I am trying to get some more measurable results while training, and I would like to get a watch that can measure my pulse during workouts. I see that the market is HUGE for watches meant for this, but I am a bit lost. Here are some things that are relevant to finding a good watch for me:
- I have smallish wrists.
- I would like to wear it also while swimming or showering
- I need it to work really well independently of any phone, as I don’t use iOS or any Android variant. This also means that the watch needs to be good at keeping the time without syncing with a phone.
- I need the watch to be privacy respecting. Even though I don’t plan on using it with a phone at the moment, I do not wish to support a scummy company.
Do you have a favorite watch that could fit some of these points?
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Pebble time 2
I already have a couple of Pebbles, but they drift too badly without constant sync with a phone, unfortunately. Fun watches, though!
This is what I use and it is outstanding. Anything you could want on a watch with none of the privacy violation. Also can recommend Pebble.
No specific suggestion but I bet Casio has something that’d work for you
I’ll look into Casio, thank you for suggesting them!
Why not just wear a Casio? They’re durable, waterproof, and come in different colours. I measure my HR by placing my fingers on the carotid artery and timing with the wrist watch. Also, doesn’t get any more effective in terms of privacy.
Another vote for the Casios! Privacy wise the manual way of doing it does seem superior.
I can’t suggest one for swimming, but this one is intriguing. Wanted to support it, but I hardly wear my own watch.
It’s modular and open source.
Interesting project that I’ll follow! This could become something great one day.
I have had, multiple Garmin venu models as well a family members. They are fantastic. I spend a ton of time in the hospital, pulse, pulse ox, and HRV have always been on point. The step counter and stair counter less so. Everything else is solid. 2 week battery life. And the Garmin venu 3 is one of the best health trackers. They’re now making a Venu 4. Don’t fall for it. The same elevate 5 sensor and no major upgrade. Stick with a new Venu 3 and save some dollars.
Nice to know the sensors are good, the Venu 4 could be a candidate if I find a way to sync it with any of my devices.
I know you said watch and time so I’m speaking out of line.
I use a Polar Chest Strap for HR measurement. More accurate
I’m open to other solutions! Do you know if the chest straps can sync with a Linux computer?
I like this “can sync with a Linux computer?” way of thinking 💪
Honestly I’ve not tried but it is bluetooth
I dont know if they still sell them but all the old polar watches used to do this. Downside is you need a chest strap and you can’t download the data from the watch.
You can get cheap second hand ones online. I would have recommended the rcx5 except the straps break and it’s impossible to buy new ones…
Yeah, I miss my old Polar watch.
I was under the impression that Garmin has a decent privacy policy for their smartwatches-- I have a Forerunner watch that I’ve worn almost daily for the last six years and it’s still working great, I’m quite happy with it. Obviously if you want true privacy and lack of tracking a traditional digital watch is the way to go but those don’t generally have HR tracking.
Huh, maybe I’ve been looking at the wrong watch segment. In stead of the semi smart, I’ll try looking at regular digital watches but with some extra features. Thank you for giving me that idea!
My answer for this has been to use Gadgetbridge - its an open source app which can replace the e.g. Garmin app, connecting to the device and gathering activity and sensor data plus forwarding notifications etc as you’d expect the first party app to do. The data remains exclusively on your phone, no servers involved.
Its not perfect, the Garmin UI is slicker and some minor features may not be supported but overall it’s really impressed me for a community effort.
I’ve been using this since March 2025 with a Garmin Forerunner 265 without any issues.
There are a wide range of supported devices, so you can buy the hardware you like/find a good deal and not worry about privacy based on the vendor.
Gadgetbridge Site Supported Watches
Hah, as of today there at 666 supported devices!
