It was great seeing the ceramic Apple Watch return this year. But the enthusiasm of owning one would probably disappear quickly after dropping one. Apple’s new ceramic Apple Watch Series 12 costs $599 to repair for “other damage” without AppleCare+, according to MacRumors, citing Apple’s current service estimates. That category essentially covers damage outside of a battery replacement, which is priced separately at $99.
This is a substantial repair bill for a watch that already starts at $899 in Pearl White or Night Blue. Apple’s standard aluminum Series 12 starts at $399, while titanium starts at $699.
It even costs more to repair than an Ultra 4
What feels really ridiculous is the charge itself. Apple charges $549 for comparable out-of-warranty damage on an Apple Watch Ultra 4. In other words, fixing the ceramic Series 12 can cost $50 more than repairing Apple’s $799 rugged smartwatch. A cellular aluminum Series 12 of the same size is considerably cheaper at $349.
AppleCare+ changes that equation dramatically. There’s a $69 service fee for accidental damage on the ceramic Series 12, compared with $79 for the Ultra 4. Though Apple does throw in a bone under AppleCare by adding a free battery service once maximum capacity drops below 80%. AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss for the Series 12 costs $4.99 per month, while the Ultra 4 plan costs $5.99 monthly. So unless you can shell out $900 like it’s nothing, AppleCare just seems pretty necessary.
Other compromises with a ceramic Apple Watch
The material also makes the Series 12 physically larger and heavier than its aluminum and titanium siblings. Apple’s specifications list the nominal 46mm ceramic model at 47mm tall, 41mm wide, and 9.85mm thick, versus 46 x 40 x 9.7mm for aluminum and titanium. Night Blue ceramic weighs 52.9 grams, compared with 39.5 grams for the equivalent aluminum case and 44.9 grams for titanium.
All of this doesn’t automatically make the ceramic variant a bad choice. It is still the most distinctive Series 12 finish, and its return after years away gives the Apple Watch lineup some much-needed personality. But between the higher purchase price, extra heft, and $599 repair estimate, this is very much the Apple Watch for people who know they want ceramic.
