Category: Wearables

  • New Seiko 5 Sports Supercars GMT Watch with 4R34 Caliber

    New Seiko 5 Sports Supercars GMT Watch with 4R34 Caliber

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Seiko SSK057K is a limited edition automatic GMT watch celebrating a decade of collaboration with Supercars and Team 18, with only 1,500 pieces available globally.
    2. The watch features a racing-inspired design with a carbon-fibre patterned dial, red highlights, and Lumibrite for visibility in low light.
    3. It runs on Seiko’s automatic Caliber 4R34 movement, offering a 41-hour power reserve and the ability to track three time zones simultaneously.
    4. The watch has a stainless steel case (42.5mm diameter, 13.6mm thickness), Hardlex crystal, and is water-resistant up to 100 meters, with a black cow leather strap.
    5. Priced at AUD $850, the watch comes in a special collector’s box with additional items and is currently available exclusively in Australia.

    Seiko has recently introduced a new watch that is a limited edition automatic model inspired by motorsports. The SSK057K is the inaugural GMT watch made for the Supercars Championship and marks a decade of collaboration with Supercars and Team 18. Only 1,500 individually numbered pieces are available globally, and each watch comes in a unique collector’s box.

    Design and Features

    Now, let’s discuss the standout feature: the design, which has a strong racing influence. The dial features a carbon-fibre pattern that echoes the lightweight materials found in contemporary racing vehicles. Red highlights accentuate the inner chapter ring, GMT hand, and seconds hand, while Lumibrite on the hands and hour markers guarantees readability in dim conditions. Both the crown and the case back are engraved with the Supercars logo, which also displays each watch’s unique limited-edition number.

    Movement and Functionality

    The Seiko 5 Sports SSK057K runs on Seiko’s automatic Caliber 4R34, which shares essentially the same specifications and measurements as the NH35 movement, such as a 41-hour power reserve, hand-winding capability, and a hacking seconds feature; the sole addition is the GMT function. This GMT feature allows wearers to monitor three time zones at once by utilizing the main hands, a 24-hour hand, and a bidirectional bezel, reflecting the championship’s six time zones spread across Australia and New Zealand.

    Specifications and Packaging

    Constructed from stainless steel, the case has a diameter of 42.5mm and a thickness of 13.6mm, weighing roughly 93 grams. Above the dial is a Hardlex crystal equipped with a magnifier, and the watch comes with a black cow leather strap featuring a 22mm lug width. As with other Seiko 5 Sports models, it also offers water resistance up to 100 meters.

    The Seiko 5 Sports x Supercars Limited Edition 2026 arrives in a specially designed collector’s box that contains a commemorative Seiko Supercars pin, a branded cleaning cloth, and a certificate with an individual number that outlines all the Supercars racetracks.

    Currently, the Seiko 5 Sports x Supercars SSK057K is exclusively available in Australia, priced at AUD $850. It can be bought directly from the Seiko Boutique or the official online store. It’s still unknown if this watch will be available in other regions, including the US and Europe.

    Also, note that the Seiko SSK001 is currently being offered at 20% off on Amazon.

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  • Garmin Fenix 9 Release Timeline: CEO Teases New High-End Smartwatch

    Garmin Fenix 9 Release Timeline: CEO Teases New High-End Smartwatch

    Key Takeaways

    1. Garmin plans to launch a new premium smartwatch, likely the Fenix 9, later this year.
    2. The Fenix 8 Pro is currently priced at $1,199.99, following the Fenix 8 released in August 2024.
    3. Garmin anticipates increased sales in the latter half of 2026, despite releasing several smartwatches this year.
    4. There are no specific details available about the Fenix 9 at this time.
    5. Garmin’s outdoor division is expected to have a very active year, but speculation about new features, like advanced digital crown patents, remains unconfirmed.

    Garmin’s CEO has shared that the company is getting ready to launch a new premium smartwatch later this year. To give some background, the Fenix 8 was introduced in August 2024, and the Fenix 8 Pro followed just a year later, currently priced at $1,199.99 on Amazon. Before that, there was around a 14-15 month gap between the release of the Fenix 7 Pro and the Fenix 7, as well as between the Fenix 8 and the Fenix 7 Pro.

    Upcoming Launch

    It appears that we are only a few months away from the debut of the first Fenix 9 smartwatches. For now, Garmin is being secretive about what they are planning. However, during Garmin’s announcement of its financial results for the year 2025, CEO Clifton Pemble indicated that the company anticipates increased sales in the latter half of 2026, even with the introduction of several smartwatches this year, including the Quatix 8 Pro.

