Apple Watch SE (1st Gen) 40mm vs Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) 44mm

Side-by-side comparison of specifications and features

AppleWatch SE (1st Gen) 40mm

AWSE1-40

AppleWatch SE (2nd Gen) 44mm

AWSE2-44

Price Comparison

Apple Watch SE (1st Gen) 40mm

MSRP

$279

Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) 44mm

MSRP

$279

MSRP New (Amazon) Used (eBay)

Comparison of Apple Watch SE (1st Gen) 40mm, Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) 44mm
Specification	Apple Watch SE (1st Gen) 40mmSmartwatch	Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) 44mmSmartwatch
Pricing
MSRP	$279	$279
New Price	N/A	N/A
Used Price (Low)	N/A	N/A
Used Price (High)	N/A	N/A
30-Day Trend	N/A	N/A
Used Price Range	N/A	N/A
Identity
Reference	AWSE1-40	AWSE2-44
Nickname	N/A	N/A
Style	Smartwatch, Digital	Smartwatch, Digital
Release Era	N/A	N/A
Dimensions
Diameter	40mm	44mm
Thickness	10.7mm	10.7mm
Lug Width	N/A	N/A
Lug to Lug	N/A	N/A
Movement
Movement	Quartz	Quartz
Power Reserve / Battery	N/A	N/A
Accuracy	N/A	N/A
Case
Case Material	Titanium	Titanium
Crystal	Mineral Crystal	Mineral Crystal
Water Resistance	50m (swimming)	50m (swimming)
Bezel	N/A	N/A
Dial
Dial Color	N/A	N/A
Luminous	No	No
Community
Review Rating	N/A	N/A
In Collections	N/A	N/A
On Wishlists	N/A	N/A
Forum Threads	N/A	N/A

Quick Summary

If you are deciding between Apple Watch SE (1st Gen) 40mm and Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) 44mm, the real decision is usually about wrist presence versus easier fit. Start with fit first — case width and lug-to-lug usually matter more than secondary features if wrist comfort is a concern.

How to choose

The biggest practical difference is usually movement and upkeep. Start with wrist fit and movement preference, then use water resistance and price to break the tie.

Apple Watch SE (1st Gen) 40mm

Apple Watch SE (1st Gen) 40mm is a better fit for smaller wrists, low-maintenance daily wear, smartwatch styling.

Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) 44mm

Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) 44mm is a better fit for buyers who want more wrist presence, low-maintenance daily wear, smartwatch styling.

Key Differences

Movement and upkeep

Apple Watch SE (1st Gen) 40mm: quartz movement

Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) 44mm: quartz movement

Both use the same movement type, so maintenance differences are limited and fit or feature details should decide the purchase.

Size and wearability

Apple Watch SE (1st Gen) 40mm: 40mm

Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) 44mm: 44mm

Fit is a real separator here — compare case width and lug-to-lug before deciding, especially if wrist comfort matters more than headline features.

Water resistance

Apple Watch SE (1st Gen) 40mm: 50m

Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) 44mm: 50m

Water resistance is similar on paper, so focus on fit, features, and price instead.

Price and value

Apple Watch SE (1st Gen) 40mm: $279

Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) 44mm: $279

These two often land in a similar price band — which usually means fit, features, and current deal quality matter more than the sticker price.

Style and use case

Apple Watch SE (1st Gen) 40mm: smartwatch

Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) 44mm: smartwatch

Both lean into a similar smartwatch use case — the choice is more about fit, features, and price than category.

Crystal and materials

Apple Watch SE (1st Gen) 40mm: mineral crystal · titanium

Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) 44mm: mineral crystal · titanium

Materials are broadly similar, so finish, fit, and price will matter more than the materials list alone.

Choose Apple Watch SE (1st Gen) 40mm If...

You want a smaller case footprint on the wrist.

Choose Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) 44mm If...

You prefer more dial presence and a larger case feel.

Price and Value Notes

Apple Watch SE (1st Gen) 40mm usually offers the lower entry price — confirm current listings because marketplace pricing can move quickly.

These two often land in a similar price band — which usually means fit, features, and current deal quality matter more than the sticker price.

Where to Check Deals

Check current deals on Amazon and eBay using the buttons below — listing prices, seller quality, and condition can change quickly.

Check current eBay listings

eBay listing prices and condition mix can change day to day, so it is worth checking live results.

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Apple Watch SE (1st Gen) 40mm

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Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) 44mm

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Comparison FAQ

Which one is better for smaller wrists?

Start with case width and lug-to-lug. The watch that looks smaller on paper is often the safer choice, but lug shape and thickness still affect how it wears.

Which is better for swimming or rough daily wear?

Use the water resistance row as the first filter. Higher ratings generally give more flexibility for swimming and water exposure, but strap choice and overall condition still matter.

Should I choose based on price alone?

Price matters, but the better buy is the watch that matches your fit, feature priorities, and use case. Check live listings first, then decide whether the price gap actually changes the ownership experience.