Stylish smartwatches actually worth investing in
Considering leaving your mechanical timepiece behind for something more high-tech? Find a smartwatch packed with features you’ll actually use
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Sure, the fine mechanical technology of a classic dress watch or a robust dive watch is alluring, and for watch purists, the idea of strapping on a smartwatch instead of a Patek or Jaeger-LeCoultre may be appalling. But if it hasn’t become clear by now, let us be the ones to tell you, smartwatches are more than just a passing fad.
The first edition of the Apple Watch was released in 2015, bringing with it a tidal wave of devices foregoing the mechanical whirring of gears and springs for the pings of a touch screen, in the process carving an ever-growing niche in the horological market. And, while early smartwatches were good gym companions thanks to their health and fitness tracking capabilities, over the years the technology and computing power in these tiny machines have flourished to give you access to advanced health data, emails, messages, GPS, and even contactless payment all on your wrist.
But, the complex features of smartwatches don’t mean you can’t still choose style when it comes to your timepiece. While brands like Apple, Samsung, Google, and Fitbit have infused their futuristic designs with sleek profiles, more traditional, elegant offerings come from heritage watchmakers like Tag Heuer and Montblanc. Ready to take the plunge? Read on for the best smartwatches to buy in 2023.
Tag Heuer Stainless Steel Connected Calibre E4 Smartwatch
Tag Heuer made history in 2015 by introducing the Connected, the first-ever Swiss-made smartwatch. Combining the finesse of Swiss watchmaking with cutting-edge technology, the latest generation Connected Calibre E4 comes in a classic Tag Heuer stainless steel case with a black rubber strap. The sleek watch is compatible with both Andriod and iOS operating systems and offers highly optimised health and fitness data. With a full-day battery life and pre-installed features including sports and wellness aids, this is the perfect luxury sports watch.
Montblanc Summit smartwatch
With a blackened titanium case, rubber straps, and a dial that displays Montblanc’s signature Geosphere design, the Summit 3 can easily pass for a classic watch. But the durable titanium design is powered by Google’s Wear 3.0 operating system to provide health data and seamless smartphone integration. Sleek and lightweight, you’ll be reaching for this design for everything from a day at the office to a marathon training session.
Apple Watch Series 9
No smartwatch guide is complete without an Apple Watch. The industry leader (it commands 59 per cent of the global smartwatch market) is now in its ninth edition which, if you’re ready for an upgrade, is brimming with fresh new features. In addition to being a seamless extension of your phone, allowing you to answer calls, messages, and emails, it introduces a Double Tap feature where you can literally tap your fingers together to perform certain tasks. Equipped with a brighter display, the watch features health insights that include blood oxygen, sleep, and heart rate monitors among others. Packed in a stainless steel case with a silver Milanese loop strap, this is the ideal everyday smartwatch.
Kingsman x Tag Heuer Connected Modular smartwatch
Made for the special agents in the Kingsman film franchise, this is a watch designed to survive underwater adventures and high-octane fights so you know it’ll withstand your everyday life with ease. The titanium and ceramic case is water-resistant and comes with an Android Wear 2.0 operating system. The screen display is customisable with over 30 preloaded styles while the strap options include a rubber-backed brown leather and an orange alcantara iteration. Whether you’re wearing it at the gym or embarking on a secret mission, this is a hugely stylish option.
Google Pixel Watch 2
Bringing together the best of Google and Fitbit, the Google Pixel Watch 2 is a great all-round smartwatch. Encased in 100 per cent recycled aluminium with a domed display and black rubber straps, the lighter redesign of the Google Pixel features advanced heart rate and skin temperature tracking. Apart from being a great workout companion, the Pixel Watch 2 also offers a plethora of Google apps, including Gmail, Calendar and Google Wallet, to make your life easy and well-connected.
Fitbit Versa 3 health and fitness smartwatch
If your smartwatch needs are mainly health and wellness focused, you can’t go wrong with a Fitbit. The Fitbit Versa 3 comes with a sleek square dial and midnight blue straps, as well as a whopping six-day battery life and stellar water resistance, which means you can track your laps around the pool. With on-screen workout coaching, heart rate and sleep trackers, and goal-based sports modes, this is the smartwatch that’ll help you hit that next PB.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 is the kind of smartwatch that looks chic despite being miles away from an analogue watch. A gorgeous round gold aluminium case comes with neutral-toned silicone straps. With up to 16GB of storage, the watch shines brightest when paired with a Samsung phone, allowing you to access health data and make calls with ease.
Read more: The best men’s watches for under £500
