What is a smartwatch and what can you do with it?

A smartwatch, like your smartphone, is a small wearable computer in the shape of a watch. You can simply read the time on a smartwatch, but a smartwatch can do much more. In this article we will tell you all about this!

What is a smartwatch?

A smartwatch is literally a 'smart watch'; it is a digital watch that, like your smartphone, contains an operating system (OS) and memory. A smartwatch usually has a touchscreen to operate it. Smartwatches can do much more than just tell the time; most smartwatches display notifications from your smartphone, and some smartwatches even let you make calls and send messages from your wrist. You can also keep track of how many steps you take in a day, measure your heart rate and track your sleeping pattern. 

But what makes a smartwatch really 'smart' is the data it measures and collects about your body and health. Based on this data, you can then receive advice about your lifestyle, training, nutrition, etc. 

Digital watches have been around since the 1970s and already included "smart" functions, such as a calculator. Later, sensors were added to digital watches that could, for example, measure distance and altitude. You found and can still find these sensors mainly on sports watches and outdoor watches.

For example, on an outdoor watch you can read how high you are in the mountains using the altimeter in the watch. A running watch contains a sensor that allows you to measure distance and speed, and often a (limited) memory in which you can store previous lap times. You can read this data on the display of the watch itself.

With a smartwatch, you don't just have to read the data on the screen of the device itself. By syncing the watch with the app on your smartphone, you always have access to your data for comparison, and you can store more data, for longer.

Since the rise of wireless communication technology and the availability of increasingly smaller and cheaper silicon chips has it become possible to make watches with smartphone-like functions. By connecting your smartwatch to your smartphone, these two devices will exchange data and work together. For example, smartwatches display incoming messages and send a notification when you receive a call. Conversely, you can view and analyze data that your watch collects on your smartphone, for example your training schedule, routes walked, etc. Sometimes it is also possible to respond to a message via voice control or via pre-programmed answers, without having to use your smartphone. 

Because the technology of smartwatches is closely related to that of smartphones, it is not surprising that the smartwatch market is dominated by major players such as Apple, Samsung and Garmin, but 'traditional' watch companies are also producing more and more connected watches and smartwatches.

How does a smartwatch work?

A smartwatch is very similar to a smartphone, but in watch size. Just like with a smartphone, you operate the smartwatch via a touchscreen (sometimes with additional push buttons). There are also many similarities on the inside, such as a chip, operating system (OS), working memory and storage memory. Using the sensors and meters, the smartwatch uses algorithms to determine what activities you perform and whether you experience stress.

To use a smartwatch you need a smartphone. On your smartphone, install the app that comes with the smartwatch, such as Garmin Connect or Watch by Apple. You connect your smartphone to your smartphone via Bluetooth. You can then use the app to set your smartwatch and view your collected data.

Many smartwatches nowadays have their own WiFi connection so that you can connect to the internet without your smartwatch to, for example, perform updates or download apps. 

How to connect a smartwatch to your phone

To connect your smartwatch to your phone, download the smartwatch brand's app to your phone. If your smartwatch and phone are from the same brand, the smartwatch app is usually already installed on your phone. 

The connection to your phone works about the same via each app: turn on Bluetooth on both devices. You will usually receive a request on your watch or phone to connect the devices. Click agree, and your smart devices are connected!

Please note: an Apple Watch can only be linked to an iPhone.

How does a smartwatch work without a connection to the phone?

Most smartwatches do not work without a connection to a smartphone. But there are smartwatches available that can work independently. These are smartwatches that have a built-in eSIM card. This type of smartwatch often has 4G, 5G, LTE or Cellular in the name. With these smartwatches you can make calls, receive messages and use the internet without needing your phone. 

You will probably have to take out a separate mobile data subscription to use this watch. The big advantage of this type of smartwatch is that, for example, when you go running, you do not have to take your phone with you.

Download apps on your smartwatch

Just like your smartphone, a smartwatch has an app store (such as the Google Play Store) that allows you to download apps. The great thing about apps on your smartwatch is that you don't have to take your phone out of your pocket to use WhatsApp, check the weather forecast or pay for your groceries.

You can download the apps via the smartwatch app on your phone. If you have a smartwatch with a WiFi or 4G connection, you can download apps directly to your watch.

Smartwatches with a specific purpose, such as hiking or diving, generally already support the apps they need to achieve that goal by default. 

Which operating system does my smartwatch have?

