Smart Watches

spazzyfry123 · 11-30-2020, 02:38 PM

I realize this will probably be a dark topic amongst the serious real watches in this forum, but they are still watches, right?

I've been considering a smart watch for a variety of reasons, but I'm really not interested in the shape of the Apple. I much prefer a round watch. I really like the look of the Garmin Fenix line.

That said, I have an iPhone (and probably always will as long as I continue to work at my company - iPhones are mandatory for our software uses), so would I be locked into using an Apple Watch? If no, what other options are on the table?

For me, my phone is typically in my pocket, and I find my hands are preoccupied more than not. I can see the benefit of glancing down at my watch to see who is calling or texting to determine if I need to stop what I'm doing and answer. Sounds very 21st century, and believe me, I'm against this type of stuff. But if it can be beneficial and make me more efficient, why not?

Further, my hobbies generally include outside. Camping, hiking, "overlanding" as it's called now, cycling and mountain biking... The Garmin looks to be in tune with a lot of my stuff, but I'm concerned that it won't fully work with Apple (seems to be geared towards Android?).

So what's everyone using out there? What do you like, what don't you like?

porshah · 11-30-2020, 03:41 PM

I am a big mechanical watch addict, but I have owned an Apple watch since it was launched. It is definitely great for the things you mentioned. For me the additional benefits of the smart watch are - workouts and sports. For example, Apple Watch (and others may also do the same, but I have not experience) allows you to sync music from your phone so that when you are at the gym (or anywhere) you can leave your phone in your locker and play music from your watch onto bluetooth headphones. I also use it for Golf. I have an app that gives me yardage on the golf course so that I can easily glance at my watch without needing the phone. These are just some of the benefits. I am sure others will chime in. Hope this helps in your decision.

Mason Hatcher · 11-30-2020, 05:43 PM

The Samsung Galaxy watches are compatible with iOS 9.0 and above, iPhone 5 and above. The are round faced and look pretty sharp too.

spazzyfry123 · 11-30-2020, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mason Hatcher

The Samsung Galaxy watches are compatible with iOS 9.0 and above, iPhone 5 and above. The are round faced and look pretty sharp too.

You have my attention. I hadn't even considered looking at Samsung as I automatically assumed it wouldn't work with an iPhone. That is a great looking watch.

Do you have any experience with it?

Mason Hatcher · 11-30-2020, 06:13 PM

I have the Samsung Watch. I believe it is the third version. I upgraded from a Frontier S3. I kept the S3 and wear it when working in the yard, running, etc. I have a nice leather band on the new one.

https://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/we...m-r800nzsaxar/

I have had this less than 2 years, but the new one looks tempting with the trade in discount. I love these watches. I have not had one problem except that the battery life started getting short on the Frontier. I wear the new one for days before I need a charge.

spazzyfry123 · 11-30-2020, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mason Hatcher

I have the Samsung Watch. I believe it is the third version. I upgraded from a Frontier S3. I kept the S3 and wear it when working in the yard, running, etc. I have a nice leather band on the new one.

https://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/we...m-r800nzsaxar/

I have had this less than 2 years, but the new one looks tempting with the trade in discount. I love these watches. I have not had one problem except that the battery life started getting short on the Frontier. I wear the new one for days before I need a charge.

I was looking at the same, but the 42mm. I prefer the aesthetic of this over the newer 3. I'd like the 46mm, but I'm a middle-of-the-bell-curve kind of guy at 5'10" / 175 lbs. I think a 46mm face would just be too much as much as I like the shape and extra battery life.

Thanks for the tip. I've been chasing around looking and came up empty handed brushing Samsung aside assuming it wouldn't be iOS compatible. This may be the ticket. I see they are compliant with Strava, too

DanG · 11-30-2020, 08:19 PM

I have a Garmin 830 and it works great with my iPhone. Text messages appear on the screen while I am riding.

Bongoxxx · 12-01-2020, 09:00 AM

I have an Apple Watch as my daily watch. Love that I can just leave my phone and do most of what I need on the watch if I want to. Use it for sports/activity tracking and as mentioned great for golf for yardage and score keeping. Previously I had a garmin and switched to the Apple for more useable phone features (responding to texts, answering calls when the phone isn’t handy etc.)

My wife has a garmin vivoactive and loves it. Gives her all the notifications she wants and decides if she needs to answer on her phone or not. She also uses it to track activity and golf. I find the gps on the garmin is more accurate than on the Apple Watch.

