Series 3 guts into an 1st gen Apple Watch case possible?

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Apple Watch - Series 3

Apple's third-generation smartwatch, with optional cellular connectivity, released September 22, 2017.

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Henry Orozco @henryorozco

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Posted: Feb 17, 2018

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Series 3 guts into an 1st gen Apple Watch case possible?

I have both an 1st gen Apple Watch and a series 3. My 1st gen is stainless, sapphire and ceramic, and want to swap the guts of my Series 3 into my 1st gen. Is this possible?

Thank you everyone. I guess I should’ve expanded a bit more on my reasoning why I feel “value” on my question.

I forked out Benjamins on a step up from the lower tier aluminum, ion, composite option. I got my Series 3 as a raffle, and comparing the two, it feels as if the new came out of a Cracker Jacks box, and feels cheap, compared to the kick ass feeling of stainless, sapphire and ceramic back.

There is the “value” I personally see seeking advice, or suggestions. I guess, I could also just sell both, and just fork out the difference.

First-world problems are a darn thing nowadays. Thanks all.

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I do feel bad as I could see a lot of people trying to do this. Think of the gold and the while ceramic models which cost in the $10,000 range. I wonder if Apple offered them upgrades? The Stainless model while not as expensive is also stuck in this quagmire.

I would take the time to review the IFIXIT Teardown's:

- Orginal Apple Watch Teardown

- Apple Watch Series 2 Teardown This also covers the gen2 Series 1

- Apple Watch Series 3 Teardown

Keep in mind the Series 3 has a different screen, back and antenna than the older units so you can't reuse yours. The mounting of the antenna will require a jeweler with the correct tools to drill and tap new holes if it can be done.

Feb 18, 2018 by Dan

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TheLoneGamer @lonegamer

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Posted: Jul 14, 2019

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I’d say no. Some arrangement of parts are incompatible with the Series 0 and Series 3 such as the S1 and S3 boards. They are different arrangements with the screw mounting points being in different places. I would say Series 3 guts in a Series 2 case is a possibility due to the extreme similarities between the two.

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I do feel bad as I could see a lot of people trying to do this. Think of the gold and the while ceramic models which cost in the $10,000 range. I wonder if Apple offered them upgrades? The Stainless model while not as expensive is also stuck in this quagmire.

I would take the time to review the IFIXIT Teardown's:

- Orginal Apple Watch Teardown

- Apple Watch Series 2 Teardown This also covers the gen2 Series 1

- Apple Watch Series 3 Teardown

Keep in mind the Series 3 has a different screen, back and antenna than the older units so you can't reuse yours. The mounting of the antenna will require a jeweler with the correct tools to drill and tap new holes if it can be done. — Dan