Top critical review
1.0 out of 5 starsI really wanted to like this watch, but...
Reviewed in the United States on January 22, 2017
***Second edit***
After my last review, the fogging issue became worse, almost to the point where I couldn't read the hands of the watch anymore. I contacted customer support again, and they instructed me to return the watch for a replacement. The return process was simple, and I had a new watch in a couple of days. However, the fogging began on the new watch almost immediately. I have basically stopped using this watch as it fogs up constantly now (I live in Florida, and the watch just can't handle going from a cool, dry, air conditioned interior to a warm, humid exterior without going opaque).
Another issue I found extremely annoying was trying to recharge the watch. I had to fidget for extended periods to get the charger to line up correctly and start the charging. It is a good thing that the battery does seem to last a long time because if I had to do this every couple of days, I would have given up a long time ago.
I really wanted to like this watch. I want a fitness tracker, but I also don't want it to look like a gadget. The watch is beautiful. Just wish it was better made.
***Edit to original review***
I have dropped the review down to three stars. Still like it, and 90% of the time I don't have any issues. However, I have noticed that the inside of the face fogs up when going from a colder environment to a warm one. Seeing that I live in Florida and we've had a mild winter, I didn't think this would be much of an issue, but it has happened several times. Fog dissipates after returning to the normal environment, but it does cloud up the face. I contacted Withings and they said this was nothing to be concerned with. That said, I have never had a watch that did this.
Received the 40mm version of this watch for Christmas. I previously used the Withings Go, so I was already familiar with the app, but wanted something that looked more professional to wear in the office. My thoughts after wearing this watch for the last month: I love it.
Pros: It is a very good looking watch. And I use the word "watch" purposefully - it looks like a watch, not a fitness tracker. The step counter seems to be spot on, and I have tested it while manually counting the steps, and it was always very close to my counts (and quite honestly, I think the watch was correct - I don't trust my concentration that much and find myself forgetting what number I was on as I was counting). Heart rate sensor seems to be good, and registers my heart rate even when the watch slips down on my arm (Withings recommends you wear it above the wrist bone). I never thought that I wanted a smart watch, but I do find it beneficial to be able to glance down at my watch to see what text message just came in and whether I should get the phone out to read the text (for example, news from my favorite hockey team) or if I can leave it in my pocket (e.g., my wife). Finally, the battery life estimates are pretty good - I've only had the watch on the charger once in the month that I've had it.
Cons: I'm not a huge fan of the band that comes with the watch. It is a rubbery band, and in the humidity of central FL, my wrist gets very sweaty under the band. But since this is a standard watch setup, the band would be easy to change and customize. The only other minor con is the activity recognition. My main two forms of exercise are walking (which it does an excellent job recognizing) and rowing on an indoor rower. The watch doesn't recognize rowing, and stores at as walking. Simple fix to go into the app and switch the activity from walking to rowing though.
All in all, I love the watch. I also have the Withings scale and thermometer, and I love how all these connect into the app to show a more thorough picture of your health.