The only thing I hate about the Apple Watch is the battery life. I usually get 1.5 days, much less if you use the gps. Some say, just charge it every night, but I like to track my sleep and heart rate etc. The garmin she gets anywhere from 4-7 days on a charge depending on activity and it charges much faster then the Apple.

DocL · 12-01-2020, 09:26 AM

I have a collection of high end watches and stopped wearing them once I got the Samsung Galaxy Frontier S3 smartwatch. It syncs up perfectly with the Samsung phones. It will work with the iPhone platform, but some of the functions won't be available. You'll have to look it up. I like it best for paying for things without having to use a physical card. I uploaded the two debit cards I mostly use and that's it. I also like being able to switch faces and there are ton available.

spazzyfry123 · 12-03-2020, 10:45 AM

I just ordered the Samsung Galaxy Watch (the first, not the 3 - prefer the styling of the original) with Bluetooth only and in 42mm size. I estimate my wrist circumference to be about 18.4 - 18.7 cm and think the 46mm would be just a little too big. I've got a 45mm mechanical that I never wear because, while it really does seem like it fits well, it just looks out of place.

The 42mm looks to be out of stock everywhere, but found it at Target for $220. Walmart had it for $160, but out of stock in black - Target price matched against the Rose Gold and should be here next week. Sure seems like a lot of watch for $160. Will be my first smart watch, and I'm still on the fence. Hope I like it.

Thanks again for the suggestions. The Galaxy really does look to be the best I've found for my needs. Completely overlooked them assuming they wouldn't be compatible with an iPhone.

bvrider1 · 12-03-2020, 11:00 AM

Garmin 935 is what I use but I run a lot and enjoy the metrics it provides. I think it looks good too.

G3min1 · 12-03-2020, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spazzyfry123

I just ordered the Samsung Galaxy Watch (the first, not the 3 - prefer the styling of the original) with Bluetooth only and in 42mm size. I estimate my wrist circumference to be about 18.4 - 18.7 cm and think the 46mm would be just a little too big. I've got a 45mm mechanical that I never wear because, while it really does seem like it fits well, it just looks out of place.

The 42mm looks to be out of stock everywhere, but found it at Target for $220. Walmart had it for $160, but out of stock in black - Target price matched against the Rose Gold and should be here next week. Sure seems like a lot of watch for $160. Will be my first smart watch, and I'm still on the fence. Hope I like it.

Thanks again for the suggestions. The Galaxy really does look to be the best I've found for my needs. Completely overlooked them assuming they wouldn't be compatible with an iPhone.

That's exactly the watch I have. The 42mm Galaxy watch. Download the Facer app to get a lot of cool free and buyable watch faces.

tcphoto · 12-03-2020, 01:35 PM

I am not a watch guy, I simply don’t like wearing anything on my wrist. But, I bought an Apple Watch so I can get feedback on my runs and it’s much easier than an iPhone in an armband.

spazzyfry123 · 12-03-2020, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G3min1

That's exactly the watch I have. The 42mm Galaxy watch. Download the Facer app to get a lot of cool free and buyable watch faces.

Nice! We can be Galaxy bros in Tally. I’m out on the east side in horse country towards Miccosukee.

Nivarox · 12-03-2020, 11:08 PM

I was once interested in Garmin Titanium Smart Watch but I thought it wouldn't be a smart way for me shelling out a hefty money spent on it lol

neverdone · 12-04-2020, 11:33 AM

I had the Tag Connect for a while and it was cool for a bit, but I just felt like I looked at my watch way too much, might as well look at my phone.

GenXer · 12-08-2020, 11:37 AM

I have a Rolex GMT and an Omega Speedmaster but I'm also a fan of the Apple Watch. My latest one is a 42mm space grey stainless steel cellular. It's a waterproof phone/watch.

The first one I bought was a space grey aluminum. After about 2 years the glue on the crystal gave and the crystal just popped out.

The next one I want is 44mm gold stainless steel 6 series where the display is constantly on.

G3min1 · 12-09-2020, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spazzyfry123

Nice! We can be Galaxy bros in Tally. I’m out on the east side in horse country towards Miccosukee.

Haha That's awesome! I'm closer to midtown near Thomasville road and the 4rivers bbq place.

