Time to pamper yourself (or your loved one) with a new watch! Buying a new watch can be good fun and tricky at the same time. Of course you want a watch that looks nice and suits your style, but there are more things to consider when purchasing your new timepiece. The biggest dilemma you may face is the question: Do I need an analogue watch or a smartwatch? It can be hard to decide between these two timepieces. If you want a subtle classic looking watch that also has smart features, a hybrid watch is what you need. We tell you everything you need to know about hybrid watches, list the pros and cons, plus rank the latest hybrid smartwatches.
What is a hybrid smartwatch?
A hybrid smartwatch is a smartwatch disguised as an analogue clock with a nice, traditional look. But, as we all know, looks can be deceiving. There are all kinds of useful and technological functions hidden behind the classic appearance. With a hybrid smartwatch, you count your steps and sleep rhythm, receive notifications and never miss an important telephone call again. When a call or a message comes in, the hybrid smartwatch vibrates or the hand jumps to the pre-set number corresponding with your contact. The face of the hybrid watch features a mini-face that shows how many steps you’ve taken that day. The accompanying app tells you the amount of calories burnt. Did you know that you can take pictures with your wrist? With a hybrid watch, you can! You don’t even need to hold a phone or selfie-stick if you want to take a snap; just press the button on your watch and your phone will take the photo! Several hybrid smartwatches even play music from your smartphone.
What’s the difference between a hybrid and a smartwatch?
All hybrid watches are smartwatches, but not all smartwatches are hybrids. A smartwatch is a mini-computer that you connect to your smartphone. They’re practical watches if you want to keep track of your sports performances, heart rate, sleep rhythm, listen to music and read messages. Smartwatches are an extension of our smartphones and allow us to leave our smartphones at home. The downside is that the sporty looks don’t match your business suit and that they are not appropriate to wear in a work environment.
Style and function come together in hybrid watches. You connect a hybrid watch to your smartphone, just like a regular smartwatch. A hybrid watch offers the same features as a smartwatch, but the classic look doesn’t show it. Hybrids are perfect to wear to the office! The difference between a hybrid and a smartwatch that you can’t directly read messages or answer incoming calls with a hybrid. You’ll need to keep your phone at hand.
Pros of a hybrid smartwatch
A hybrid smartwatch is worth investing in. It’s a versatile timepiece with many benefits.
- Stylish looks. Hybrids are excellent to wear in a business environment. No one will notice that the classic looks hide a real activity tracker! You receive all notifications, but need your smartphone to read your messages.
- No matter where you are, a hybrid watch always tells the right time. Plus it switches itself from summer to wintertime and vice versa. The fiddling with setting your watch to the right time is over!
- Hybrid watches run on batteries and don’t need to be charged as often as smartwatches.
Cons of a hybrid smartwatch
Hybrid smartwatches have a lot to offer, but there are a few things you should take into account.
- The battery only lasts for a few months.
- You need to keep your smartphone at hand if you want to know who’s texting you.
- A hybrid watch is not a sports watch! Hybrids don’t track your workouts.
5x the best hybrid smartwatches
We’ve collected 5x the best hybrid smartwatches for you! Find out which hybrid suits your needs.
#1 Garmin Vivomove hybrid smartwatch
The Garmin Vivomove hybrid smartwatch is probably one of the most stylish smartwatches you can get your hands on. The Vivomove is quite pricey, but it’s more than worth it. The hidden screen technology responds well and is home to a wide array of features.
#2 Fossil Collider hybrid smartwatch
The Fossil Collider hybrid smartwatch has an innovative, yet classic design. It offers a strong fitness tracking performance and the intuitive companion app is very user-friendly. The Fossil Collider is a perfect hybrid smartwatch if you care about style and good looks.
#3 Skagen hybrid smartwatch
The Skagen hybrid smartwatch is a stylish-looking hybrid. It doesn’t have GPS, but it can connect to your phone’s GPS signal to track workouts. The Skagen hybrid has a 3ATM water resistance rating, meaning you can take it swimming.
#4 Kronaby hybrid smartwatch
The Kronaby hybrid smartwatch offers a top-end design with lots of useful hidden features. The stylish Kronaby is pricey, but has a phenomenal battery life and lots of amazing smartwatch features.
#5 Withings hybrid smartwatch
The Withings hybrid smartwatch is a stylish fitness tracker with features for tracking your cardiac health. The Withings hybrid is pricey, but the classic designed hybrid is very straightforward to use. If you’re concerned about your cardiac health, then the Withings hybrid is a great watch.
Discover the best offers on hybrid smartwatches
