ZDNET’s key takeaways
During Cyber Week, the Withings ScanWatch Nova is available for $510, offering buyers an opportunity to acquire a premium hybrid smartwatch at a somewhat reduced price. This sophisticated timepiece seamlessly fuses the functionality of contemporary health technology with the refined charm of a traditional analog watch. Equipped with a remarkable one‑month battery life, this model is engineered to withstand water pressure up to 10 ATM, making it suitable for swimming and other aquatic activities. Its most appealing aspect, however, lies in the comprehensive range of health‑monitoring features that encompass numerous wellness metrics.
A subscription plan priced at approximately $10 per month is required to unlock the most advanced analytical features, a model comparable to other health‑tracking ecosystems. Furthermore, potential buyers should note that the watch is offered in a single 42‑millimeter case size, ensuring design uniformity but limiting personalization for those who prefer either smaller or larger dimensions.
Monitoring and maintaining cardiac health begins with the systematic collection of metrics such as heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and sleep quality. Yet, interpreting these numbers and turning them into meaningful insights often proves far more complex than the act of simply gathering data. Over the last several weeks, I have been closely examining the Withings ScanWatch Nova, the latest addition to the brand’s celebrated hybrid smartwatch line. My experience with it has demonstrated how this particular model transforms vast datasets into practical, actionable insights, guiding me toward more informed health decisions.
The Withings brand has long been recognized for creating health‑centric wearables that emulate the appearance of classic luxury wristwatches rather than sporty or overly digital designs. Although I do not typically wear jewelry, I have always appreciated well‑crafted timepieces. The ScanWatch Nova satisfies that aesthetic interest with its polished analog face and premium materials, while still housing an impressive suite of advanced sensors and wellness algorithms beneath its elegant exterior. In essence, this smartwatch allows me to enjoy the professional sophistication of a mechanical watch without sacrificing modern conveniences such as fitness tracking and real‑time health data collection.
Essentially, the ScanWatch Nova represents a more luxurious iteration of the company’s popular ScanWatch 2. While both models share similar internal hardware and core capabilities, the Nova distinguishes itself through its design and included accessories. Buyers receive both a resilient stainless‑steel bracelet and a comfortable silicone sport band, complemented by spare links, specialized adjustment tools, and a jig for perfect sizing. The main body of the watch, crafted from stainless steel with a 42‑millimeter diameter, projects durability and refinement. Each variant features a vivid ceramic bezel offered in a selection of sophisticated hues including black, blue, green, and white. The variant I tested—the black version—presents striking visual contrast between the gleaming metal and deep ceramic elements, resulting in a look that is truly captivating.
Functionally, the ScanWatch Nova is equipped to perform an electrocardiogram (ECG) for heart rhythm assessment, measure blood oxygen saturation, and continuously monitor heart rate over the course of the day. It can also record variations in skin temperature, analyze sleep patterns, and track overall daily activity. Although it lacks built‑in GPS, the device compensates through smartphone‑linked GPS connectivity, allowing users to map routes without compromising battery life. Since testing earlier iterations of the ScanWatch line, I have noticed tangible software refinements: the Nova offers expanded sleep tracking categories, clearly distinguishing time spent in deep, light, and REM sleep phases. However, heart rate variability (HRV) measurement remains unsupported, which underscores the Nova’s focus on general wellness monitoring rather than extensive athletic analytics.
At 63 grams without a strap, the 42‑millimeter case introduces a certain heft uncommon among ultralight fitness watches. Nonetheless, its weight enhances the impression of quality, and despite its substantial build, the piece feels comfortable and balanced even during extended wear throughout the workday. When transitioning to physical activities or more focused tasks, I often switch to the silicone band included in the package—the same high‑quality design featured in the ScanWatch 2, and arguably among the most comfortable silicone straps available on the market.
The analog hands rest beneath a layer of domed sapphire glass—highly resistant to scratches—while a discreet OLED display occupies the upper segment of the dial. This miniature digital screen appears only when necessary, contributing to the watch’s sleek aesthetic. At the lower portion, a smaller subdial can be customized to display selected measurements such as step count or battery level. Navigation relies on a single rotating crown that controls all functions: scrolling through menus or confirming selections is smooth and intuitive, preserving the tactile satisfaction of interacting with a traditional timepiece.
Constructed to support water resistance of 10 ATM, the Nova surpasses its predecessor in durability and reliability under aquatic conditions. Charging takes up to two hours, after which the battery can last up to 30 days under typical usage. However, intensive activities such as long GPS‑linked runs will shorten that duration noticeably. The extended battery life makes this smartwatch particularly convenient for travelers, enabling weeks of uninterrupted use without the need to carry cumbersome charging accessories.
Inside, the ScanWatch Nova incorporates an impressive array of sensors: a skin‑temperature module, a high‑dynamic‑range accelerometer for precise motion detection, a multi‑wavelength heart‑rate sensor with 16 optical channels, and an altimeter for altitude tracking. These components collectively ensure that sleep analysis, step counts, and cardiac readings achieve a high degree of accuracy when compared to competing hybrid or full‑smart designs.
The accompanying Withings Health Mate application—available for both iOS and Android—serves as a powerful extension of the Nova’s functionality. It seamlessly integrates with Apple Health, Google Fit, and Google Health Connect platforms, allowing users to maintain an aggregated wellness profile across multiple ecosystems. The watch itself can store up to seven days of data locally, though weekly synchronization is advisable to preserve complete records and benefit from the app’s deeper analytical insights.
Withings also offers an optional subscription known as Withings Plus. For $9.95 per month, users gain access to data‑driven summaries, interpretive medical reviews, and AI‑enhanced wellness insights that contextualize raw measurements. This service parallels other premium health platforms such as Fitbit Premium, catering primarily to those seeking a higher level of interpretation and coaching rather than raw data alone.
In conclusion, ZDNET’s final evaluation highlights that the Withings ScanWatch Nova successfully bridges the aesthetic appeal of a refined analog timepiece with the advanced sensor capabilities characteristic of modern fitness trackers. It fulfills the desire for a device that complements professional attire while simultaneously capturing vital health metrics. Priced at around $510 during Cyber Week, it sits in the higher end of the smartwatch market, best suited for those who prioritize timeless design and top‑tier craftsmanship. For individuals interested in a more economical yet functionally similar option, the Withings ScanWatch 2 remains available at a lower starting price of $349, offering nearly all the same health features within a smaller and more affordable form factor.
Sourse: https://www.zdnet.com/article/i-wore-a-smartwatch-with-a-classy-design-and-cant-go-back-to-my-apple-watch/
