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We all know at least one person who owns a smartwatch - and for good reason. This little wrist-worn device has, in recent years, won over a growing number of people who, it's fair to say, rarely take it off.
But do you know when this revolutionary device was first created? How it works? And everything it can do for you day to day?
If you're looking for answers to all of these questions, you've come to the right place - this is your ultimate guide to smartwatches.
You might be surprised to learn that the very first smartwatches actually launched back in the 1980s - yes, really! Of course, we're not talking about an Apple Watch or a Garmin built for every kind of sport, but rather pieces that packed genuinely revolutionary technology for their time.
You might be surprised to hear it, but the very first smartwatches hit the market back in the 1980s. Yes, really! Clearly, we're not talking about an Apple Watch or a Garmin built for every sport imaginable - but rather pieces that integrated genuinely revolutionary technology for their era.
To fully appreciate this fascinating story, let's travel back to the early 1980s - 1982, to be exact. Jean-Jacques Goldman's hit "Quand la musique est bonne" was dominating the airwaves, right alongside the American group Earth, Wind & Fire and their timeless anthem "Let's Groove."
Around the same time, a company unveiled a watch with programmable memory on the market. You almost certainly know this company - especially if you've read our guide to hybrid watches - and that company is Seiko.
But let's not keep you in suspense any longer: the very first smartwatch in history was the Pulsar NL C01 (manufactured by Seiko).
Pulsar NL C01, 1982 (Source: Tom's Hardware)
In addition to storing 24 bits of data, this chrome-cased Pulsar watch could also be connected to what was known as a "dye-sublimation printer" - a peripheral device designed to produce prints on a variety of materials. Even more remarkable, the Pulsar NL C01 could be connected to a memory card slot. For the time, that was nothing short of futuristic.
But Seiko wasn't done yet. One year later, in 1983, the brand unveiled an even more advanced model: the Seiko Data 2000. With its distinctive look, this one seemed like it had stepped straight out of a science-fiction film.
Seiko Data 2000, 1983 (Source: deutsches uhrenmuseum Blog)
And - brace yourself - this Seiko Data-2000 could store not just 24 bits, but a whopping 2,000 bits of data. If you were lucky enough to own this model in the early 1980s, you could save 2 notes, multiple entries in an electronic agenda, and even use a built-in calculator.
To access these functions, you had to connect the back of the watch to a small external keyboard made of black plastic. It was specifically designed to be used directly on the wrist.
Shortly after, the same Japanese brand released the Seiko UC 2000, a reference that looked very similar - with one key difference. It could be docked onto a keyboard designed to be used on a desk, which, as you can imagine, made typing far more comfortable.
Seiko UC-2000 on Seiko UC-2200 keyboard (Source: Old Crap Vintage Computing)
But all these devices - which could reasonably be called "the first smartwatches in history" - shared one key limitation worth noting. Even though they could be connected to a keyboard or a printer, none of them could be connected to a computer.
It wasn't until 1984 and the launch of the Seiko RC-1000 that things changed! This piece could be synced with several computers of the era, including the Apple II, IBM PCs, NEC machines, and Commodore C64 models developed by Commodore Business Machines Inc.
Seiko RC-1000, 1984 (Source: MSX)
By connecting the Seiko RC-1000 to your computer, you could sync your address book, personal lists, and various documents. It may come as a surprise, but when it launched, the model was met with a lukewarm reception - not because of its technical capabilities, but because of its finish. The Seiko RC-1000 originally shipped in a black plastic case that felt, frankly, rather cheap. Seiko took the feedback on board and course-corrected with a metal-cased version.
In September 1985, British company Sinclair unveiled its smartwatch - a creation that, as you're about to see, is guaranteed to raise a smile. That piece is the FM Radio Watch, and yes, you guessed it: this is indeed a watch with a built-in FM tuner.
Sinclair FM Radio Watch, 1985 (Source: The FluXXWorks)
This watch, developed in partnership with Timex, featured a triptych layout: the FM module sat at the top, a speaker in the middle, and the timekeeping function at the bottom of the dial.