TKDbilly · 02-07-2021, 11:32 AM

One of my two Bremonts; both are tied to racing/cars; this one, the IONBird relates to Rolls-Royce

Glen e · 02-07-2021, 11:43 AM

I have a brightling navitimer for a dress watch and wear an Apple Watch6 for my day-to-day activities. The Apple Watch recently saved me from a major health problem and maybe my life. I am 70 years old and in good shape, People constantly tell me I look 55. I was sitting watching TV with no symptoms, when my heart for no good reason went into afib. I couldn’t feel it, I couldn’t tell, but my watch started dinging like crazy and telling me I was in afib. Knowing afib can cause clots and stroke, I went down to the ER and indeed I was in Afib.They immediately admitted me to the cardiac wing and the next morning, I had a cardioversion shock treatment which put me back to normal, the cardiologist said he really believed in the watch, and believed it helped beat the stroke/damage. I’m a believer. Whatever smartwatch you buy, if you’re over 55, get one that monitors your health functions, they work.

evil-G-nius · 02-09-2021, 02:07 AM

I have a Hybrid Smart Watch from Skagen and I like it.

They just released a new Hybrid HR watch that I like too. Fully customizable, weather, activity tracker, heart rate monitor, multiple time zones, social media alerts and more.

I noticed in all of these watch posts I have never seen anyone mention Skagen. They are SUPER reasonable, classy and very clean designs and I love em

oVeRdOsE. · 04-14-2021, 09:49 AM

more review, is it worth it?

I dont have any watch, I mean no more. I had a Stuhrling one, beautiful, but -dead-on-arrival-, Stuhrling was charging me 50$usd to (paid 200$cad) ; send it, repair and reship. YES for a DOA article.Still arguing with them since 2019!!!!!! Still didnt received it.

Back to topic, saw this one, launching today, seems very nice for the price, 199$ cad.

