As a devoted Garmin user for over ten years, I never imagined another watch could capture my loyalty. Having cycled through numerous Forerunners, Vivoactive models, and Venus devices, my expectations were firmly set. That was before I tried the Withings Scanwatch Nova Brilliant Edition, priced at $799 on Amazon Australia.
One month later, I must confess: I was completely wrong about what a smartwatch could be. This elegant timepiece has come remarkably close to replacing my trusted Garmin Forerunner for daily wear.
First Impressions: Unboxing and Setup
Getting started with the Scanwatch Nova proved incredibly straightforward. From unboxing to wearing the watch took minimal effort. After removing a few links to achieve the perfect fit for my wrist, I was ready to begin.
The accompanying Withings app provided immediate access to comprehensive health data, including daily step counts, cycle tracking, average heart rate, sleep quality scores, and even continuous temperature monitoring. Unlike many smartwatches from Garmin, Apple, or Fitbit that require frequent charging, the Scanwatch Nova boasts an impressive 35-day battery life that I can personally confirm delivers as promised.
Where Style Meets Substance
Prepare for compliments when you wear this timepiece. I selected the ultra-classy Silver/Gold option and have received constant admiration since I started wearing it. One friend even mistook it for a Rolex from a distance, while a colleague loved it so much she immediately added it to her Christmas wish list.
The watch features a sophisticated black digital interface within its circular face where notifications and statistics appear. A simple press of the button on the right side reveals this digital display, allowing you to scroll through your vital statistics effortlessly.
Performance and Health Tracking Capabilities
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the Scanwatch Nova delivers serious health monitoring capabilities. As a longtime Garmin enthusiast, I put this watch through rigorous testing to evaluate its performance as a true smartwatch.
The device offers Proactive Heart Health Tracking with 24/7 heart rate monitoring and notifications for unusually high or low readings. Overnight heart rate variability (HRV) tracking provides insights into overall heart health trends over time. The watch can even detect potential illness through changes in your HRV patterns.
With the TempTech 24/7 module, users can monitor baseline body temperature and analyze fluctuations that might indicate developing health issues. Sleep tracking encompasses duration, time spent in light and deep sleep, interruptions, regularity, and provides a comprehensive Sleep Quality Score.
I particularly appreciated being able to track my activity and sleep without wearing a bulky sports watch that clashes with my outfits.
The One Compromise
The single limitation I discovered involves running metrics. The Scanwatch Nova doesn't provide the detailed running performance data that dedicated sports watches like Garmin offer. During runs or interval sessions, I found myself either switching back to my Garmin or, somewhat unusually, wearing both watches simultaneously to capture both step tracking and advanced running analytics.
Final Verdict: Is It Worth The Investment?
I would enthusiastically recommend the Withings Scanwatch Nova to anyone seeking a stylish timepiece that delivers the tracking capabilities popularized by Apple Watch, but with significantly more elegant aesthetics.
At $799, this represents a substantial investment. However, when you consider you're acquiring a device that combines sophisticated appearance with comprehensive health monitoring, it presents excellent value.
So, have I completely abandoned my Garmin? Not entirely—I still use it for tracking specific running workouts and interval sessions. But for everyday wear, I now consistently choose the Withings Scanwatch Nova, thoroughly enjoying both its appearance and functionality.
The Scanwatch Nova successfully bridges the gap between a refined dress watch suitable for multiple outfits and a sophisticated health and fitness companion that provides meaningful insights.
Technical specifications include:
- 35 days battery life with fast-charging in two hours
- Sapphire glass and stainless steel case
- 39mm dial with 12.99mm case thickness
- Step tracking, elevation monitoring, and automatic activity detection
- Sleep tracking including REM sleep and overnight HRV
- Electrocardiogram and irregular heart rhythm notifications
- 24/7 heart rate tracking and temperature monitoring
