Best Apple Watch deal: Save $250 on the Ultra 2

SAVE $250: As of Dec. 10, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 (49mm, GPS + Cellular) has dropped to a new all-time low price of $549 at Amazon. That's 31% or $250 off its list price of $799.

Now that the Apple Watch Ultra 3 has arrived, you can score its predecessor for a new record-low price. And in the era of iterative upgrades, you won't be missing out on much by grabbing an older model.

As of Dec. 10, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 (49mm, GPS + Cellular) is down to only $549 at Amazon for the first time. That's 31% or $250 cheaper than its regular list price of $799 — and therefore, $250 cheaper than buying the new Ultra 3. That's also $50 cheaper than it was on Black Friday.

While it may no longer be the latest and greatest Apple Watch on the market, the Ultra 2 is still one of the best choices. It's better than the basic Series 9 and the Series 10, with a more durable titanium case, a programmable action button the side, built-in LTE, a depth gauge and water temperature sensor, an emergency siren, and twice the battery life at up to 36 hours (up to 72 in low power mode). If you're into hiking, running, swimming, or diving, it packs more advanced features the basic Apple Watches lack. Of course, those more advanced features also come in a bulkier and more rugged case.

The biggest difference between the newer Ultra 3 and the Ultra 2 is about six more hours of battery life. Whether those six extra hours are worth another $250 is up to you to decide.