Apple Watch SE Aluminium (1st Generation)

Quick Facts

Item	Details
Launch Year	2020
Case Material	Aluminium
Available Sizes	40mm, 44mm
Display	Retina LTPO OLED Display (324 × 394 / 368 × 448)
Processor	Apple S5 SiP
Connectivity	GPS or GPS + Cellular
Battery Life	Up to 18 hours
Water Resistance	50m (WR50)
Health Features	Heart Rate, Fall Detection, Emergency SOS
Glass	Ion-X Strengthened Glass
Storage	32GB
Weight	30.5g (40mm), 36.4g (44mm)
Compatibility	iPhone only

Overview

The Apple Watch SE Aluminium (1st Generation) is designed for iPhone users who want the core Apple Watch experience at a more affordable price. It offers fast performance, fitness tracking, smart notifications and safety features, making it an excellent everyday smartwatch.

Powered by the Apple S5 SiP, it features a Retina display, built-in GPS, optional GPS + Cellular connectivity, up to 18 hours of battery life and 50m water resistance. Unlike the Apple Watch Series 5, it does not include ECG or an Always-On Display. When buying a used Apple Watch, check the battery condition, Activation Lock status and overall physical condition before making your purchase.

Key Highlights

1. Excellent Value for Everyday Use

Apple Watch SE delivers many of the features found on higher-end Apple Watches at a more affordable price.

Why it matters

Smooth everyday performance
Great balance of features and value
Ideal for first-time Apple Watch users

2. Comprehensive Fitness & Safety Features

Track your workouts, monitor your heart rate and stay protected with built-in safety features.

Why it matters

Tracks daily activity and workouts
Supports Fall Detection
Includes Emergency SOS

3. Built-in GPS with Optional Cellular

Choose between GPS or GPS + Cellular models depending on how you use your watch.

Why it matters

Accurate outdoor workout tracking
GPS + Cellular keeps you connected without your iPhone
Suitable for walking, running and cycling

Key Features Explained

Feature	Specification	Why It Matters
Display	Retina LTPO OLED Display	Bright and easy to read indoors and outdoors
Processor	Apple S5 SiP	Smooth performance for apps and watchOS
Battery Life	Up to 18 hours	Designed for a full day’s typical use
Charging	Magnetic Charging Cable	Convenient magnetic charging
Water Resistance	50m (WR50)	Suitable for swimming but not diving
GPS	Built-in GPS	Tracks outdoor workouts accurately
Cellular	GPS or GPS + Cellular	Cellular models stay connected without your iPhone (supported carrier required)
Health Features	Heart Rate, Fall Detection, Emergency SOS	Supports fitness tracking and personal safety
Glass	Ion-X Strengthened Glass	Lightweight and durable for everyday wear
Compatibility	iPhone only	Apple Watch is not compatible with Android phones

GPS vs GPS + Cellular

Feature	GPS	GPS + Cellular
Built-in GPS	✓	✓
Make calls without iPhone	✗	✓
Send messages	✗	✓
Mobile data	✗	✓
Requires mobile plan	No	Yes
Best For	Users who usually carry their iPhone	Users who want to stay connected without their iPhone

Which should you choose?

Choose the GPS model if your iPhone is usually nearby. Choose the GPS + Cellular model if you want to make calls, send messages and use mobile data directly from your watch with a supported carrier and mobile plan.

Compare the Related Models

Feature	Apple Watch Series 5 Aluminium	Apple Watch SE (1st Generation) Aluminium	Apple Watch Series 6 Aluminium	Apple Watch SE (2nd Generation) Aluminium
Launch Year	2019	2020	2020	2022
Display	Always-On LTPO OLED Retina	Retina LTPO OLED	Always-On LTPO OLED Retina	Retina LTPO OLED
Processor	Apple S5	Apple S5	Apple S6	Apple S8
Health Features	Heart Rate, ECG, Fall Detection, Compass	Heart Rate, Fall Detection, Emergency SOS	Heart Rate, ECG, Blood Oxygen, Fall Detection	Heart Rate, Crash Detection, Fall Detection
Battery Life	Up to 18 hours	Up to 18 hours	Up to 18 hours	Up to 18 hours
Storage	32GB	32GB	32GB	32GB
Water Resistance	50m	50m	50m	50m
Connectivity	GPS / GPS + Cellular	GPS / GPS + Cellular	GPS / GPS + Cellular	GPS / GPS + Cellular
Glass	Ion-X	Ion-X	Ion-X	Ion-X
Weight	30.8g / 36.5g	30.5g / 36.4g	30.5g / 36.5g	26.4g / 32.9g

Which Apple Watch Should You Choose?

Model	Recommended For
Apple Watch SE (1st Generation) Aluminium	Buyers who want excellent value with core Apple Watch features.
Apple Watch Series 5 Aluminium	Buyers who want an Always-On Display and ECG.
Apple Watch Series 6 Aluminium	Buyers who want Blood Oxygen monitoring and faster performance.
Apple Watch SE (2nd Generation) Aluminium	Buyers who want a newer processor and Crash Detection.

Alternatives to Apple Watch SE Aluminium (1st Generation)

If you’re comparing before buying, you may also want to check these related SellUp Marketplace pages:

Common Questions

Is the Apple Watch SE (1st Generation) Aluminium still worth buying?

Yes. It remains an excellent choice for iPhone users who want fitness tracking, smart notifications and safety features at an affordable price. When buying used, check the battery condition and ensure Activation Lock has been removed.

What is the difference between the Apple Watch SE (1st Generation) and Apple Watch Series 5?

Both models use the Apple S5 processor and offer similar performance. However, the Series 5 includes an Always-On Display, ECG and a built-in compass, while the Apple Watch SE focuses on delivering essential features at a lower price.

Is the Apple Watch SE (1st Generation) Aluminium waterproof?

The Apple Watch SE (1st Generation) Aluminium has a 50m (WR50) water resistance rating, making it suitable for swimming. It is not intended for diving or high-pressure water sports. Water resistance may decrease over time on used devices.

Is the Apple Watch SE (1st Generation) better than the Apple Watch SE (2nd Generation)?

The Apple Watch SE (2nd Generation) features the faster Apple S8 processor and adds Crash Detection. If you want the latest hardware and longer software support, the 2nd Generation is the better choice. If you’re looking for value, the 1st Generation remains a strong option.

Why Buy the Apple Watch SE (1st Generation) Aluminium?

The Apple Watch SE Aluminium (1st Generation) offers an excellent balance of performance, fitness tracking and smart features at an attractive price. It’s ideal for first-time Apple Watch buyers or anyone looking for a reliable everyday smartwatch. Compare Apple Watch SE (1st Generation) Aluminium listings on SellUp Marketplace to find the condition, case size, connectivity option (GPS or GPS + Cellular) and price that best suit your budget.