Apple Watch - Out of warranty $249 repair charge

My wife's rarely used, never abused $600 Apple watch is dead. It was purchased in May 2016 so is out of warranty. I visited a Apple Store and was advised that repair would cost $249. It feels like throwing good money after bad so I have passed on the offer for now. As a customer with easily $10,000 worth of Apple products in my home I'm incredibly disappointed.