Sinclair FM Radio Watch joints, 1985 (Source: The FluXXWorks)
Although it was relatively long by the standards of the time, its case was still versatile enough to fit a wide range of wrist sizes comfortably. Its two accordion-style hinges allowed it to be worn with a great deal of ease.
It's worth noting that Sinclair was going through a particularly difficult financial period at the time. As a result, the company ended up producing just over 10,000 units of its FM Radio Watch.
But through the 1990s, things really picked up steam - smartwatches gained an enormous number of new features. The Seiko Receptor, released in 1990, is a perfect example.
Seiko Receptor, 1990 (Source: Tom's Hardware)
Its standout feature was its cellular capability, which let it function as a pager. To take advantage of this, you had to buy the device for the then-modest sum of $275 and sign up for a $12.50 monthly plan with your carrier.
Its monochrome screen could display a maximum of 16 characters at a time. We'll admit that by today's standards, that sounds limited - very limited, in fact. But to understand it, you have to put it in context. In the 1990s, mobile phones were bulky rectangular devices with protruding antennas that barely fit in your pocket. We were still a long way from the smartphone era. That's precisely why the Seiko Receptor represented a significant technological leap forward.
Around the same time, another Japanese player entered the market: Casio! In 1991, the brand launched the VDB-1000, a Data Bank watch featuring a matrix LCD touchscreen.
Casio Data-Bank VDB-1000, 1991 (Source: Casio)
It offered a full suite of features ranging from world time to an address book, plus a digital calendar.
That same year, the Casio DKW-100 was unveiled - another Data Bank watch. Its standout feature was a kanji dictionary function that allowed users to look up a total of 55,000 Japanese words simply by entering their phonetic reading.
A year later, in 1992, a watch with a rather unusual feature was unveiled: an optical blood pressure monitor. Yes, you read that right - and that watch was the Casio BP-100!
Casio BP-100, 1992 (Source: Casio)
Its optical sensor and ECG signals allowed it to analyze variations in blood flow and ultimately display your blood pressure on screen. It was the first watch on the market to feature a built-in blood pressure monitor.
In 1995, Seiko unveiled its MessageWatch - a watch whose design was, all things considered, very similar to that of the previous "Receptor."
Seiko MessageWatch MA52-4A10, 1995 (Source: Reddit r/Seiko)
With this mid-1990s model, Seiko revisited the winning formula behind the "Receptor" and added a new trick: FM. At this point, you might be wondering whether - like the Sinclair FM Radio Watch - this Seiko let you listen to the radio through a tiny built-in speaker. And, at the risk of disappointing you… not exactly.
The Seiko MessageWatch wasn't equipped with an FM tuner per se, but it could pick up FM bands to display certain types of information. Weather forecasts, stock market updates, and sports scores - all sent by carriers - would magically appear right on your wrist, on your Seiko watch screen!
There was one catch, though. The MessageWatch had some notable technical limitations. Like the earlier Seiko Receptor, its monochrome screen could only display 16 characters at a time. That may sound trivial, but it meant that all the information we just mentioned couldn't always reach you in a single message. In other words, to show you the final score of a football match, the Seiko MessageWatch might need to send you not one, but two separate messages.
By the late 1990s, smartwatches were becoming increasingly powerful - veritable miniature computers strapped to your wrist. The Seiko Reputer, released in 1998, embodied that spirit perfectly. Equipped with an LCD screen totaling just over 6,500 pixels and a 16-bit processor running at 3.5 MHz, it gave you access to a whole suite of useful applications.
Seiko Reputer (Source: Hodinkee)
The interface was navigated using a tiny joystick located at the bottom of the case, just below the screen. The Seiko Reputer drew criticism, particularly for its non-rechargeable battery which - brace yourself - offered a battery life of no more than 3 months.
Around the turn of the millennium, PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) devices were on the rise. For those who didn't live through that era, these were essentially pocket-sized computers in the form of a mini tablet, typically controlled with a stylus.
