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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From a quick lookup, either Garmin watch without Garmin Connect but Gadgetbridge (fdroid) instead. Or a Casio.
Though the EFF also laments the lack of sensible options, so your mileage may vary. Maybe a diy with a ESP32 S3? I think there are already some surprisingly small projects around, if i remember right.
I’ll look into the ESP32s! That could be an interesting project.
It’s weird how techies seem to accept leaking wearables. Even the new Pebbles seem to have real privacy issues.
More like resignation. It’s the current state of the industry, it’s not rea-lly neccessary, so we don’t get one. And the phone can be good enough.
I was searching for the same thing like you and decided to get a Garmin, as they seem to work with Gadgetbridge without needing to fair with their app first. It’ll arrive tomorrow, so I could give you some more insights then. But from what I’ve read online, Garmin watches are the top for sporty activities.
I am using Garmin venu 2 with gadgetbridge and I can confidently say the sync got so much better lately, it even integrates now with endurain and auto upload my workouts. The only thing that I think is less then ideal is agps (assisted gps), basically I had to setup cron job that downloads the agps file every day and stores it where gadgetbridge sees it (smb share) and can provide it to the watch on request. Without this it took 15+ minutes to lock gps…
I’m very interested in hearing about your experience with your new Garmin. They do seem like great watches.
A lot of smart watches require some form of cloud API through a major mobile OS, and I can’t think of any that don’t. Direct local sync is possible with Gadgetbridge though.
There’s also this guy who modded the ubiquitous cult classic Casio F91W: https://n-o-d-e.net/datarunner.html
Personally I like the Apple Watch, I have the LTE model because I like to leave my distraction rectangle at home when I can and still be available for calls. I do have a few Casio’s as well though, an A168 which is basically an F91W clad in metal and with a better back light, and also a Casio CA53W, the calculator wrist watch.
Thanks for some nice ideas! Seems Casios are the standard for many.
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.
No specific suggestion but I bet Casio has something that’d work for you
I recently ditched my Galaxy watch for a few cheap Casio’s. Between $15-30 each. So much better. There’s a Bluetooth enabled one for around $100 that has a step counter if that’s important.
I’ll look into Casio, thank you for suggesting them!
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 have one of these and it’s awesome.
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 💪