Smartwatches, just like smartphones and tablets, run on an operating system (OS). The most commonly used operating systems for smartwatches are Android Wear and Apple Watch OS. Android (Wear) was developed by Google. Smartwatches that run on Android can be used not only in combination with Android phones, but also with smartphones that run on iOS. 

Watch OS is the operating system of the Apple Watch. The Apple Watch only works in conjunction with an iPhone. Before you buy a smartwatch, always check whether the watch is compatible with your smartphone.

FAQ – The most frequently asked questions about smartwatches

Q) How can I (re)set the time on a smartwatch? 

A) Most smartwatches automatically set the time on the watch correctly after pairing it with your smartphone. If you want to set the time manually, go to the settings of your watch via the touchscreen. Choose 'date and time' and set your local time.

Q) How do I charge my smartwatch? 

A) Most smartwatches come with a magnetic charging cable that plugs into a USB port/plug. Place your smartwatch on the magnetic charger and it will start charging.

Q) How do I charge my smartwatch without a charger? 

A) Connect the USB cable of your smartwatch to a USB port on a television, laptop or gaming console. You can charge some smartwatches with your phone (Powersharing). Consult the user manual of your smartwatch.

Q) Can I use my smartwatch without connecting it to a smartphone?

A) Yes, you can use your smartwatch without connecting it to a smartphone. However, you may not be able to access some essential features such as making and receiving calls, notifications, etc.

Q) How do smartwatches measure heart rate and blood pressure? 

A) The optical heart rate monitor, also called PPG sensor, is a sensor that measures heart rate. It does this by means of green flashes of light. These shine through your skin on the inside of your watch and reflect back to the sensor. When your heart pumps blood, this reflection changes and thus the sensor counts your heart rate per minute. 

An ECG sensor (Electrocardiogram) measures the electrical activity of the heart. This way the smartwatch can check whether you have a healthy heart rate. 

The saturation meter (Pulse oximeter) measures the saturation level in your blood, also called the SpO2 value or oxygen level. The sensor shines a beam of light on your wrist and captures the reflected light. Your smartwatch calculates your oxygen level from this.

Please note: smartwatches are not medical equipment and only provide an indication of blood pressure, heart rate and saturation. Always consult a doctor if you experience health issues.

Q) Is there a smartwatch that monitors blood sugar levels?

A) There are several smartwatches on the market that claim to be able to measure blood sugar. There are also well-known manufacturers, such as Apple, developing such a watch. However, there is currently no reliable smartwatch on the market that can take over the regular blood sugar measurements of diabetics. If you are considering purchasing a smartwatch with a blood sugar monitor, always consult your doctor first.

Q) Do smartwatches emit radiation?

A) Both smartwatches and smartphones emit electromagnetic pulses. The electromagnetic signal ensures a smartwatch can 'talk' to transmission towers. This makes it possible to use the internet, call and text. To date, no evidence has been found that electromagnetic waves are harmful.

Q) Can you wear a smartwatch with a pacemaker? 

A) The magnetic field of a smartphone can interfere with the functioning of a pacemaker. The advice is not to carry a smartphone in your breast pocket. Smartwatches also send small electrical currents through the body to obtain certain information, for example about the amount of fat mass. This current level is imperceptible to the wearer of the smartwatch, but it can disrupt the functioning of a pacemaker.

Q) Does a smartwatch need a SIM card?

A) Because your smartwatch is connected to your phone, you do not need to insert a SIM card into your smartwatch for it to work. Samsung Galaxy smartwatches work using something known as an eSIM. This type of SIM card is not a physical SIM card, but an electronic SIM card that is automatically uploaded from your phone to your watch during the initial pairing process.

Q) Does a smartwatch require a data subscription? 

A) If you want to receive and send messages via your smartwatch (with eSIM) without being connected to a phone, you may need a data subscription.

Interchangeable watch straps

The nice thing about a smartwatch is that you can adjust it completely to your own taste. You can choose different screen designs and sort your home screen as you find convenient. For example, with a classic dial when you wear a suit or bright colours when you exercise.

Many smartwatches come with an easily replaceable standard (silicone rubber) strap. That may not match your classic dial and suit. You can then very easily exchange the strap for a more traditional leather strap, or a sturdy metal bracelet.

Take a look at our range of watch straps for Apple watch or Samsung or - if your smartwatch has a straight strap attachment - opt for a universal or brand watch strap that matches your outfit!