This watch has definitely been jinxed. The launch of the Watch 3 from OnePlus was actually pushed back to April due to a silly engraving error: instead of "Made in China," it was actually engraved... "Meda in China." Oops! The manufacturer had to remake a batch of cases in a hurry, and it fell very badly because at the same time, Donald Trump launched a rather disorderly offensive on the customs tariff front.
A price that goes up and down
After several twists and turns, the tariffs were set at 145% on products imported from China, and 10% on those from the rest of the world. Caught in the vice, OnePlus had to sharply increase the price of the Watch 3, which went from $329 to $499 — a $170 difference that is difficult to justify on a technical level compared to other models like the Apple Watch or the Pixel Watch, despite the product's qualities.
Meanwhile, in the rest of the world, the Watch 3 is offered at its initial price (299 euros in France). Surprise: OnePlus has reversed the American label, suddenly lowering it to $349. This is $150 less than during the tariff period. The manufacturer explains that customers who purchased the watch at the highest price will be able to request a refund of the difference.
As for the reason given for this spectacular price drop, it is not really explained by OnePlus. "This change reflects our desire to be transparent, responsive, and committed to bringing the OnePlus Watch 3 to the U.S. at a competitive price, despite current market conditions," a spokesperson said, but stopped short of elaborating on the black magic that allowed OnePlus to absorb the Trump tariffs. After all, the watch is still made in China.
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