'Fitness' watch recommendation.

[biggbn]

I have become interested of getting a rough guide to how much I actually do in a day and how much my exercise roughly burns off. I usually use my phone on my walks or runs but it's a bit of a pain taking a big bulky phone everywhere so for the first time I'm looking at one of these 'smart' watches.

Now, I see Garmin, G Force and everything below and above their respective, hugely varied price levels. So what do I NEED? Well, a solid, hard wearing watch is a gimme, I am hard on watches etc..., which is why I haven't worn one for years. An ability to play music would be nice. Step monitor, heart monitor and perhaps an ability to change between weights/running/walking and cycling would be good. I have an irregular heartbeat so any readings I get may well be all over the place but an ability to measure average heartbeat would be good. I'd pay between £100 and £200 which I appreciate is likely at the bottom end of the market but my needs are pretty basic, so basic and reliable would be fine.

Suggestions?

[Mammasaid]

If you're an android user, you should be able to pick up a Pixel Watch 2 for ~ £200 (Lots being sold after being given with the Pixel 8 Pro).

Does everything you want plus a lot more, Google Pay, WhatsApp, etc.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_n...

Only downside is that like the iWatches it needs daily charging.

If you're an Apple user, the Watch 7 is within your budget.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_t...

[justin220]

I'd go for whatever model syncs best with your phone.

I've got a galaxy fold and similar to you, far too bulky to take on a run. The Samsung Galaxy watch is brilliant. Works really well

[RizzoTheRat]

Garmin's website has a feature selector so you can look at which watches do the things you want. Thier Vivoactive and Venu ranges are the less sports focused versions.

If you want something that looks more like a conventional watch but includes some smart watch features like step tracking, Withings look good but I think start about £250

[tommysport]

Fitbits are pretty good - I have an older versa model and battery life is 4 days or more and does everything I need it to! Android.

[simon_harris]

decide what you want - do you want a fitness band or a smart watch?

If a smart watch I'd spend a bit more and get something that will last and perform (I'm currently on a garmin venu 2) but i've had fitbits (more fitness band end) and Withings (more conventional watch end)

the Garmin can do much more than I am using it for but for me it rides the line between looking like a watch and being good at fitness band functionality better than my withinings did.

[biggbn]

I want a watch that does the things I mentioned.

[simon_harris]

Then I think the first reply probably is the best bet at your budget

[Harry H]

biggbn said:

I want a watch that does the things I mentioned.

As has been already asked. What operating system is running on your phone.

[AC43]

biggbn said:

I want a watch that does the things I mentioned.

I have a Fitbit Versa, does what you want.

[biggbn]

Harry H said:

biggbn said:

I want a watch that does the things I mentioned.

As has been already asked. What operating system is running on your phone.

Android. Sorry for late reply, working all day

Edited by biggbn on Tuesday 31st October 18:26

[J4CKO]

I like my Apple Watch, bought the posh one as the screen is easier for aging eyes

[biggbn]

simon_harris said:

Then I think the first reply probably is the best bet at your budget

Had a look at that suggestion, don't like it. I'm a fussy bugger.

[biggbn]

Thanks for all the replies. On reflection, I don't think it's something I want to invest a few hundred quid in and I'd rather have a decent watch than a fitness tracker type one. I'll continienusimg my cumbersome five year old phone to track my walks and runs, play my music, record my calories...I guess I'll know if I have a significant problem with my heartbeat!!

[Mammasaid]

If you're not wanting to go full smartwatch, then the Honor Band is a good cheap alternative.

It does 90% of what a smartwatch does for 20% of the cost.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/HONOR-Band-Large-screen-P...

https://www.hihonor.com/uk/wearables/honor-band-7/

[biggbn]

Mammasaid said:

If you're not wanting to go full smartwatch, then the Honor Band is a good cheap alternative.

It does 90% of what a smartwatch does for 20% of the cost.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/HONOR-Band-Large-screen-P...

https://www.hihonor.com/uk/wearables/honor-band-7/

Thanks man, I really don't like that sort of thing on my wrist but thanks for the suggestion. I'm gonna leave it for now, perhaps buy a 'decent' cheap watch like an Eddifice or something. ....or dig out my old faithful cheapo and get it fixed again!!

[craigthecoupe]

Second hand garmin fenix 3 saphire hr.
I'm selling mine as its just too big for my weedy wrists. Bomb proof watch, i'd say the glass is almost unscratchable, does everythoing you need, and loads more. I am struggling to justify the jump to a 6s (smaller size) as i just want a fenix 3 in a 45mm diameter. lasts a week or more as just a watch, honestly surpassed my expectation.

edit: just saw music in your requirements, that's something it doesn't have.

Edited by craigthecoupe on Wednesday 1st November 10:58

[GilletteFan]

If you have an iPhone, get an Apple Watch. Previous models are for sale on most classifieds. They will track what you want with the exception of weights.

[JQ]

For those with Apple Watches how long does your battery last and how long does it take to recharge?

I'm a huge Apple fanboy, but can't get past the battery life. My Garmin will last 4/5 days without a charge and takes 30 mins to fully charge.

Edited by JQ on Wednesday 1st November 11:52

[angrymotor]

I have a Garmin 645 Music

Seems to tick all your boxes - steps, HR, GPS, Sptofy integration, etc. I have worn it daily for the last year or so and it looks like any other watch really. My wife has a bright turquoise version which does scream 'fitness'!

RRP is apparently £350 but I got mine second hand off Facebook or eBay (can't remember which) for ~£100 so didn't break the bank