Smart watch recommendations

[Beef Boss]

Hello all, I'm looking to purchase a watch with smartphone capabilities. I was looking at a Garmin instinct, it seems tough and waterproof. I do go on hiking a lot, and I would like to have a GPS and tracking on it with the weather. Elevation information is also appealing. I do like the quality of apples product, it seems high quality. But I don't have an apple phone. My price range is around $300... The instinct is very appealing but I would like some other suggestions or advice from those who use them.

 

I have a Seiko SSG010 and it's just a little fancy to wear everyday and I don't take it hiking for obvious reasons - though weight isn't that that big of an issue unless it feels like two pounds.

[SansVarnic]

I can only speak to using the Samsung Gear S3 Frontier, I know it is no longer new but I put that watch through some very tuff use and it held up very very well. I recommend it.

The watch is a male sized watch and its size is a good fit for those with a medium-large wrist. I also wear it to the inside of my wrist not the outside so takes bit more a beating than normal.

 

*edit

Fitness features have been very accurate (from my own experience) It tracks steps and floors. I used to walk a great deal for work and I can tell you it was quite accurate to within 3 ft. Email, Text and any other app notification was/is very responsive. I don't use mine to its full potential but I am a minimalist and I got this with my Galaxy Note 9. It is a tough watch.

Edited May 27, 2020 by SansVarnic

[Nine Tailed Fox]

Would go with Garmin for it's fitness tracking features supposedly the best out of all other smartwatches

[BlueChinchillaEatingDorito]

14 minutes ago, Beef Boss said:

I have a Seiko SSG010 and it's just a little fancy to wear everyday and I don't take it hiking for obvious reasons - though weight isn't that that big of an issue unless it feels like two pounds.

Since you're into Seikos anyways, why not something like a Seiko 5? 

 

[Fred Castellum]

You could look at the Fitbit Versa 2, it's got pretty good battery life and has GPS built in. Not sure if it has elevation readings though, if not your best bet is probably Garmin or Samsung. 

 

I personally use a first gen Versa and like it's functionality. 

 

11 minutes ago, BlueChinchillaEatingDorito said:

Since you're into Seikos anyways, why not something like a Seiko 5? 

They're not bad but unless he's a collector there really isn't a reason for him to get a Seiko 5 especially since he already has a higher end Seiko Chronograph. 

[BlueChinchillaEatingDorito]

Just now, MyInnerFred said:

They're not bad but unless he's a collector there really isn't a reason for him to get a Seiko 5 especially since he already has a higher end Seiko Chronograph. 

Well he doesn't want to use the Chronograph as a daily and while hiking, that's the problem. And I don't blame him.  

[Fred Castellum]

1 minute ago, BlueChinchillaEatingDorito said:

Well he doesn't want to use the Chronograph as a daily and while hiking, that's the problem. And I don't blame him.  

I'd slam this thread with a bunch of watch recommendations myself if he didn't say he was looking for smartwatches. I'm sitting over here with like 8 different watches and a dozen more on my wish list.... 

[sub68]

On 5/26/2020 at 7:52 PM, Nine Tailed Fox said:

Would go with Garmin for it's fitness tracking features supposedly the best out of all other smartwatches

agreed I run a garmin forerunner 225 best app I have used

[sub68]

maybe a garmin forerunner 35 my dad runs this and his can get text and email messages

https://www.amazon.com/Garmin-Forerunner-Easy-Running-Watch/dp/B01KPUHBK6

[sub68]

On 5/26/2020 at 8:08 PM, MyInnerFred said:

I'd slam this thread with a bunch of watch recommendations myself if he didn't say he was looking for smartwatches. I'm sitting over here with like 8 different watches and a dozen more on my wish list.... 

I currently own a garmin forerunner 225, Casio aq s810 and a old olive drab Casio half analog half digital 

also a pocket watch