When you think of the concept of a disposable watch, your mind probably doesn’t instantly conjure up an image of Google’s recently unveiled Pixel Watch 3, but for all intents and purposes, that’s exactly what it is – a disposable product, good while it lasts, to be discarded the moment anything goes wrong.
Google has confirmed today that the Pixel Watch 3, like both of its predecessors, is not repairable. So if you have an issue with yours, whatever it may be, the device will not be repaired. Instead, a replacement Pixel Watch 3 will be given to you.
For all the talk about how recyclable the new Pixel smartphone box is, or how smartphone makers are saving the planet a few times over by charging you extra for a charger (and shipping it separately in even more packaging), it seems like an interesting oversight to not consider how damaging to the environment such a “no repair” policy on an electronic device like this is.
It’s unclear what will happen to broken watches. We’re still holding out hope they won’t end up in a landfill instantly, and instead will be torn apart and have most of their innards recycled. But that’s just us performing some wishful thinking, as Google hasn’t explained.
Google Pixel Watch 3
Google’s solution to the whole thing is Preferred Care, an insurance program available in the US, which covers accidental damage and out of warranty issues with your Pixel Watch 3 for a $49 service fee.