You might already know know our feelings on smartwatches, it’s both a good and a bad thing that the term smartwatch can encompass just about anything these days, with brands both large and small looking to find their niche. If you’re going to get one, at least get something useful. Here’s our pick of the most interesting new releases of the moment…
Nokia Heart Rate & Activity
Remember when everyone was impressed that your watch could count your steps? We’ve come so far since then. The Nokia Heart Rate & Activity Watch uses enhanced activity tracking, so it will know if you’re playing ping pong or volleyball and adjusts its stats accordingly.
For really accurate readings, splash out on the Body + Composition Wi-Fi Scale too, which gives you body composition readings (body fat and water percentages and muscle and bone mass) for accurate feedback straight to your smartphone.
Price: 40mm Black Steel HR £169.95 / The Body+ £89.95; www.johnlewis.com; nokia.com
Casio Pro Trek
Casio’s just-released Pro Trek Smart Watch boasts offline colour maps and low-power GPS, making it the ideal companion for outdoor adventures as you won’t need to worry about low signal. Map data is easy to read and well thought-out – a location memory app lets you customise maps with markers and notes, and the addition of Google’s Wear OS means you can add the apps relevant to your interests.
Price: £349; wsd.casio.com
Kronaby Apex
There’s paying with your watch, then there’s paying with your… strap. Swedish brand Kronaby’s collaboration with bPay (Barclaycards’ wearable payments) means their connected watches come with contactless payments straps. Wherever you see the contactless symbol, you can make an easy payment under £30. The watches look pretty good too, which is always a bit of a bonus.
Price: £545; kronaby.com
Breitling Exospace B55 Yachting
Breitling’s connected chronographs have proved extremely useful, and their latest model, the Exospace B55 Yachting, has just as many handy features as its predecessors. An electronic tachymeter, chrono-flight and the ability to memorise departure and arrival times, will make it a useful piece of kit for budding yachtsmen.
Price: £5,810; breitling.com
Hublot Big Bang Referee 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™
Hublot’s contribution to smartwatch territory, the Big Bang Referee 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia, is a must-have for football fans. It will instantly connect you to every match in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, meaning you won’t miss a single second of the excitement. With a titanium case and bezel goal line technology, it’s one of the more stylish (and expensive) choices out there.
Price: £4,300; hublot.com