That's what prompted several brands to unveil smartwatches directly inspired by those famous PDAs. IBM launched its WatchPad in 1998 - a model running a Linux distribution with an integrated Bluetooth module.
In 2002, Fossil entered the space with its own smartwatch along the same lines: the Wrist PDA.
Fossil Wrist PDA, 2002 (Source: TechCrunch)
This wrist-worn connected device ran on Palm OS, an operating system used at the time by PDAs from the American brand Palm.
Of course, other models followed - but they were fairly limited. And looking back at them with today's eyes, they feel dated, to say the least.
In truth, all the pieces we've just looked at were more smart watches than true connected smartwatches in the modern sense. As you've seen, several of them weren't connected to a mobile or internet network at all. And even if some of these timepieces could be synced with a PC, they were all designed to operate independently. That's precisely where they differ from the smartwatches we know today.
Sony Ericsson was the first to introduce, in 2007, what could genuinely be called a "modern smartwatch." That device was the MBW-150, a watch specifically designed to work in tandem with a smartphone from the same brand.
Sony Ericsson MBW-150 (Source: Generation-NT)
This Sony Ericsson smartwatch came loaded with handy features. Incoming text messages appeared on its small OLED display built right into the dial, and music playback was controlled via buttons on the case. In short, we were starting to get a real glimpse of what modern smartwatches would eventually become.
Two years later, in August 2009, Korean brand LG made its move into the smartwatch market with the GD910.
LG GD910, 2009 (Source: LG)
It was a watch-phone with a 1.4-inch screen and 3G connectivity, capable of making calls and sending texts. And honestly - doesn't it look strikingly similar to the touchscreen phones people were using at the very same time?
That same year, in November, an alternative was already available from Samsung with the S9110 Watchphone.
Samsung Watchphone S9110, 2009 (Source: Samsung)
As the name suggested, the device looked a lot like a shrunken-down phone of the era strapped to your wrist. Despite its bulky 57.7mm x 41mm x 12mm dimensions, it offered a meager 4-hour talk time. On the plus side, its screen could display 262,000 colors - which was quite impressive at the time.
Back in the day, tech journalists often used the word "gadget" to describe these outrageously priced oddities that let you talk to your wrist.
In 2012, a new device from Pebble hit the market with two defining features. First, it was the result of a KickStarter crowdfunding campaign. Second, it featured an e-ink display, similar to what you'd find on an e-reader.
Pebble watch, 2012 (Source: Time - Tech Land)
Thanks to its distinctive display and 130 mAh battery, it delivered a record-breaking 7-day battery life! On top of that, its $149 launch price helped it become a genuine commercial success, with over 1 million units sold.
In the years that followed, several brands jumped into the smartwatch space. Sony, Samsung, Motorola, and Martian all tried to claim their share of the market - none of them ever truly managing to stand out.
In March 2014, things really accelerated with Google's launch of the Android Wear operating system (now known as Wear OS). It gave compatible smartwatches a simple, intuitive interface designed specifically for small screens.
Android Wear interface, 2014 (Source: PhonAndroid)
Smartwatches were steadily becoming more practical, and as major brands began adopting this operating system, a new player was quietly getting ready to make its move: Apple.
Unveiled on September 9, 2014 by the now household-name American tech giant, the Apple Watch wasn't immediately available. First offered for pre-order, the smartwatch from the Apple brand finally went on sale in April 2015. The first generation to hit the market, known as "Series 0," already packed an impressive range of features right out of the gate.
Available in two sizes (38mm and 42mm), this smartwatch featured a sapphire crystal glass, Bluetooth 4.0, a heart rate monitor, magnetic charging, and more. Add water resistance and a high-potential operating system (watchOS), and you've got a future best-seller.
Apple Watch Series 0, 2015 (Source: Apple Fandom)
Whether you're an Apple fan or not, one thing you have to give the brand credit for is its ability to simplify technology and make it genuinely accessible to the mainstream. Just as the iPhone ushered in the smartphone era, the Apple Watch revolutionized the smartwatch world in its own right.
