ZDNET Insights: Unveiling the Withings Scanwatch Nova
The Withings Scanwatch Nova has just been made available for pre-order, starting at a premium price of $599. This sophisticated timepiece combines the elegance of a classic watch with the functionality of a modern smartwatch. Not only does it boast a battery life of up to one month, but it also offers water resistance up to 10ATM and a variety of health tracking features. However, to access some of the advanced metrics, Withings asks for a $10/month subscription fee. The watch is currently only available in a single size of 42mm diameter.
The Appeal of Health Monitoring
Monitoring one’s health starts with gathering metrics, but interpreting those numbers is the key challenge. Over the past few weeks, I’ve been testing the latest hybrid smartwatch from Withings, the Scanwatch Nova, and it has significantly helped me transform health data into actionable insights.
Withings is known for designing health-focused wearables that are reminiscent of classic luxury watches rather than typical sporty smartwatches. Despite not being a fan of jewelry, I appreciate a nice watch. The Scanwatch Nova aligns perfectly with my taste, offering an attractive, professional analog appearance while integrating advanced health technology. This means I can enjoy the aesthetics of a premium watch while benefiting from essential wellness metrics.
| Feature | Scanwatch Nova | Scanwatch 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Life | Up to 30 days | Up to 30 days |
| Water Resistance | 10ATM | 5ATM |
| Material | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Diameter | 42mm | 38mm, 42mm |
| Sensors | ECG, Blood Oxygen, Heart Rate, Skin Temperature, Activity | ECG, Blood Oxygen, Heart Rate, Activity |
Unboxing the Scanwatch Nova
The Scanwatch Nova is essentially a more luxe iteration of Withings' popular Scanwatch 2. While the internal specifications are quite similar, the Nova includes both stainless steel and silicone bands and provides the tools needed to adjust the band length. The 42mm watch case, made of stainless steel, features a ceramic bezel available in Black, Blue, Green, or White. I tested the Black variant, and the contrast between the ceramic bezel and the stainless steel case is strikingly elegant.
The Scanwatch Nova is packed with advanced features for health monitoring. It can perform ECG assessments, measure blood oxygen levels, track heart rate, monitor skin temperature, assess sleep quality, and track physical activity. Although it lacks built-in GPS, it supports connected GPS via a paired smartphone.
An Enhanced Health Experience
Improvements in the software since I last reviewed Scanwatch 2 mean the Nova now offers comprehensive sleep details, including duration of deep, light, and REM sleep phases. While it does not support heart rate variability (HRV) metrics, it excels in providing typical health features rather than focusing on fitness levels.
Weighing 63 grams without the band, the 42mm Scanwatch Nova is relatively heavy but remains very comfortable to wear for everyday use. Its versatility shines during focused activities when switching to the silicone band, which is exceptionally comfortable and one of the best I’ve used.
Design and Durability
The watch’s display is protected by domed sapphire glass, covering the analog watch hands and a small OLED display that activates when needed. The rotating crown button is the only moving part, enabling menu navigation and selections with ease. With a water resistance rating of 10 ATM, the Scanwatch Nova can endure substantial underwater activity. Charging is efficient, with a full charge completed in just two hours, lasting up to 30 days, though heavy GPS usage will deplete the battery faster. Due to its long battery life, it’s perfect for travel, eliminating the need to carry a bulky charger.
Advanced Sensors and App Integration
The Scanwatch Nova is equipped with several advanced sensors, including a skin temperature module, high dynamic range accelerometer, a multi-wavelength heart rate sensor, and an altimeter. Comparative results show the Nova provides accurate readings for sleep, step counting, and heart rate monitoring relative to other smartwatches.
The corresponding Withings smartphone app, compatible with both iOS and Android, is robust and integrates smoothly with Apple Health, Google Health Connect, and Google Fit. The watch has a data storage capacity of up to seven days, so weekly syncs are advisable. For users seeking deeper insights into their fitness metrics, Withings offers a subscription service called Withings Plus for $9.95 per month. This service includes exclusive content, medical reviews, and AI-powered insights, paralleling the offerings of Fitbit Premium.
Final Verdict
The Withings Scanwatch Nova masterfully merges elegance with health tracking in an appealing device. Its blend of analog beauty and advanced wellness metrics make it an attractive choice for those who value both aesthetics and functionality. While its $600 price tag reflects its premium nature, it’s an investment worth considering for dedicated enthusiasts of luxurious timepieces and comprehensive health tracking.
If you’re in search of a more budget-friendly option that still offers a robust suite of health-tracking features, the Scanwatch 2 starts at $349 and shares most of the same functionalities, making it a more accessible alternative.
