A watch that gets to the heart of the matter
Withings Move ECG From €130, Withings.com ★★★★★
Smart watches are growing increasingly popular. The challenge most of them have is battery life, with most requiring a charge every day or two. However, Withings have launched a new smartwatch with electrocardiogram features which they claim has a 12-month battery life.
The Move ECG device is a slim, stylish-looking hybrid-style smartwatch, and looks at first glance like a traditional analogue watch.
It’s available in two face colours, black and white with five different strap colours. It’s just 13mm thick and weighing 32g it is barely noticeable on your wrist. Thankfully, it’s also equipped with excellent water resistance, down to 50 metres.
There are ECG, altimeter and accelerometer sensors inside the watch that combine with your phone’s GPS for activity tracking, like swimming or running.
On the front is a standard attractive watch face but also a chronograph style sub-dial which handles the activity tracking functions.
Withings’ Health Mate app (available for iOS and Android) connects your smartphone to your watch.
Once set up, I was anxious to try the ECG function. This is started by pressing the side button once then placing your fingers on the bezel. The sub-dial needle counts down the 30 seconds while you remain still.
A small vibration will indicate the reading is complete and if you have the Health Mate app open on your phone, you can view an ECG liveview in the app. However, if you don’t have your phone with you, you can record an ECG that gets synchronised later.
The ECGs are stored in the app, and there is colour coding to indicate a normal result. Usefully, you get unlimited storage so you can take your ECG at will, perhaps on a regular basis.
While the watch is stylish, it could be sturdier and the watch screen may be prone to scratching.
Overall, this is a great hybrid smartwatch. Lovely styling, combined with waterproofing, ECG and remarkable battery life make it a great alternative to some big name watches.