Apple Watch Series 0 Hermès, 2015 (Source: Le Figaro)
Apple understood early on the importance of offering distinctive products. It gave customers the ability to personalize their smartwatch and launched a special collaboration with luxury house Hermès, featuring a signature strap and exclusive watch faces for a truly prestigious look.
Apple believed in this project from day one. Case in point: a version in solid 18-karat yellow gold (750/1000) was made available in 2015 - the Apple Watch Edition. This ultra-exclusive piece carried a price tag of 18 000€.
Over the years, multiple Apple Watch models followed one after another, gaining new features such as an electrocardiogram and eventually adding built-in GPS, cellular connectivity, and more.
Garmin Forerunner 165 watch (Source: Garmin)
While brands like Apple, Samsung, and Google have zeroed in on the everyday smartwatch market, others like Garmin and Suunto have carved out a different path. Even though they occasionally offer models suited for daily wear, the bulk of their lineups is built with athletes in mind.
As you can see, the smartwatch concept is nothing new! While those early battery-powered models were revolutionary for their time, they're a far cry from what you can find on the market today. The great advantage you have now is that the technology has fully matured - meaning you can get a quality smartwatch without spending a fortune.
Like phones and computers, smartwatches are made up of both hardware and software. The hardware side is the tangible part - it includes the processor, screen, battery, sensors, and so on. In short, it's everything you can physically take apart or touch with your own hands.
Apple Watch Series 6 components (Source: iFixit)
As for the software side, it's intangible - think of it like Windows or macOS on your computer. It's the smartwatch's operating system, often referred to simply as an "OS," which stands for Operating System.
watchOS 10 Apple (Source: 9to5Google)
While there are countless operating systems out there, the vast majority of smartwatches on the market run on either Google's Wear OS or Apple's watchOS. Wear OS devices are designed primarily for use with Android smartphones such as Google Pixel, Samsung, Motorola, and others. The Apple Watch, on the other hand, delivers its full potential only when paired with a compatible iPhone - ideally the most recent one available.
As we covered in the first part of this guide, a smartwatch needs to be paired with a smartphone to work properly. Without that connection, you'll only have access to a fraction of its full feature set.
To pair with a smartphone, a smartwatch relies on Bluetooth connectivity. That's precisely what allows information to flow between the two devices.
So whenever you receive a text, a call, or a notification from one of your apps, your smartphone sends a signal to your smartwatch so it can alert you in real time.
You may not always see them - they're usually tucked away inside the case - but your smartwatch is packed with sensors.
Heart rate monitoring on a Garmin watch (Source: Garmin)
Altimeter, compass, accelerometer, temperature sensor, heart rate monitor… each one plays a specific role, measuring data related to your activity or your surroundings. These are the sensors that bring all those useful stats to the screen of your smartwatch.
Some smartwatches also feature built-in cellular connectivity - think 4G. This lets you enjoy all internet-dependent features without needing to be paired to your smartphone. In other words, the smartwatch becomes fully independent from your phone, giving you a whole new level of freedom.
Incoming call on Apple Watch + Cellular (Source: Apple)
Do note, however, that cellular models require a special plan from your carrier, who will provide you with what's known as an eSIM. With it, you'll be able to make and receive phone calls even when your phone isn't nearby.
Don't think of a smartwatch as an impersonal, static device, though! Much like your smartphone, you can make it your own by customizing a few key elements. And as you'll see, it's easier than you might think!
Just like smartphones, smartwatches have their own app store. Apple Watch users have access to the App Store, while smartwatches running Google's Wear OS connect to the Google Play Store.
Installing an app on Apple Watch via the App Store (Source: Apple)
Once connected to these platforms, you can install all kinds of apps - from navigation tools for getting around the city, to music recognition apps, to your favorite streaming service so you can listen to your go-to songs on the go.
If you want to install new watch faces to personalize your smartwatch, you'll usually need to go through an app on your smartphone. For example, to load a new watch face onto an Apple Watch, you'll need to use the "Watch" app that comes pre-installed on your iPhone.
