Before I get into this review, I need to start with a bit of a disclaimer.

I’m not a watch person.

I’ve owned watches over the years, but they’ve usually ended up sitting in a drawer because I simply don’t enjoy wearing them. Smartwatches have never really appealed to me either.

That probably makes me a good person to review the Withings ScanWatch 2. Rather than comparing it to every smartwatch on the market, I’m looking at it from the perspective of someone who values practicality, style and whether it genuinely adds something useful to everyday life.

After spending some time with the ScanWatch 2, here’s what I found.

 

First Impressions of the Withings ScanWatch 2

When I first opened the box, I’ll admit I was a little underwhelmed. The colour wasn’t quite what I was expecting based on the packaging. The watch on the box appears to have slightly more pink tones in both the band and the case. Once I looked at the product photos online though, I realised the watch itself matched those perfectly. While the packaging gave me slightly different expectations, the watch itself didn’t disappoint. It looked elegant from the moment I took it out of the box and felt well made in the hand.

Also included in the box is the magnetic charging dock with a USB-C cable and a quick start guide with a link to download the companion app.

Setup, Pairing and Companion App

Pairing the watch with my Android phone via Bluetooth was quick and straightforward.

Like most devices these days, it comes with its own app. Is there something out there called app exhaustion? If so, I think I have it. This isn’t just another app however, and once I accessed it, I realised just how much functionality it unlocks. It also synced easily with my Samsung Health app and integrates with a range of other popular health and fitness apps, making it easy to keep all of your health data together.

The setup process walks you through the watch’s key health features and allows you to personalise your goals and preferences. From there you can set daily step and activity targets while accessing a wide range of health metrics, including heart rate, ECG, blood oxygen (SpO₂), body temperature variations, sleep tracking and menstrual cycle tracking.

There is quite a lot available, so it does take a little time to explore everything. I found myself discovering new features over several days rather than trying to learn everything at once, but once you get familiar with it, it’s actually very easy to navigate.

One thing I did notice while exploring the app is that not all of the insights are included as part of the standard experience. There is an optional Withings+ subscription that unlocks additional health insights, coaching and more detailed reports. Personally, I found there was already plenty of useful information available without subscribing, but if you’re someone who loves diving deep into your health data, it’s worth knowing there are extra features available at an additional cost.

The app is also where you customise how the watch works for you day to day, including the notifications you receive.

You can choose exactly which notifications you receive on the watch, including:

  • Phone calls
  • Text messages
  • Emails
  • Facebook Messenger
  • Other selected apps

I’m personally not someone who wants every email vibrating on my wrist all day, so I loved being able to choose exactly what I wanted. It means I can stay connected without feeling like my wrist is constantly buzzing. If you need a break from notifications altogether, the ScanWatch 2 also has its own Do Not Disturb mode. Turning this on silences notifications on the watch without affecting the notifications on your phone, so you can enjoy a little peace and quiet without missing anything on your handset.

Where Classic Meets Modern Everyday Wearability

The more I wore the ScanWatch 2, the more I appreciated the thought that has gone into its design. It successfully blends the timeless styling of a traditional analogue watch with modern technology, making it feel more like a quality watch that just happens to be smart. If I’m going to wear a watch, I want it to look like a watch, not a mini computer on my wrist. The ScanWatch 2 manages to do exactly that while still giving me the benefits of modern health tracking.

Withings offers the ScanWatch 2 in several classic colour combinations, so there’s something to suit different styles. Other options include a gorgeous royal blue model with a matching blue watch face and band, as well as stainless steel models with black or pearl white faces paired with matching silicone bands. Regardless of the colour you choose, they all maintain the same timeless styling.

One feature I particularly liked is the hidden OLED display. At first glance, the watch looks (almost) completely analogue, but with a simple press of the crown the digital display comes to life. If you occasionally struggle to read an analogue clock quickly, having the time displayed digitally is a really handy feature. The digital display is fairly small, but I changed the display setting from Auto to Big, which I found much easier to read. Another thoughtful touch is the glow-in-the-dark hands, making it easy to check the time during the night without having to activate the display.

Navigation is simple once you get used to it. Press the crown to wake the display, then rotate it to scroll through the different screens. If you have limited hand or finger dexterity, it may take a little more practice, but I found it became second nature after a couple of days.

The silicone band is comfortable enough to wear all day and feels durable without being bulky. The straps are also interchangeable, so if you wanted to dress the watch up for a special occasion or simply change your look, it’s nice to know you have that flexibility.

Outstanding 30-Day Battery Life

The watch arrived with around 60% battery. I charged it fully and received a notification on my phone when charging was complete. This is where the ScanWatch 2 has really impressed me. After wearing it overnight the battery was still showing 100%.

Three days later…still 100%.

Considering many smartwatches need charging every day or two, this has been one of my favourite features so far. One of the biggest advantages of the ScanWatch 2 is that you’re not constantly taking it off to recharge. If I had to do that every couple of days, and with my track record of watch wearing, I’d probably forget to put it back on. Withings claims up to 30 days of battery life on a single charge and, based on my experience so far, I have no reason to doubt that claim.