    Analyst Insights

    As noted by the5krunner, Morgan Stanley analyst Eric Woodring echoed this sentiment in a follow-up remark. At this moment, Pemble declined to comment on any speculation regarding the Fenix 9. He mentioned that Garmin’s outdoor division is set for a “very active year”. There are no specific details on the Fenix 9 available yet. It also remains uncertain if the recent advanced digital crown patents will lead to a consumer product in this generation.

    Garmin through the5krunner.

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  • Casio G-Shock MTG-B4000 Carbon Frame Watch Now in the US

    Casio G-Shock MTG-B4000 Carbon Frame Watch Now in the US

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Casio G-Shock MTGB4000D-1A is now available in the US for $1,600, following its launch in Japan in early 2026.
    2. The watch features a stylish black and silver design with a composite band and is built to resist shocks, vibrations, and water up to 200 meters.
    3. Dimensions of the watch are 56.5 x 45.3 x 14.4 mm, and it weighs 178 grams.
    4. High-tech features include radio control, Bluetooth connectivity, world time support, and various built-in functions like a stopwatch and daily alarm.
    5. Availability in European markets is uncertain, with the current MTG-B4000-1A priced at €1,250 in Germany.

    The Casio G-Shock MTGB4000D-1A timepiece is officially on sale in the United States. Initially launched in Japan at the beginning of 2026, this watch is part of the premium MT-G collection, featuring a unique combination of carbon and stainless steel in its case design.

    You can now purchase the Casio G-Shock MTGB4000D-1A from the brand’s online shop in the US for $1,600. The company has also shared on social media that this timepiece is available at their physical store located in SoHo, New York.

    Stylish Design and Durability

    The G-Shock MTGB4000D-1A showcases a sleek black and silver aesthetic, complemented by a composite band that is layered. This model, known as Triple G Resist, is designed to withstand shocks, centrifugal forces, and vibrations, as well as being water-resistant up to 200 meters. Its dimensions are 56.5 x 45.3 x 14.4 mm (roughly 2.22 x 1.78 x 0.57 inches) and it has a weight of 178 grams (about 6.3 ounces).

    High-Tech Features

    Equipped with radio control (Multiband 6) technology, the G-Shock MTG-B4000 watch also includes Bluetooth connectivity. This feature allows users to enjoy services like automatic time syncing and a phone finder through the Casio Watches app. Additionally, it has built-in functions such as a stopwatch that measures in seconds, a countdown timer, and a daily alarm. The watch supports world time, and the three analog hands are reported to stay accurate within 15 seconds each month. The dials on the watch face display time in a 24-hour format, a second time zone, and the day of the week. Other highlights are Tough Solar charging and an LED backlight.

    It remains uncertain if Casio plans to introduce the G-Shock MTGB4000D-1A in European markets like Germany, where it currently offers the MTG-B4000-1A for €1,250 on its online store.

    Casio’s

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  • Garmin Smartwatch Health Metrics Show Large Margin of Error

    Garmin Smartwatch Health Metrics Show Large Margin of Error

    Key Takeaways

    1. Heart rate variability (HRV) measures the differences in timing between heartbeats and requires frequent tracking of heartbeats for accuracy.
    2. Garmin devices, like the Vivosmart 4, provide useful data on current and resting heart rates but struggle with accurate HRV measurements, especially during regular activities.
    3. A study with 62 participants showed that errors in HRV readings from the Vivosmart 4 can skew results and overshadow real changes in HRV.
    4. Researchers recommend focusing on HRV readings taken during minimal movement, such as sleep, for better accuracy.
    5. Limitations include Garmin’s lack of raw data access, which makes it difficult for users and researchers to analyze the data effectively and perform independent calibrations.

    Heart rate variability shows how much the timing between heartbeats differs. To do this, it’s necessary to track heartbeats more frequently. For instance, Garmin uses heart rate variability to evaluate recovery status. However, the heart rate variability recorded by Garmin watches isn’t necessarily relevant for medical use, and thus, these devices are not certified as medical equipment.