wondering if its a gimmic, or can be useful based on real smart watch user

https://www.oneplus.com/ca_en/product/oneplus-watch

11-30-2020, 02:38 PM	#1
spazzyfry123 Lieutenant Colonel 4826 Rep 1,941 Posts Drives: Here and There Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: North Georgia Mountains iTrader: (1) Garage List 98 Lexus LS400 [10.00] 16 Toyota Land Cruiser [10.00] 97 Toyota Land Cruiser [8.33] 11 BMW E90 M3 Stripper [10.00]	Smart Watches I realize this will probably be a dark topic amongst the serious real watches in this forum, but they are still watches, right? I've been considering a smart watch for a variety of reasons, but I'm really not interested in the shape of the Apple. I much prefer a round watch. I really like the look of the Garmin Fenix line. That said, I have an iPhone (and probably always will as long as I continue to work at my company - iPhones are mandatory for our software uses), so would I be locked into using an Apple Watch? If no, what other options are on the table? For me, my phone is typically in my pocket, and I find my hands are preoccupied more than not. I can see the benefit of glancing down at my watch to see who is calling or texting to determine if I need to stop what I'm doing and answer. Sounds very 21st century, and believe me, I'm against this type of stuff. But if it can be beneficial and make me more efficient, why not? Further, my hobbies generally include outside. Camping, hiking, "overlanding" as it's called now, cycling and mountain biking... The Garmin looks to be in tune with a lot of my stuff, but I'm concerned that it won't fully work with Apple (seems to be geared towards Android?). So what's everyone using out there? What do you like, what don't you like?
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11-30-2020, 03:41 PM	#2
porshah Lieutenant 201 Rep 597 Posts Drives: M4, R8, Huracan - All topdown Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Fairfield, NJ iTrader: (5) Garage List 2018 Audi R8 V10 Sp ... [0.00] 2021 BMW 330e xDrive [0.00] 2017 Lamborghini Hu ... [9.50] 2016 BMW M4 Convert ... [0.00]	I am a big mechanical watch addict, but I have owned an Apple watch since it was launched. It is definitely great for the things you mentioned. For me the additional benefits of the smart watch are - workouts and sports. For example, Apple Watch (and others may also do the same, but I have not experience) allows you to sync music from your phone so that when you are at the gym (or anywhere) you can leave your phone in your locker and play music from your watch onto bluetooth headphones. I also use it for Golf. I have an app that gives me yardage on the golf course so that I can easily glance at my watch without needing the phone. These are just some of the benefits. I am sure others will chime in. Hope this helps in your decision.
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11-30-2020, 05:43 PM	#3
Mason Hatcher Captain 1142 Rep 705 Posts Drives: BMW X3 Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: FW-TX iTrader: (0)	The Samsung Galaxy watches are compatible with iOS 9.0 and above, iPhone 5 and above. The are round faced and look pretty sharp too.
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11-30-2020, 06:13 PM	#5
Mason Hatcher Captain 1142 Rep 705 Posts Drives: BMW X3 Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: FW-TX iTrader: (0)	I have the Samsung Watch. I believe it is the third version. I upgraded from a Frontier S3. I kept the S3 and wear it when working in the yard, running, etc. I have a nice leather band on the new one. https://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/we...m-r800nzsaxar/ I have had this less than 2 years, but the new one looks tempting with the trade in discount. I love these watches. I have not had one problem except that the battery life started getting short on the Frontier. I wear the new one for days before I need a charge.
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11-30-2020, 08:19 PM	#7
DanG Major General 11406 Rep 7,130 Posts Drives: 2018 M2 AW DCT Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Seattle, WA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2018 BMW M2 [7.95]	I have a Garmin 830 and it works great with my iPhone. Text messages appear on the screen while I am riding.
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12-01-2020, 09:00 AM	#8
Bongoxxx Lieutenant 819 Rep 542 Posts Drives: 2018 340 XDrive Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Courtice, Ontario iTrader: (0)	I have an Apple Watch as my daily watch. Love that I can just leave my phone and do most of what I need on the watch if I want to. Use it for sports/activity tracking and as mentioned great for golf for yardage and score keeping. Previously I had a garmin and switched to the Apple for more useable phone features (responding to texts, answering calls when the phone isn’t handy etc.) My wife has a garmin vivoactive and loves it. Gives her all the notifications she wants and decides if she needs to answer on her phone or not. She also uses it to track activity and golf. I find the gps on the garmin is more accurate than on the Apple Watch. The only thing I hate about the Apple Watch is the battery life. I usually get 1.5 days, much less if you use the gps. Some say, just charge it every night, but I like to track my sleep and heart rate etc. The garmin she gets anywhere from 4-7 days on a charge depending on activity and it charges much faster then the Apple. __________________ Current: 2023 Volvo XC60 B6 Ultimate Thunder Grey on Blonde Polestar Enhanced Previous: 2018 340 xDrive M-Sport Mineral Grey Previous: 2016 328 xDrive Alpine White Last edited by Bongoxxx; 12-01-2020 at 12:54 PM..
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12-01-2020, 09:26 AM	#9
DocL Captain 2085 Rep 940 Posts Drives: 2018 M3 Comp 6spd Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: Delray Beach iTrader: (2)	I have a collection of high end watches and stopped wearing them once I got the Samsung Galaxy Frontier S3 smartwatch. It syncs up perfectly with the Samsung phones. It will work with the iPhone platform, but some of the functions won't be available. You'll have to look it up. I like it best for paying for things without having to use a physical card. I uploaded the two debit cards I mostly use and that's it. I also like being able to switch faces and there are ton available. __________________ 2018 F80 M3. YMB/BLK. ZCP. Three Pedals. "Education will never be as expensive as ignorance."