Apple Watch Dials (Source: Gagadget)
Watch faces come in every style imaginable - from the most minimalist to the most extravagant. Whether you want something practical for everyday wear, something elegant to pair with formal outfits, or something sporty for your training sessions, you can have it all on the same watch.
As you've gathered, smartwatches work a lot like our smartphones. They're packed with electronic components and run on an operating system (watchOS or Wear OS), which lets you customize them by installing apps and new watch faces. The key takeaway: while cellular models exist that run on a 4G connection, virtually all smartwatches today still need to be paired with a compatible smartphone to function fully.
You may have noticed it yourself: smartwatches have been on a serious rise in recent years. This growing popularity can be explained in a number of ways, but above all, it's the wealth of features smartwatches offer that keeps winning over new fans. Just don't make the mistake of thinking these little devices are all upside - there are trade-offs too.
To sum up: a smartwatch can help you track your activity and keep your phone in your pocket more often. That said, this little gadget requires frequent charging and can become a real source of distraction.
Now that you know everything a smartwatch can do for you, you're thinking about getting one to keep up with your everyday adventures. But you're still on the fence about taking the plunge... and that's completely normal.
To help you make up your mind, let's walk through the different situations where a smartwatch could genuinely make a difference in your life.
You work out one to several times a week to stay in shape and want to track your performance day by day? Then getting a smartwatch could be a great idea!
Smartwatch on a bicycle (Source: Hodinkee)
Strapped right to your wrist, this little device lets you set training programs in advance, track your performance in real time, and review your achievements afterward. You can even challenge your friends and compete against each other! With personalized tips to help you improve over time, a smartwatch can also serve as a mini personal trainer you can take anywhere.
And if you like to work out with music, a smartwatch can help there too. Its small touchscreen lets you easily control what's playing in your wireless earbuds - so you can always find the track that keeps you pushing when you need it most!
Garmin watch with running map (Credit: Luke Edwards)
Its built-in GPS chip guides cyclists, runners, and hikers along their favorite routes through interactive maps. Some models even offer a safety feature that notifies your loved ones when your workout is going smoothly - genuine peace of mind for anyone who likes to go for a run after dark.
Bottom line: if you want to train smarter and with greater peace of mind, investing in a smartwatch is well worth considering.
You lead an active lifestyle and you're open to using technology that makes everyday life easier? Then a smartwatch could be just what you're looking for.
Contactless payment with Apple Watch via Apple Pay (Source: Orange)
As we mentioned earlier, this little device packs a surprisingly useful set of features. Its NFC chip enables contactless payments - no need to fish out your card or your phone - which is a genuine everyday convenience.
By displaying upcoming weather forecasts, your smartwatch also helps you plan your outfit for the day and figure out whether you'll need to grab an umbrella on your way out.
Activity rings on Apple Watch (Source: 9h41)
Smartwatches also display stats tied to your daily physical activity. Step count, distance walked, floors climbed - all of it is just a few taps away. This way, you can instantly see whether you're moving enough or whether you need a few extra steps to hit your daily goal.
Professionals who regularly receive high volumes of emails and texts can also find real value in smartwatches. By previewing incoming messages at a glance, they can quickly sort through them and prioritize what actually needs their attention - making them more efficient overall.
Not many people know this, but smartwatches can also be a real asset for the elderly. Models equipped with a built-in electrocardiogram can detect any irregularities linked to a heart rate that's too high or too low.
Fall detection on Apple Watch (Source: Mac4ever)
But that's not all - some models also feature a sensor capable of detecting a fall. If such an event is registered, the smartwatch prompts the wearer to interact with the screen. If no response is detected, it automatically contacts emergency services and shares the person's precise location. Loved ones can be notified as well, ensuring help arrives as quickly as possible.
There you have it - you now know the full story of smartwatches, from the earliest iterations of the early 1980s to today's cutting-edge models. You also understand exactly how these tech-packed devices work, along with their pros and cons. In short, you have everything you need to decide whether a smartwatch belongs on your wrist.
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