How do smartwatch prices determine what features you can get in a wearable device? Let’s explore the cost of a smartwatch in detail.
There is no denying that smartwatches, whether cheap or expensive, make life easier. They come with numerous functions that assist with day-to-day tasks.
When considering purchasing a smartwatch, price often plays a huge factor in the decision-making process. This guide helps break down what you should pay for a smartwatch and the different models on the market.
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How Much Should I Pay for a Smartwatch?
You can pay as little or as much as you like for a smartwatch. To ensure we’re only covering the models that are worth your time and money, this article focuses on quality smartwatches.
You’ll likely see some popular names associated with first-class watchmaking in this list. That said, it covers a wide range of prices, so you’re certain to find something to suit your budget.
As a starting point, the Apple Watch Sport is a suitable entry-level into the world of smartwatch technology. Smaller versions cost as little as $300 and come in various colors, sizes, and case materials.
As you’ll have guessed, the stainless steel option costs more than the aluminum variant, while the gold is even pricier.
For a mid-range smartwatch, you can expect to pay a little under $1000. Examples of watchmakers occupying this space include Frederique Constant with its Horological Smartwatch and Alpina.
If you have a bit more disposable income, however, you’ll be looking at investing in an expensive smartwatch.
High-End Smartwatches
Luxury smartwatches are dominating the category of wearable smart technology right now. The truth is, everything is getting smarter!
Traditional timepieces have a history steeped in watchmaking heritage, and that’s what makes a mechanical wristwatch so special. While these intricately crafted timepieces still represent the true essence of watchmaking, brands are expanding their offerings. Manufacturers are making an effort to remain “connected”.
Collectors want a watch that offers the necessary smartwatch technology but holds onto the allure of a fine Swiss timepiece. Here’s where the more expensive smartwatches come into play.
Luxury smartwatches are the perfect balance of wearable technology and classic, timeless aesthetics. You may have to pay a little more for a smartwatch that looks like a classic watch, but it’s worth it.
As the saying so often goes, you get what you pay for. The same goes for wearable smart technology. Pay the extra, and your watch won’t look nasty.
Here’s a round-up of the best smartwatches on the current market from entry-level to mid-priced, and some high-end options.
Smartwatch Prices Ranked from Low to High
These smartwatch options should help you decide which model and price bracket is best for you. For a more detailed plunge into actual smartwatch features, you may want to check this article out before you begin.
The Apple Watch Ultra (Price $799)
The Apple Watch Ultra is the cheapest of the most expensive smartwatches. At just under $800, it can assist with extreme sports activities like scuba diving and marathon running.
This particular model has a 1.92-inch display that delivers 2000 nits of brightness. The key benefit this ensures is a clear view of information at a glance.
Although this sits at the bottom end of the most expensive smartwatches, it shouldn’t be an impulsive purchase. As with all watch investments, check out its full specs before you buy.
TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4 (Price $2000)
I think, of all the models on this list, the TAG Heuer Connected series has to be my favorite. There are several models within the range to check out. Many of them would pass as an analog if you didn’t know any better!
These watches convey the beautiful exterior of a classic TAG Heuer wristwatch. You get to scroll through several display options that mimic some of the brand’s most popular designs.
One of these is the Carrera, which displays a clean, crisp chronograph display in various colors.
The TAG Heuer Connected watch promises features like the Trail and Hiking application. You can measure all the usual metrics like heart rate, pulse, and O2 levels, as well as distance and elevation.
There’s even a golf-specific smartwatch for those who want to up their game on the green.
Garmin MARQ Driver (Price $2,500)
The Garmin MARQ Driver also has a classic analog face, but don’t let that fool you. This is no ordinary wristwatch.
This smartwatch reveals a digital display and comes with a whole host of functionalities. The Garmin MARQ Driver has a ClimbPro feature that helps you track things like gradient, elevation, and distance.
You also get just under 500 pre-loaded tracks to explore, a lightweight titanium bracelet, and 12 days of battery.
Samsung Galaxy Gear S2 Grisogono (Price $15,000)
This smartwatch differs from others on the market since it’s a collaborative design. Put simply, it’s an elevated version of the Samsung Gear S2, and it’s also more expensive.
The model looks and feels like a luxury watch thanks to its 100 black and white diamonds. Samsung isn’t selling this model anymore, but you can still find it on the pre-owned market. Failing that, opt for the Samsung Gear S2.
Combining bold watch design with jewelry savoir-faire, it grants you full access to Samsung’s library of features, including activity logs and notifications.
Lux Watch Omni (Price $100k)
It’s all about the materials when it comes to the premium experience of wearing the Lux Watch Omni.
The luxury smartwatch comes in a shimmering 18k yellow gold case with scintillating diamonds adorned on the bezel, case, and bracelet. The watch face itself features aluminum Halliburton with a carbon fiber interior.
In terms of software, however, don’t expect anything too extravagant. It promises all the same features as your typical Apple Watch. But it does look incredibly beautiful.
Montblanc Summit 3 (Price $1,300)
With the Montblanc Summit 3, travel and fitness metrics blend into one compact but classic-looking device.
The model features a confident 43.5mm diameter and features a strong sapphire crystal glass front. Crafted from lightweight bi-color titanium, you could easily mistake it for an analog watch.
The Summit 3 supports a broad range of lifestyle aspects, including monitoring sensors like a barometer, accelerometer, heart rate, and microphone. It also comes integrated with Wear OS by Google, making it compatible with Android phones.
You get to choose from a range of customizable dial options, including Montblanc’s stunning Geosphere design.
Breitling Exospace B55 DLC Titanium (Price $9000)
Breitling actually created the first Connected chronograph, putting it at the forefront of ground-breaking smartwatch technology.
This model features a SuperQuartz thermocompensated movement, promising ten times greater accuracy than a standard quartz. You also get an LCD digital display, superior chronograph features, and an impressive 10-year battery.
The Exospace B55 is a “Chrono flight” and “Chrono regatta” device with a tachymeter and 1/100th of a second flyback chronograph function. (You got all that?)
Suffice it to say, this is the ultimate smartwatch tool for effortlessly measuring stopwatch timings when on the go. Moreover, these features come in a futuristic black DLC-coated titanium case.
Hublot Big Bang E Gen3 Black Magic (Price $6000)
If you love the look of the bold, dynamic Hublot Big Bang watch, you’ll love this smartwatch. The 43mm black micro-blasted and polished ceramic case has a lined black rubber strap that echoes the Big Bang’s aesthetics.It offers a customizable list of tiles and monitors, including a gyroscope and light sensor. Google’s Wear OS also powers it.
The sleek Hublot smartwatch has its roots in mechanical artistry but repackages them with a modern digital design. Oh, and if you’re a fan of customization, it gets better. You have a total of 11 cool digital dials to choose from!
Conclusion
Smartwatch prices today really depend on what you want in your model. If you don’t want to go for the generic Apple Watch “look”, you’ll need to pay more for your wearable smart device.
The more expensive manufacturers dominating the smartwatch space right now are those like Breitling, Montblanc TAG Heuer, and Hublot. For a premium price, you can replicate the look of a traditional timepiece, which is what many collectors seek today.
What you need to check before investing in a luxury smartwatch is whether the model is compatible with your phone. You should also consider factors like battery life, fitness features, and whether you can swap its strap easily.
Above all, make sure you choose a style that you’re going to enjoy for years to come. A decent smartwatch, like any of these featured in this list, will last you a long time.
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