Comparison Review: hybrid smartwatches – which ones to buy?

Hybrid watches combine classic analog watches with smart technology. We show which models are available and how the devices differ.

Fossil Q-Grant and Q-Machine

The Q-Grant model was the first hybrid watch we tested in mid-2017. The big advantages over a full-display smartwatch: a long battery life of around six months and a very chic but discreet appearance. The clock only differs from conventional analog clocks on closer inspection. On the one hand, the Q-Grant has a second small display on the dial, and on the other hand three control buttons instead of a crown. There is no wheel for adjusting the time, the app does this.

The smart functions of the Fossil watch include pedometer, sleep tracker, various notifications, music control and a camera remote trigger for the smartphone. There is also an alarm function, a date display and several time zones. The freely definable step goal is shown as a percentage using the additional display. A heart rate sensor is not installed, which is why the fossil is only of limited use as a fitness tracker.

Communication with the smartphone works smoothly and the settings using the app are very intuitive. The only criticisms are the low number of contacts and apps that can be stored as well as the lack of haptic feedback on key commands. You can only see whether the remote release for the smartphone has been carried out, for example, on the phone itself.

The newer Q-Machine model no longer has these two restrictions. This vibrates when the buttons are released. The number of stored contact groups and apps has increased to a total of twelve. Fossil has consistently developed and improved the software. According to the manufacturer, the innovations also flow into the Q-Grant series. Both model ranges should be on the same level, which – which we cannot check, however, as our Review device was sent back to the manufacturer.

The Q-Machine has the same features as the Q-Grant, but has a battery life that is twice as long at 12 months. In addition to the smart functions, the watch, like its predecessor, has a practical quick-change fastener for the bracelet. The housing, available in several colors, looks more robust and masculine than that of the Q-Grant. Both models are water-resistant to 5 ATM and survive hand washing or showering undamaged.

Q Grant leather brown

Q Grant stainless steel blue

Q Grant stainless steel gray

Q Machine leather black

Q Machine stainless steel gray

Q Grant stainless steel black

Skagen Hagen

The Hagen model from Skagen also comes from Fossil and has the same technical properties as the Q-Grant or the Q-Machine. The main difference is the typical Skagen minimalist design of the watch. The model Hagen is the hybrid watch with by far the most modern appearance in our Review series.

As with the other Fossil timepieces, a simple button cell is installed as an energy source. The user can change it himself without going to the watchmaker.

Skagen leather black / silver

Skagen stainless steel blue

Skagen stainless steel black

Skagen leather brown / silver

Skagen leather brown / gold

Skagen leather brown / silver

Emporio Armani smart health connected

In addition to Skagen, Diesel or Michael Kors, the hybrid watches from Emporio Armani also come from Fossil. The range of functions is identical to the other watches of the manufacturer. Only the design of the app differs. Operation is just as logical and straightforward as with Skagen or the Q series.

If you value high-quality design and well-sounding brand names, you should take a closer look at the Emporio Armani smart health connected. The model is very comfortable to wear and communication with the smartphone works reliably. However, the combination of smart technology and a superbly designed housing with the Armani logo costs around a hundred euros more than with fossil or Skagen lettering.

Emporio Armani stainless steel black

Emporio Armani stainless steel silver / gold

Emporio Armani stainless steel silver / black

Emporio Armani leather brown / gold

Emporio Armani leather gray / black

Emporio Armani leather blue / silver

Kronaby Sekel

The Kronaby smartwatch is by far the highest quality watch in our comparison Review. No other model looks so valuable, so it is also suitable for real watch lovers. Operation and scope are very similar to that of the Fossil Hybrid series, but it is a Swedish in-house development.

Features include: Find phone, music control, camera remote control, mute, save GPS position, send position, and trigger IFTTT actions. The precise operation of the individual points is explained with the help of a short animation within the app. A total of three different contact groups can be created and displayed.

The free software for Android and iOS is logically and clearly structured and illustrated. In the Review, we liked the Kronaby app the best. A heart rate monitoring is not installed. The Kronaby is waterproof up to 10 ATM and can easily remain on the wrist while swimming. The battery cannot be replaced by yourself. According to the manufacturer, the term is also a whopping two years.

Kronaby stainless steel silver

Kronaby stainless steel gold

Kronaby stainless steel silver / black

Kronaby leather brown / silver

Kronaby leather black / silver

Kronaby leather brown / gold

Nokia Steel HR

Nokia's Health division launched the Steel HR, a unique hybrid concept. No other model in our Review series is so easy to use and read.

The integrated heart rate sensor and the small OLED display offer considerable added value compared to the Fossil and Kronaby models. The higher power consumption reduces the steel's battery life to a realistic 20 days. The watch must then be smart health connected to the USB charger supplied for several hours.

The functional range of the Steel HR is almost identical to that of the Kronaby or Fossil watches except for the heart rate measurement. The advantage of the Nokia model is the convenient display via OLED. While the other hybrid watches display information by hand, everything is easy to read on the display at Nokia.

Only the design of the watch is at least disputable. The relatively filigree-looking case is not for everyone. Just like the curved underside with the heart rate sensor. The watch is available in several colors and two case sizes.

Nokia 36mm white

Nokia 36mm black / rose

Nokia 36mm black

Nokia 40mm black

Nokia 36mm white / rose

Nokia 36mm white / rose / blue

Conclusion

The smart functions of the hybrid smartwatches, such as pedometers or notifications, are a clear advantage over analogue watches. The benefit over smartwatches with a display is the very long battery life and the far less conspicuous design. In terms of functionality, all watches from the comparison Review are very similar.

Anyone who has been wearing classic analog watches so far and wants to know who is calling without looking at the smartphone should take a closer look at the models from Fossil, Skagen or Emporio Armani. Since the watches do not differ technically, the choice of brand is a matter of taste and budget.

Buyers who also attach great importance to the best workmanship and timeless design should opt for the relatively expensive watch from Kronaby. No other model from the comparison Review is so noble and high quality.

If the hybrid watch is to serve as a fitness tracker at the same time, only the Steel HR from Nokia comes into question. The most delicate watch in the comparison Review is not only the only one with a heart rate sensor, it also offers the greatest comfort thanks to the OLED. The battery life cannot keep up with Fossil and Kronaby, but the 20 days are easily enough and a killer argument compared to normal smartwatches with a display.

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