Suggestions? Men's Android Smart Watch < $150, Some Cardio in Gym, Stop Watch, Can Turn off Heart Rate Monitor

SomeGuyOnOzB on 09/10/2023 - 14:55
Last edited 09/10/2023 - 14:56

Hello OzBargain Experts

I've been doing a little cardio at the gym (treadmill, stair climber) and the machines there don't always pick up heart rate, give suspicious readings, etc

Are there any suggestions for a Men's Watch

  • ideally under $150 (little bit of flexibility)
  • reads beats per minute
  • has a count down timer ideally with a vibrate or sound cue for when it hits zero (just counting down stretch time between sets on the weights)
  • okay for everyday casual wearing

Bonuses but not entirely necessary would be:

  • looking good; kinda understated like the Fossil Hybrid's recommended on another thread, or the basic design like Garmin's; (my taste is somewhat flexible)
  • able to handle being on my wrist during boxing (otherwise I'd just take it off)
  • able to handle rare swimming / snorkelling sessions

I use an Android phone but I'm not sure about the need to sync data off the watch.

I do have a preference for USB C cables and I'm not sure Apple Watch bases use them.

Also, is there much difference between a $50 watch off Ali Express and say a $300+ Huawei GT Runner (I saw it mentioned on another thread)

Electrical & Electronics Smartwatch

Comments

  • Magpye on 09/10/2023 - 15:15
    +2

    I'd suggest getting the original Garmin Instinct.
    Only things it probably doesn't meet us the price point (when new), and possibly the countdown timer.

    The watch is damn near bulletproof, lasts for weeks between charges, and has a lot of presence in the app market, so can use it with a variety of apps.

    Only upgrading mine after four years because the Instinct 2x Solar is going much cheaper than its usual price point, otherwise I'd wear it until it (or I) die, whichever comes soonest.

    • SomeGuyOnOzB on 09/10/2023 - 15:35

      Checking it now, thanks :)

      • saltypete on 09/10/2023 - 16:08
        +1

        +1 for the Instinct. I have the diving version, the G1 and it is a bulletproof, brilliant smartwatch.

  • AustriaBargain on 09/10/2023 - 15:15
    +1

    Why would you want to turn off heart rate monitoring?

    Anyway I think you should get a nice one if you're going to wear it all the time, especially if you're a man and wear no other jewellery. Get a band suitable for exercise and another dressier band to wear in the day, I love the Apple Milanese Loop style bands personally. Get nothing but compliments over my $5 Aliexpress clone Loop.

    • SomeGuyOnOzB on 09/10/2023 - 15:35

      Turning off the heart rate monitor so I'm not continually having a laser on me. Peace of mind etc

      Interesting thoughts about the different watch bands; thank you.

      • AustriaBargain on 09/10/2023 - 15:56

        I don't think the laser affects you in a bad way. Apple Watch has an option to turn off blood oxygen because it can be quite bright and if you are in a dark theatre it can be distracting.

      • freefall101 on 09/10/2023 - 16:30
        +4

        If a tiny light on a watch bothers you you're going to flip out when you learn about how much energy the sun is pouring into you.

      • scrimshaw on 09/10/2023 - 17:24
        +1

        There are no lasers on the back of a activity tracker. It's just a green light, and sometimes a red light and an infrared light emitted by a very run of the mill LED diode that you could purchase for a couple of dollars on Aliexpress.

        The optical sensor on the back of the watch picks up the reflected light from your skin and it does a quick comparison of what the light looked like between time frames, and the difference in the brightness of the lights is how it works out your heart rate / blood flow.

  • noworsepromo on 10/10/2023 - 21:12

    Is Drystrike any good?

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