Smartwatch Buying Guide

A smartwatch is a must-have accessory for the digital age. From designer smartwatches to luxury smartwatches, this guide will take you through everything our smartwatches have to offer. We’ll help you find the perfect one for you.

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What is a smartwatch and how do they work?

A smartwatch is basically what it says on the tin. With everything you need at the flick of a wrist including notifications, apps, media, voice control, fitness tracking or GPS (the list goes on), smartwatches are a portable device otherwise known as wearable technology.

They can be worn daily or for specific purposes, like fitness tracking. The choice is yours.

Experts in smartwatches

“As well as functions, advanced features, and exceptional performance, you can also find a stylish smartwatch to accompany your outfits day-to-day. With designer smartwatches to on-trend black smartwatches, you can find one that speaks to your sense of style.”

- Beth, Watch Buyer

Key Features

Understanding the key features of a smartwatch and how they work can help you make a better-informed decision on which one to go for. We’ve taken some top features from each of our smartwatches and explained what they mean.

Types of display

Most smartwatches use a backlit LCD or an OLED display which require battery power to generate their light. LCD uses a backlight to illuminate their pixels, allowing content to be viewed in richer colours and tends to be brighter. OLED pixels produce their own light and are known for their great image quality and low power consumption. The TAG Heuer Connected  boasts an OLED screen.

Battery and charging

Many smartwatches have an extensive amount of battery life, which is great for when you’re wearing it every day. The innovative Tissot T-Touch Connect Solar and Garmin Instinct 2X use solar charging as well as a quartz movement, offering an infinite battery life when exposed to light. In general, it’s best to keep your smartwatch in battery saving modes to optimise its life.

NFC contactless payment

Short for ‘near field communications’, NFC smartwatches make it convenient for you to pay at the flick of a wrist – just like your smartphone can. In order for this to work, you must be connected via Bluetooth or Internet to your phone and check that your phone and check that your bank is compatible with this feature. Wear OS devices such as Garmin smartwatches use Garmin Pay.

Bluetooth and OS compatability

Smartwatches connect to your phone via Bluetooth for notifications, though they can also use the Internet. Without connectivity, only basic functions work and features such as voice actions won’t. Smartwatches require a compatible operating system (OS) to function fully. All our models use Wear OS, compatible with the latest Android and iOS versions, though features may vary by platform.

Smartwatches Vs Fitness trackers

What’s the difference? Most smartwatches depend on your smartphone for activity tracking whereas a fitness tracker does all of that for you anyway. If you plan to use a smartwatch primarily for working out, you may want to consider a fitness tracker with smartwatch-like features, such as the Garmin Fenix. This lets you customise the watch face and read notifications alongside all the usual fitness tracking features.

Functions to suit your lifestyle

Many smartwatches are tailored to particular needs and functions. For example, TAG Heuer Connected smartwatches come with sports-specific apps and tracking features for golf and motorsports. Due to the robustness and tactility of Garmin smartwatches, some models are perfect for cycling, running and even swimming.

Microphone and music

Advanced smartwatches use voice commands, built-in microphones, and speakers. This means you can send messages, set reminders, control apps, or ask virtual assistants hands-free. Speakers also allow you to answer calls and play music, so you can multitask while on the go or during workouts. You’ll find these features in many of the Garmin and TAG Heuer Connected smartwatches.

Heartrate and health monitoring

Advanced smartwatches use sensors to monitor your heart rate continuously, even during sleep or workouts. They track metrics like resting heart rate, heart rate variability, and can even detect calories burned. Paired with health apps, they provide insights into your fitness, stress, and overall wellness, to help you keep track of your health. Many smartwatches have these features, such as the TAG Heuer Connected collection.

Track performance

Many smartwatches use sports-specific apps to track performance in activities like running, cycling, and swimming, monitoring pace, distance, and heart rate zones. They can also allow you to download more apps to suit your lifestyle and activities. You can also find models such as the Garmin Fenix 8, designed to assist you on a variety of sports while offering a high water resistance for added versatility.

GPS and Maps

Built-in GPS and mapping systems can track routes, distance, and speed with precision. Ideal for outdoor sports like running, hiking, and cycling, they offer navigation, location sharing, and route planning. Offline maps and directions enhance your safety, helping you stay on course and analyse performance without needing your phone. You’ll find GPS and maps features in some of the Garmin Epix smartwatches.

Explore luxury smartwatches

Discover our collection of luxury smartwatches. From renowned Swiss watch brands to experts in the world of smartwatch technology, find the luxury smartwatch to suit you. Whether it’s the TAG Heuer smartwatch of your dreams, or the Garmin smartwatch that’s ready for any adventure, Bruce, our Head of Watches, explains what there is to love about these luxury smartwatches below.

Garmin

Designed for people who want to get the best out of their active lifestyle, you can be certain that Garmin’s compelling designs and innovative features will go the distance. Choose between the epix Pro 2, Instinct, Fenix, MARQ collections and more to find a Garmin to suit your fitness needs.

Prices for Garmin smartwatches start at £349 or as little as £21.86 per month Interest Free Credit.

“A pioneering brand in the world of luxury smartwatches, Garmin use the latest in advanced technology, high quality materials, and durable construction to make sure you have a trustworthy smartwatch for all of your adventures and fitness goals.” – Bruce, Head of Watches

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TAG Heuer

TAG Heuer smartwatches are available in two different case sizes of 42mm and 45mm, as well as an array of different bracelet options. The TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4 echoes the distinct design, luxurious materials and refined finishes that’s iconic of all TAG Heuer chronographs.

Prices for TAG Heuer Connected start at £1,650 or £137.50 per month with Interest Free Credit.

“TAG Heuer smartwatches combine Swiss watchmaking excellence with smartwatch features to give you the best of both worlds. These stylish smartwatches will enhance your daily lifestyle with an abundance of functions at your wrist.” – Bruce, Head of Watches

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Spread the cost:

Make buying a new smartwatch even easier. Pay with Klarna on smartwatches up to £500 or choose 3 years 9.9% APR finance, available on smartwatches £750 and over. Shop now, pay later with Klarna. 18+, T&Cs apply, Credit subject to status.

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Tissot

Embodying the brand’s philosophy ‘innovators by tradition’, the Tissot T-Touch Connected Solar is neither a gadget nor a device, but simply a fitness watch with all the smart features you need to stay connected.

Prices for Tissot smartwatches start at £1,000 or as little as £20.84 per month Interest Free Credit.

“Tissot smartwatches are innovative, Swiss-made and come equipped with everything you might need, from your working day to your fitness activities. Tissot T-Touch smartwatches are the ultimate stylish smartwatch to see you through your day-to-day.”**– Bruce, Head of Watches**

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