    Study Findings on Garmin Vivosmart 4

    In a study that has not yet been formally published, the older Garmin Vivosmart 4 struggles to accurately estimate heart rate variability during regular use. The research involved 62 participants who wore both a Garmin Vivosmart 4 and an ECG device, adding up to over 900 hours of data collection. After processing the data, an average of 179 five-minute intervals per participant was analyzed. The findings show that the Garmin Vivosmart 4 measures current heart rate and resting heart rate fairly well, indicating that the accuracy is less affected by factors like movement. On the other hand, heart rate variability proves to be less reliable and is more susceptible to inaccuracies. In simpler terms, errors can heavily skew the displayed readings, overshadowing even minor changes in heart rate variability itself. If these errors dominate the actual measurements, the results become less useful.

    Recommendations and Limitations

    Despite these findings, the researchers don’t deem heart rate variability measurements as completely pointless. They recommend that users should concentrate on readings taken when there is minimal movement, such as during sleep. Additionally, the researchers highlight certain limitations, particularly that Garmin does not offer raw data access. This lack of transparency complicates the ability for users and researchers to identify which values were collected under specific conditions for average calculations, and it hinders the possibility of independent data cleaning, such as through personalized calibration.

    Sinichi, Amin & Gevonden, Martin & Krabbendam, Lydia & van der Mee, Denise. (2026). Right Place, Right Time: Validation of a Consumer-Grade Wearable for Heart Rate and Heart Rate Variability Across Sleep-Wake Cycles, Physical Activity, and Postures in an Ambulatory Study [Preprint], on Researchgate, Images under CC BY 4.0 license, Teaser image: Inge Schwabe, Notebookcheck.

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  • Garmin Updates Older High-End Smartwatches with New Features

    Garmin Updates Older High-End Smartwatches with New Features

    Key Takeaways

    1. Garmin has released Beta Version 26.03 for Fenix 7, Fenix 7 Pro, and other compatible devices, excluding Marq Aviator Gen 2 and Tactix 7.
    2. The update changes the Upload RAM option to only appear when connected to Garmin Connect.
    3. A fix has been implemented for the Daily Suggested Workout displaying incorrect target type data.
    4. The update can be downloaded over-the-air (OTA) and is currently available to 20% of beta testers.
    5. Users can manually search for updates to bypass the staged rollout process.

    Garmin has started to roll out its latest public beta update for the Fenix 7 and Fenix 7 Pro, which currently is priced at $609 on Amazon. This update is also applicable to devices like the Enduro 2, Epix 2, Quatix 7, and the Marq Gen 2. However, the Marq Aviator Gen 2 and Tactix 7 are still not included in the Beta Program.

    New Beta Version Released

    The Fenix 7 and its counterparts have now moved to Beta Version 26.03. This is only the second update within the v26.xx series that Garmin has released for public beta testers. The changelog from Beta Versions v26.02 to v26.03 is somewhat specific.

    Update Features

    Garmin states that they have made changes to the Upload RAM option, ensuring it only appears when the watch is actively connected to Garmin Connect. In theory, this option was supposed to be shown only in these situations. Additionally, the company mentions they have fixed a problem where the Daily Suggested Workout would sometimes display incorrect data for the target type.

    The new update can be downloaded over-the-air (OTA). It’s important to note that at the time of writing, Garmin has only made Beta Version 26.03 available to about 20% of beta testers. Users can bypass Garmin’s staged rollout by manually searching for updates. More information can be found in Garmin’s forum post.

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  • New Affordable Casio Vintage A158 Metal Strap Watches Launching Worldwide

    New Affordable Casio Vintage A158 Metal Strap Watches Launching Worldwide

    Key Takeaways

    1. Two new Casio Vintage A158WEA watches are launching in more European countries, including the Netherlands, Spain, and Germany.
    2. The watches are priced at €39.90 and are marked as “coming soon” with no specific release date yet.
    3. The A158WEA-2 features a blue border, while the A158WEA-7 comes with a light grey frame.
    4. These watches offer basic water resistance, a battery life of up to seven years, and various digital features like a stopwatch and daily alarm.
    5. A green LED backlight allows for easy reading of the time in different lighting conditions.

    Two new Casio Vintage A158WEA watches are now set to launch in more European nations. The blue and light grey color options are already sold in places like the UK and Japan.

    Availability in Europe

    In countries such as the Netherlands, Spain, and Germany, Casio has recently added the A158WEA-2 and A158WEA-7 watches to its online shop. They come with a recommended retail price of €39.90 and are marked as “coming soon,” though a specific release date hasn’t been shared. You can click the black “Sign up now” button on the product page to sign up for an email alert when they are available.

