Google’s Pixel Watch 3 is nearly disposable

When you think of a disposable watch, you may not immediately envision Google’s recently released Pixel Watch 3. Nevertheless, in several respects, that’s exactly what it represents: a product meant to be temporary, and functional until something malfunctions, at which point it should be discarded.

Google confirmed today that the Pixel Watch 3, like its two predecessors, is not designed for repair. Consequently, if you experience any problems with your device, it cannot be repaired. Instead, you will receive a replacement Pixel Watch 3.

Despite extensive discussions regarding the recyclability of the new Pixel smartphone box and the claims made by smartphone manufacturers about their efforts to help the planet—such as charging extra for a charger, which is shipped separately in additional packaging—it seems to be a major oversight to overlook the environmental damage caused by a “no repair” policy for these electronic devices.

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Google’s response to this situation is Preferred Care, an insurance program available in the US that provides coverage for accidental damage and out-of-warranty issues for your Pixel Watch 3, with a service fee of $49. The fate of broken watches remains unclear.

We hope they won’t be thrown away in a landfill but will instead be disassembled so that most of their components can be recycled. However, this is just our hopeful speculation, as Google has yet to offer any clarification on the matter.