Health Tracking Features

As I’ve gotten older, keeping an eye on my health has become more important than simply counting steps. The ScanWatch 2 offers an impressive range of health monitoring features, including ECG (electrocardiogram), heart rate monitoring, blood oxygen (SpO₂), body temperature variation tracking, respiratory rate monitoring, sleep tracking and activity tracking.

I tested both the ECG and blood oxygen functions and found them straightforward to use. It also tracks changes in your body temperature over time, providing another layer of health information through the app. The amount of information available is impressive and probably more than I’ll personally look at every day, however it’s reassuring to know it’s there whenever I want it.

One of the first features I wanted to try was the sleep tracking. I wore the watch overnight and it recorded my sleep without any issues, with the results available in the app the following morning. Personally, I don’t think I’ll wear it to bed every night because I’ve never found sleeping with a watch particularly comfortable, but that’s entirely my preference rather than any fault of the ScanWatch 2. If you’re someone who already sleeps wearing a watch, I think you’ll really appreciate the insights it provides.

One feature I wasn’t expecting to enjoy quite as much as I did was the guided breathing exercise. Simply set a breathing session and the watch gently vibrates to guide your breathing in and out. Lying down with my eyes closed and following the vibrations was surprisingly relaxing. Given how busy this time of year is for us Accountants, I found myself appreciating this feature far more than I expected.

The companion app presents your health data in an easy-to-understand format. Below are a few examples of the reports and insights it provides.

Fitness Tracking and Workout Features

While my focus is more on staying active than serious fitness training, I was keen to try some of the ScanWatch 2’s workout features. The watch includes a range of workout modes, including swimming. I’m not planning on taking it for a swim anytime soon, but it’s reassuring to know the 5 ATM water resistance means it’s designed to handle swimming as well as everyday exposure to water.

I tested the walking workout, which uses Connected GPS through your phone to record your distance, pace, time, route and heart rate before syncing everything back into the app. I found it simple to use, and it was interesting to see the additional statistics after my walk.

I also like that the ScanWatch 2 can automatically recognise many everyday activities, so you don’t always have to remember to manually start a workout. Combined with the daily step and activity goals, I found myself paying more attention to how much I was moving each day, without feeling like I needed to become a fitness fanatic.

Who Should Buy the Withings ScanWatch 2?

After spending time with the ScanWatch 2, I think it’s aimed at a different type of user. Rather than trying to be an extension of your phone, it’s designed for people who want a stylish watch with powerful health tracking features and exceptional battery life.

Instead, it’s ideal for people who:

  • Want a traditional-looking watch rather than a mini smartphone on their wrist.
  • Are interested in monitoring their health as they get older.
  • Want ECG, heart rate, blood oxygen, sleep and temperature tracking without sacrificing style.
  • Prefer exceptional battery life instead of charging every day.
  • Want basic smart notifications without being constantly distracted.
  • Like having access to detailed health information through an easy-to-use app.

I think it would particularly suit adults who are becoming more proactive about their health, professionals who want a watch that still looks appropriate in business settings, or anyone who dislikes the bulky appearance of many modern smartwatches.

Withings ScanWatch 2 Specifications

  • Stainless steel case
  • Sapphire crystal glass
  • Hybrid analogue watch with OLED digital display
  • 38 mm and 42 mm sizes available
  • Up to 30-day battery life
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Compatible with Android and iPhone
  • Syncs with Samsung Health and Apple Health
  • ECG (medical-grade 1-lead)
  • Heart rate monitoring
  • Blood oxygen (SpO₂)
  • 24/7 body temperature variation tracking
  • Respiratory rate monitoring
  • Sleep tracking
  • Menstrual cycle tracking
  • Activity and workout tracking
  • Automatic activity detection
  • Connected GPS (uses your phone’s GPS)
  • Guided breathing exercises
  • Customisable smartphone notifications
  • 5 ATM water resistance (suitable for swimming)
  • Replaceable straps

Final Verdict: Is the Withings ScanWatch 2 Worth It?

My first impression wasn’t a “wow” moment, but the more I’ve worn the ScanWatch 2, the more I’ve appreciated what it offers. It strikes a great balance between looking like a quality traditional watch while quietly delivering a huge amount of health information in the background.

Perhaps the biggest compliment I can give it is that, despite not being a watch person, I haven’t really taken it off. I’ve even found myself wearing it to bed far more often than I ever expected so I can take advantage of the sleep tracking. That, more than anything, tells me just how well the ScanWatch 2 has fit into my everyday life.

The standout features for me have been the exceptional battery life, customisable notifications, comprehensive health tracking, guided breathing exercises and the fact that it doesn’t scream “smartwatch.”

If you’re expecting something that replaces your phone with hundreds of apps, or the ability to reply to messages and make calls from your wrist, this probably isn’t the watch for you.

However, if you’re looking for a stylish, classic-looking watch that focuses on health, wellbeing and long battery life rather than constant distractions, I think the ScanWatch 2 is an excellent choice.

When I started this review, I admitted I wasn’t a watch person. I didn’t expect this watch to change that, but it has. For me, that’s probably the strongest endorsement I can give.

Thanks to Withings for allowing me to review the ScanWatch 2. Currently you can purchase the hybrid smartwatch on Amazon, at JB Hi-Fi, and many other retailers in Australia at a RRP of $599.