    Design and Specifications

    The A158WEA-2 and A158WEA-7 watches are the newest additions to the A158 lineup, which started back in 1989. Each model features a silver-tone resin case that harmonizes with the stainless steel bracelet. Both versions showcase a light display at the center, with the A158WEA-2 sporting a darker blue border and the A158WEA-7 featuring a light grey frame.

    Practical Features

    The A158 watches include basic water resistance, making them great for daily wear, and they boast an estimated battery life of up to seven years. The digital display allows users to see the time in either 12 or 24-hour formats along with the date and day of the week. Additional tools include a daily alarm, a stopwatch, and hourly chimes. Plus, a green LED backlight makes it easy to read the time no matter the lighting. Casio has not yet revealed if or when the Vintage A158WEA-2 and A158WEA-7 will be available in the US.

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  • Amazfit Smartwatches Launch New Heart Rate Mini App

    Amazfit Smartwatches Launch New Heart Rate Mini App

    Key Takeaways

    1. Three new Mini Apps have been added to the Amazfit Mini App Store, compatible with various smartwatch models including the T-Rex 3.
    2. The Heart Trace app is the most popular among the new releases, functioning as a live pulse monitor with real-time heart rate data displayed on a fluid graph.
    3. Two new games, Mini 8-Ball and Quick Math, have been launched for user engagement, offering a pool game and a brain training challenge, respectively.
    4. The Remotify app remains the top app on the Zepp OS chart, allowing users to control Spotify music playback remotely.
    5. Users can easily download these Mini Apps through the Zepp app by navigating to Profile > Select your device > App Store.

    Three new Mini Apps for Amazfit smartwatches have just been revealed by Zepp Health. These apps are now accessible in the brand’s Mini App Store and are expected to work with various Amazfit smartwatch models, including the T-Rex 3, which is currently priced at $249.98 on Amazon.

    Heart Trace App Popularity

    Among the trio of Mini Apps, Heart Trace stands out as the most sought after, holding the second spot on the Zepp OS Weekly Top 50 Downloaded Apps Chart. This app functions as a live pulse monitor, enabling users to see heart rate information gathered by their smartwatch in real time. The data is shown on a lively pulse graph, characterized by the developer as “an easy-to-read, fluid line chart”.

    New Gaming Options

    In addition, two fresh games have been launched for Amazfit wearable users. The first game, Mini 8-Ball, lets you engage in a game of 8-Ball pool against an AI player directly on your watch. Players can manipulate the angle of the pool cue using the smartwatch’s crown, while the power is adjusted through a touch interface. The second game, Quick Math, acts as a brain training tool where users earn points for solving math equations within a set time limit.

    Downloading Apps Made Easy

    The top position on the Zepp OS apps chart is still held by Remotify, an app that allows for remote music playback controls for the Spotify mobile app. Users of Amazfit smartwatches can easily download any of these Mini Apps from the Mini App Store within the Zepp app by navigating to Profile > Select your device > App Store.

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  • Garmin Smartwatch Update Adds New Driver Health Features

    Garmin Smartwatch Update Adds New Driver Health Features

    Key Takeaways

    1. Garmin has released software version 13.26 for the Instinct 3, Instinct Crossover, and Instinct E smartwatches, following version 13.25.
    2. The update includes a critical bug fix that prevents devices from crashing during startup.
    3. Users of Solar Tactical and AMOLED Tactical models will benefit from a fix related to 3rd party laser range finders not receiving ballistic data.
    4. New health tools and quick workouts designed for truck drivers have been added to all Solar and AMOLED smartwatches.
    5. The rollout of version 13.26 is currently at about 50% of users, with automatic installation occurring via the Garmin Connect app or Garmin Express software.

    Garmin’s Instinct 3, Instinct Crossover, and Instinct E smartwatch users have begun receiving a fresh stable update: software version 13.26. This update comes soon after the previous version 13.25 was released, which addressed an issue related to the new Smart Wake feature.

    Update Announcement

    The release of Garmin system software version 13.26 was shared in a recent update on the brand’s forum. The change log reveals a comprehensive list of new features and enhancements, although many were already included in the earlier software version 13.24 update.

    New Features and Fixes

    With the arrival of version 13.26 for the Instinct 3 and Instinct E smartwatches, there’s a notable bug fix aimed at stopping the devices from crashing during startup. For users of the Solar Tactical and AMOLED Tactical models (current price $599.99 at Amazon), Garmin has fixed an issue where 3rd party laser range finders weren’t properly receiving ballistic data. Furthermore, all Solar and AMOLED smartwatches now feature additional health tools and quick workouts specifically tailored for truck drivers. Regrettably, the change log does not provide more details about these new tools.

