losing the Always-On display, fast charging, sleep apnea notifications, and the Vitals app. If you can stretch to the SE 3, the Always-On display alone is worth the difference.
Renewed Apple Watches come with a 90-day Amazon Renewed warranty, and reviewers report most units have battery health above 90 percent.
7. Apple Watch Series 9 (Renewed): Best Renewed Cellular
Apple Watch Series 9 (GPS + Cellular 45mm) Midnight Aluminum Case with Midnight Sport Band M/L (Renewed)
Case: 45mm Aluminum
Connectivity: GPS + Cellular
Battery: 18 hours
Display: Always-On AMOLED
Pros
- GPS + Cellular connectivity included
- S9 SiP processor for fast performance
- Double Tap gesture control
- Always-On Retina display
- ECG and blood oxygen monitoring
Cons
- Renewed condition may vary
- Larger 45mm size for older band collections
Cellular connectivity without Ultra prices is the headline here. The S9 SiP processor still feels fast for everyday tasks, and the Double Tap gesture control is a feature reviewers consistently call out as more useful than expected. With 64GB of storage and GPS + Cellular, this is a watch that can really replace your phone on a run.
The 45mm Always-On AMOLED display is bright and readable in direct sunlight, and reviewers report the ECG app and blood oxygen monitoring work as expected. Battery life is rated at 18 hours, which matches the SE 3 line. The trade-off versus a brand-new Series 10 is the previous-generation chip and the renewed condition risk, but the cellular connectivity at this price is hard to beat.
Pick this over the Series 10 46mm if leaving your phone behind is a regular need and you want cellular at the lowest cost. Skip it if you want the newest design and fastest charging, since the Series 10 is the better pick there. Skip it also if you want a brand-new unboxing experience.
8. Apple Watch Series 8 (Renewed): Top Rated Renewed
Apple Watch Series 8 [GPS, 41mm] – Starlight Aluminum Case with Starlight Sport Band, S/M (Renewed)
Case: 41mm Aluminum
Connectivity: GPS
Battery: 18 hours
Display: Always-On OLED
Pros
- Comprehensive health tracking features
- ECG and temperature sensing included
- Crash detection and fall detection
- 41mm case fits smaller wrists well
- Strong renewed seller track record
Cons
- Previous-generation chipset
- Slow charger included on some units
- Limited watchOS update runway
This 41mm renewed Series 8 packs the most health sensors you can get on a renewed Apple Watch at this size. ECG, blood oxygen, and temperature sensing are all here, plus crash detection, which is a feature you will not find on the SE line. For a smaller-wristed buyer who wants premium health features without the Ultra price tag, this case is the right size.
The Always-On OLED Retina display is bright and easy to read, and reviewers report most renewed units arrive with high battery health. The trade-off is the previous-generation chipset and the fact that this generation is further along in its watchOS support runway, which matters if you plan to keep the watch for several years.
![Apple Watch Series 8 [GPS, 41mm] - Starlight Aluminum Case with Starlight Sport Band, S/M (Renewed) customer photo 1](https://www.manbolo.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/B0BVC8YBMT_customer_1.jpg)
The extra health sensors (ECG, temperature sensing, crash detection) are the reason to choose this over the SE 3 40mm earlier in the list. If you only need basic fitness and notifications, the SE 3 40mm is the smarter buy at a lower price, since you do not need the extra sensor suite.
![Apple Watch Series 8 [GPS, 41mm] - Starlight Aluminum Case with Starlight Sport Band, S/M (Renewed) customer photo 2](https://www.manbolo.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/B0BVC8YBMT_customer_2.jpg)
41mm bands fit this case, and 40mm and 42mm bands from earlier generations also work, so the band ecosystem is huge.
How to Choose an Apple Watch During Prime Big Deal Days
Pick the Right Case Size First
Apple Watch case sizes are roughly grouped into two band families: 40mm, 41mm, and 42mm cases share bands, and 44mm, 45mm, 46mm, and 49mm cases share bands. If you have a smaller wrist or want a more discreet watch, the 40mm to 42mm range fits better. If you want bigger text, more complications on screen, or have a larger wrist, go 44mm or above. The Apple Watch Ultra is a separate 49mm case with its own band ecosystem for the larger 44mm-to-49mm range.
Decide Between Series, SE, and Ultra
The Apple Watch SE 3 line is the right pick for first-time buyers and anyone who does not need ECG or temperature sensing. The Apple Watch Series 10 adds ECG, blood oxygen, and the thinnest case in the lineup, making it the upgrade path for anyone coming from a Series 6 or older. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is the outdoor athlete pick, with the longest battery, the brightest display, and a rugged titanium build that can take a beating. If you are deciding between an Apple Watch and a dedicated fitness watch, our GPS running watches for beginners guide is worth a read.
GPS vs Cellular: Who Actually Needs It
GPS-only is the right choice for most people. If you always have your phone with you, you do not need cellular on your watch. Cellular is worth the upgrade only if you regularly run, swim, or hike without your phone and still want calls, texts, and music streaming. For most shoppers, the savings on a GPS-only model outweigh the convenience of cellular. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 and the renewed Apple Watch Ultra and Series 9 in this list are the cellular options to watch.
