We all love traditional watches. Whether they are in digital or analog format, they are classy, sophisticated and serve their purpose of telling time well.
But smart watches are gaining in popularity as they have functions that go beyond timekeeping. For the modern busy woman and man, the fact that it provides notifications, tracks your steps and heart rate, allows you to reply to messages and answer calls, pay for things, listen to music and set alarms, and more, makes it an irresistible and value-for-money tool. If you need help in organising and improving your hectic lifestyle, smartwatches are the way of the future.
We’ve rounded up six different smartwatches — from the Apple Watch to Garmin and Louis Vuitton — you need to get on your wrist right now.
For the outdoor adventurer: Garmin
Garmin Fenix 5x Plus, S$1,299, Lazada
If you love getting lost outdoors in nature, Garmin’s GPS technology-based wearables are a must for you — especially this Garmin fenix 5X Plus smartwatch. Equipped with TOPO mapping and navigation features, the preloaded map allows you to locate where you are and ensure that while you’re in the midst of your trail running, you’ll still be able to find your way back home. The watch also allows you to download and store music via Spotify so you can connect wirelessly and listen on the go.
For the fashionista:: Apple Watch x Hermes
Apple Watch Hermes stainless steel case, S$2,059, Apple
Everyone’s heard of the Apple Watch. But if you really want to step ahead of the pack and show off your style, go for the collaboration with Hermes instead. We’re liking this colourway in particular, because it comes with leather and sport band straps made in the orange shade that’s emblematic of the French luxury label. The interchangeable straps make the watch versatile to suit different occasions and get the usual functionalities of the smartwatch, including notification alerts, fitness tracking and of course, Siri.
For the health-conscious: Fitbit
Fitbit Versa, S$308, Lazada
Fitbit has made a name for itself through its wearable technology that helps wearers track their health metrics and reach their fitness goals. The Fitbit Versa comes in a form of watch while also allowing you track the usual daily performance such as the number of steps you took, calories burned, resting heart rate and how much deep sleep you got at night. You can take part in the guided breathing sessions, store music on your watch, change your clock faces and more. You can even log your period cycles onto the Fitbit app on your mobile device and the watch will notify you when you’re ovulating — especially useful for those trying to get pregnant.
For the Android users: Samsung Galaxy Watch
Samsung Galaxy Smart Watch, price available in store
Apple users have their Apple Watch while Samsung and Android users can connect to their Samsung Galaxy Watch. Connect it to your phone via the accompanying apps such as the Samsung Health app and the watch can become a tracker for various indicators such as your heart rate, sleep and calories burned. Plus, you can leave your wallet and phone at home and use the Samsung Pay feature to make a purchase. You can also set its display to show at all times, so you don’t have to press any buttons or flip your wrist to see the time. Finally, like many smart watches in the market, you can tweak the modern, chic aesthetic of the watch by changing your straps to suit your daily outfit changes.
For the minimalist: Skagen
Skagen Falster 2, S$509, Zalora
Skagen is a Danish watchmaker that’s known for capturing that minimalist and sleek aesthetic that we commonly associate with Scandinavian countries. So it comes as no surprise that this contemporary style is present in its smartwatch Falster 2 as well. The smartwatch connects to your mobile via the Wear OS by Google app, and has functions such as heart rate and step tracker and alert notification. It doesn’t track your sleep, however. Perfect for those who like an understated look, the Falster 2 has interchangeable straps as well, such as leather, so you can swop out this elegant magnetic mesh seen here if you prefer a different vibe.
For the highbrow
Louis Vuitton Tambour Horizon, price available in store
Whoever said that smartwatches aren’t suitable for black-tie events obviously hasn’t seen this sparkling Louis Vuitton creation. This gorgeous piece sports a clean white slate printed with the brand’s signature monogram and is finished with 34 pieces of diamond. We reckon this will look stunning with silver jewellery when worn with a black velvet gown. But beyond its aesthetics, this pretty smartwatch is powered with Google’s Wear OS technology and also connects to the label’s City Guides — a travel catalogue that allow you to locate recommended sights whether you’re in Tokyo, Beijing or London. Pretty handy for the global jetsetter.