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12-03-2020, 10:45 AM	#10
spazzyfry123 Lieutenant Colonel 4826 Rep 1,941 Posts Drives: Here and There Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: North Georgia Mountains iTrader: (1) Garage List 98 Lexus LS400 [10.00] 16 Toyota Land Cruiser [10.00] 97 Toyota Land Cruiser [8.33] 11 BMW E90 M3 Stripper [10.00]	I just ordered the Samsung Galaxy Watch (the first, not the 3 - prefer the styling of the original) with Bluetooth only and in 42mm size. I estimate my wrist circumference to be about 18.4 - 18.7 cm and think the 46mm would be just a little too big. I've got a 45mm mechanical that I never wear because, while it really does seem like it fits well, it just looks out of place. The 42mm looks to be out of stock everywhere, but found it at Target for $220. Walmart had it for $160, but out of stock in black - Target price matched against the Rose Gold and should be here next week. Sure seems like a lot of watch for $160. Will be my first smart watch, and I'm still on the fence. Hope I like it. Thanks again for the suggestions. The Galaxy really does look to be the best I've found for my needs. Completely overlooked them assuming they wouldn't be compatible with an iPhone.
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12-03-2020, 11:00 AM	#11
bvrider1 Captain 359 Rep 807 Posts Drives: e90 m3 + f80 zcp Join Date: May 2016 Location: 3rdCoast iTrader: (4)	Garmin 935 is what I use but I run a lot and enjoy the metrics it provides. I think it looks good too.
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12-03-2020, 01:35 PM	#13
tcphoto Brigadier General 4110 Rep 3,230 Posts Drives: E92 335i 6MT Coupe Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Nashville, TN iTrader: (1)	I am not a watch guy, I simply don’t like wearing anything on my wrist. But, I bought an Apple Watch so I can get feedback on my runs and it’s much easier than an iPhone in an armband. __________________
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12-03-2020, 11:08 PM	#15
Nivarox Quadrex 1115 Rep 1,432 Posts Drives: W212 Mercedes=Benz E Class Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Close To German Car Dealer iTrader: (0)	I was once interested in Garmin Titanium Smart Watch but I thought it wouldn't be a smart way for me shelling out a hefty money spent on it lol __________________
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12-04-2020, 11:33 AM	#16
neverdone Major 331 Rep 1,399 Posts Drives: X5, 335, Ford Lightning, 63 me Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: calgary iTrader: (0)	I had the Tag Connect for a while and it was cool for a bit, but I just felt like I looked at my watch way too much, might as well look at my phone.
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12-08-2020, 11:37 AM	#17
GenXer Major 1393 Rep 1,031 Posts Drives: Like a bat out of hell. Join Date: Apr 2019 Location: here and there iTrader: (0) Garage List 2017 Chevrolet Volt [0.00] 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe [0.00]	I have a Rolex GMT and an Omega Speedmaster but I'm also a fan of the Apple Watch. My latest one is a 42mm space grey stainless steel cellular. It's a waterproof phone/watch. The first one I bought was a space grey aluminum. After about 2 years the glue on the crystal gave and the crystal just popped out. The next one I want is 44mm gold stainless steel 6 series where the display is constantly on.
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02-07-2021, 11:32 AM	#19
TKDbilly Private (and reserved, existential) 8788 Rep 120 Posts Drives: 2020 X3M40i; 2001 Z3 Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: Evergreen, CO iTrader: (0) Garage List 2001 Z3 [0.00] 2020 X3 M40i [0.00]	One of my two Bremonts; both are tied to racing/cars; this one, the IONBird relates to Rolls-Royce Attached Images
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02-07-2021, 11:43 AM	#20
Glen e Retired from BMWNA 199 Rep 184 Posts Drives: ‘21 X2 m35i Join Date: Nov 2020 Location: Fort Lauderdale iTrader: (0)	I have a brightling navitimer for a dress watch and wear an Apple Watch6 for my day-to-day activities. The Apple Watch recently saved me from a major health problem and maybe my life. I am 70 years old and in good shape, People constantly tell me I look 55. I was sitting watching TV with no symptoms, when my heart for no good reason went into afib. I couldn’t feel it, I couldn’t tell, but my watch started dinging like crazy and telling me I was in afib. Knowing afib can cause clots and stroke, I went down to the ER and indeed I was in Afib.They immediately admitted me to the cardiac wing and the next morning, I had a cardioversion shock treatment which put me back to normal, the cardiologist said he really believed in the watch, and believed it helped beat the stroke/damage. I’m a believer. Whatever smartwatch you buy, if you’re over 55, get one that monitors your health functions, they work. __________________ Glen Ft Lauderdale '23 228i GC Last edited by Glen e; 02-09-2021 at 05:45 AM..
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02-09-2021, 02:07 AM	#21
evil-G-nius Broke A$$ Super Hero 2244 Rep 248 Posts Drives: Infiniti G37 S Coupe Join Date: Jan 2021 Location: PSL Florida iTrader: (0)	I have a Hybrid Smart Watch from Skagen and I like it. They just released a new Hybrid HR watch that I like too. Fully customizable, weather, activity tracker, heart rate monitor, multiple time zones, social media alerts and more. I noticed in all of these watch posts I have never seen anyone mention Skagen. They are SUPER reasonable, classy and very clean designs and I love em
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04-14-2021, 09:49 AM	#22
oVeRdOsE. Colonel 3535 Rep 2,019 Posts Drives: F25 E91 Audi Avnt E90 Cayenne Join Date: May 2018 Location: mtl iTrader: (0)	more review, is it worth it? I dont have any watch, I mean no more. I had a Stuhrling one, beautiful, but -dead-on-arrival-, Stuhrling was charging me 50$usd to (paid 200$cad) ; send it, repair and reship. YES for a DOA article.Still arguing with them since 2019!!!!!! Still didnt received it. Back to topic, saw this one, launching today, seems very nice for the price, 199$ cad. wondering if its a gimmic, or can be useful based on real smart watch user https://www.oneplus.com/ca_en/product/oneplus-watch
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