    Rollout Progress

    As of now, Garmin Instinct 3 system software version 13.26 has been rolled out to approximately 50% of users. Once the update is available for your smartwatch, it will automatically download and install the next time you connect with the Garmin Connect mobile app or the Garmin Express software on your computer.

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  • New Camo Design Casio G-Shock Watches Now Available in the UK

    New Camo Design Casio G-Shock Watches Now Available in the UK

    Key Takeaways

    1. Casio launched the G-Shock 2100 Series camouflage watches in the UK, featuring models GA-2100CM-5A, GA-2100CM-8A, and GA-2100CMD-8A.
    2. The GA-2100CM-5A and GA-2100CM-8A are priced at £119 each, with free Standard Delivery available.
    3. The GA-2100CM-5A has a lighter color scheme, while the GA-2100CM-8A features deeper colors; both have a unique metallic camouflage design.
    4. Specifications include world time support for 31 time zones, 200 m water resistance, and a battery life of three years.
    5. The G-Shock GA-2100 models include features like a stopwatch, countdown timer, five daily alarms, and a hybrid display with analog hands and digital date/day.

    Casio has introduced the new G-Shock 2100 Series camouflage timepieces in the UK. This collection features three models: the GA-2100CM-5A, the GA-2100CM-8A, and the Casio G-Shock GA-2100CMD-8A, which were made available in Japan earlier in February 2026.

    Pricing and Availability

    At the Casio online shop in the UK, you can purchase the G-Shock GA-2100CM-5A and GA-2100CM-8A for £119 each. They offer free Standard Delivery, which takes between two to four working days, along with an option for paid Express Delivery. It’s puzzling why the GA-2100CMD-8A model isn’t currently available in the UK. This version is very similar to the GA-2100CM-8A, but it has a camouflage design on its dial.

    Design Features

    The Casio G-Shock GA-2100CM watches come with a unique metallic camouflage theme on their resin case and strap. Both models feature solid black dials and incorporate the Carbon Core Guard Structure. The GA-2100CM-5A showcases a lighter color palette of beige, gray, and khaki, while the GA-2100CM-8A opts for deeper gray and reddish-brown shades.

    Specifications and Functions

    The G-Shock GA-2100 offers a variety of features, including world time support with 31 different time zones, a water resistance of up to 200 m, and an estimated battery life of three years. It comes equipped with several in-watch tools like a stopwatch accurate to 1/100th of a second, a countdown timer, and five daily alarms. Additionally, the hybrid model includes two analog hands and a digital display that shows the date and day of the week. It’s still uncertain if or when these watches will be launched in Europe or North America.

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  • Garmin Update: 10+ New Features for Smartwatches Released

    Garmin Update: 10+ New Features for Smartwatches Released

    Key Takeaways

    1. Garmin has released a new stable update (System Software 21.25) for the Fenix E and Fenix 8 smartwatches after several months of beta testing.
    2. About 20% of eligible smartwatches have received the update, with more expected to get it in the next 24 to 48 hours.
    3. The update introduces a dozen new features, including four additional glances, and fixes several significant bugs.
    4. Updated training guidance is included, reflecting recent dives.
    5. A changelog for the Tactix 8 smartwatch is not yet available, but it is anticipated soon.

    A few hours back, many Garmin users noticed that the company started rolling out the first entirely new stable update for the Fenix E and Fenix 8 in several months. As of now, Garmin hasn’t provided any reason for the surprise update. Instead, they’ve moved forward by announcing the release on their official forums.

    New Update Details

    The awaited stable update is designated as System Software 21.25. This update is the result of several months of beta testing and replaces System Software 20.29 for those who haven’t joined Garmin’s Beta Program. At present, the company reports that about 20% of eligible smartwatches have received the new update. This number is expected to rise quickly in the next 24 to 48 hours.

    Features and Bug Fixes

    System Software 21.25 brings a dozen new features, including four additional glances. Furthermore, Garmin states that they have fixed several significant bugs along with various ‘other minor bugs’ as well. In addition, the new software includes updated training guidance that takes into account recent dives.

    Currently, Garmin has not released a similar changelog for the Tactix 8, which is priced at $1,299 on Amazon. However, we believe the company will share this information in the coming hours. It’s possible that owners of the Tactix 8 smartwatch are already starting to receive System Software 21.25. The complete changelog from System Software 20.29 is as follows:

    Garmin (1) (2) (3)

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