Watch for Renewed Condition and Warranty
Renewed Apple Watches come with a 90-day Amazon Renewed warranty, and most units have battery health above 90 percent. Reviewers report the biggest variable is cosmetic condition: some units arrive pristine, others have minor scratches. If you want a brand-new unboxing experience, stick to the SE 3, Series 10, and Ultra 3 new models. If you want premium hardware at the lowest price, renewed is a sensible choice during a sale.
Pair It With the Right Charger and Ecosystem
A deal on an Apple Watch is the right time to also pick up accessories that work with it. A good charging station can charge your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods from one outlet, and our charging stations for Apple devices guide is a good starting point. If you are building out a fitness setup, a smart scale that talks to Apple Health is a natural complement, and you can compare options in our smart scales for Apple Health roundup.
How to Shop Apple Watch Deals During the Sale
Before you check out, confirm the model year on the listing. Apple Watch Series 10 is a 2024 release, the SE 3 and Ultra 3 launched in September 2025, and the Series 8 and Series 9 are older generations now sold renewed. Match the model number on the listing to the watch you actually want, since the same generation ships in 40mm and 44mm sizes and GPS or GPS + Cellular variants. Check the seller and shipping notes, and remember that Prime Big Deal Days pricing shifts through the event, so a listing you saw this morning may be lower by tomorrow afternoon.
Quick checklist for the sale:
- Decide your size family: 40mm to 42mm or 44mm to 46mm (49mm is Ultra only)
- Pick GPS or GPS + Cellular based on whether you leave your phone behind
- Confirm the model year on the listing matches the generation you want
- Check whether the listing is new or renewed before you buy
- Confirm you have an active Prime membership or free trial for the deal price
Frequently Asked Questions
When do Apple Watch deals start during Prime Big Deal Days in 2026?
Prime Big Deal Days runs October 6-7, 2026. Apple Watch deals typically go live at the start of the event and run through both days, with Lightning Deals appearing throughout. Prices can shift hour to hour, so if a watch you want is at a price you like, it is worth acting on it rather than waiting for a deeper cut that may not come.
Do I need a Prime membership to get Apple Watch deals during Prime Big Deal Days?
Most Apple Watch deals during Prime Big Deal Days require an active Prime membership. A 30-day free trial counts, so you can sign up, shop the sale, and cancel before being charged if you do not want to keep the membership. A small number of lightning deals and renewed listings are available without Prime, usually at a higher price.
Which Apple Watch model usually has the best deal during Prime Big Deal Days?
Previous-generation Apple Watch models typically see the deepest discounts during the sale, since retailers are clearing inventory after a new launch. The Apple Watch SE line and renewed previous-gen Series watches tend to drop the most, while brand-new flagship models see smaller first-sale discounts. The SE 3 has historically hit its all-time low during major Prime events.
Should I buy the Apple Watch SE 3 or Series 10 during Prime Big Deal Days?
Buy the Apple Watch SE 3 if you want the best value and do not need ECG, blood oxygen, or temperature sensing. The SE 3 covers fitness tracking, sleep tracking, fall detection, and the Always-On display at a lower price. Buy the Apple Watch Series 10 if you want those extra health sensors, a thinner case, and faster charging, and you are willing to pay for them. Both are strong picks during the sale.
Is the Apple Watch Ultra 3 worth it during Prime Big Deal Days?
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is worth it during the sale if you regularly hike, dive, train for endurance events, or want multiday battery life. The 72-hour Low Power Mode and titanium build are real advantages for outdoor use. If you mostly train indoors or want a watch that disappears under a shirt cuff, the SE 3 line is a smarter spend.
What size Apple Watch should I buy: 41mm or 45mm?
Choose 41mm if you have a smaller wrist or prefer a more discreet watch. Choose 45mm or 46mm if you want more screen area for complications, have a larger wrist, or prefer bigger text. Both sizes use the same band family, so band choice is not a deciding factor between them. If you are unsure, the 45mm size is the safer pick for most new buyers in 2026.
Final Verdict: Apple Watch Deals for Prime Big Deal Days
Buy the Apple Watch SE 3 40mm if you want the best all-around Apple Watch to watch during the sale. It is the safest pick for first-time buyers and anyone coming from an older model, with strong owner ratings, the Always-On display, and modern safety features at the entry tier.
Buy the Apple Watch SE 3 44mm if you want a budget-friendly alternative with a bigger face. It carries the same features and ratings as the 40mm version with more screen room.
Buy the Apple Watch Ultra 3 if you hike, dive, or train outdoors and want the longest battery and the brightest display in the lineup. Buy the Apple Watch Series 10 46mm if you are upgrading from a Series 6 or older and want ECG and blood oxygen in a thin case. Buy the Apple Watch SE (Renewed) if you want the lowest entry price and do not need the latest features. Buy the Apple Watch Ultra (Renewed) or Apple Watch Series 9 (Renewed) if you want premium hardware with cellular at the lowest cost.
Check the listings on October 6, watch the prices through both days of the event, and act on the watch that hits the price you want.
Marcus Brennan 
Priya Kapoor