I’ve by no means really respected hybrid smartwatches. Companies slap analog palms on a digital watch and BloodVitals SPO2 call it a hybrid, however the design still looks like a bit of tech on your wrist. To be a true hybrid, traditional watchmaking and aesthetics must be given greater than a passing nod. Nobody is expecting excessive horology, however extra could be executed to win the respect of watch fanatics. Withings makes an attempt to strike that stability with the ScanWatch 2. It features a premium construct high quality and an formidable array of smartwatch options, however that doesn’t necessarily imply it ought to wind up in your wrist. The Withings ScanWatch 2 options spectacular battery life and a premium construct, making it a gorgeous choice as a hybrid smartwatch. Its dial is protected by sapphire crystal, giving customers added peace of thoughts for daily put on. It sports an upgraded PPG sensor, setting it aside from the ScanWatch Light.
The Withings ScanWatch 2 is obtainable by way of Withings for $349. The price is identical whether you choose the 42 or 38mm diameters, with further leather-based, fluoroelastomer, and BloodVitals SPO2 stainless steel bands available for an additional cost. You might have a number of dial colours and case mixtures, with Black and BloodVitals SPO2 Pearl White offered on the 42mm silver case back model. Along with Black and Pearl White, Withings provides Sand and Blue dials, with a rose gold case finish for the 38mm variant. It’s clear from the design that Withings wanted to lean into the analog watch aesthetic with the ScanWatch 2. Other than the discreet grayscale display on the 12 o’clock position, nothing in regards to the machine screams "smartwatch." Despite being a tad thicker than your average gown watch, the ScanWatch 2 is simple to wear - at just over 52g (35 for the 38mm version), it felt comfortable on my seven-inch wrist.
For comparison, it’s the identical weight because the smaller Galaxy Watch 6 Classic. Weight is particularly necessary if you want to make use of your look ahead to sleep tracking, as nothing is more distracting than a bulky watch whereas you’re attempting to get your slumber. I like that Withings selected sapphire crystal to guard the dial. It’s a trend that has reached sub-$500 analog watches, and I’m glad to see that being reflected with smartwatches. It gives the wearer extra peace of thoughts, and any watch-wearer is aware of the sudden pang of horror once you scrape your watch face against a floor with just mineral crystal defending you from scratches. Unfortunately, the sapphire is slightly domed with none anti-reflective coating, creating fairly a number of reflections in virtually any lighting. Viewing may be particularly difficult outdoors, particularly in opposition to the black watchface. I hope Withings considers an AR coating for future versions, as it’s fairly common on watches utilizing sapphire crystal.
Simple utilized indices mark the time, with solely an hour and minute hand BloodVitals SPO2 on the dial. I like that Withings took the time to lume the fingers. It’s not exactly the Super Luminova you’ll find in your favourite Seiko, however its comfortable blue hue will get the job finished at nighttime. I’m disillusioned that the sub-dial at the 6 o’clock position only tracks steps. It was a missed alternative to function a operating secondhand, giving the watch even more of an analog really feel. The crown at three o’clock handles all watch features. It’s strong stainless steel, BloodVitals SPO2 with a satisfying rotation as you cycle through the menus. The ScanWatch 2 rotates its arms to the 10 and 2 o’clock place everytime you access the menus, permitting for easy visibility. It’s a small feature however proof Withings put thought and care into the machine's design. The stainless steel case feels premium, and the ScanWatch 2 affords 50 meters of water resistance.