Category: Wearables

  • Casio LF-20W-8A Vintage Watch Big Amazon Discount

    Casio LF-20W-8A Vintage Watch Big Amazon Discount

    Key Takeaway

    – 20% discount brings Casio LF-20W-8A to $22.44, near its lowest-ever price.
    – Features a unique hexagonal-shaped bezel with a compact, lightweight vintage design.
    – Amber backlight with afterglow for low-light readability.
    – Offers world time (48+ cities), 5 alarms, 24-hour countdown timer, and stopwatch.
    – 30m water resistance suitable for swimming/snorkeling, with a 3-year battery life.

    Watch deal for vintage style fans

    Watch enthusiasts looking for an affordable Casio digital watch with a vintage aesthetic should check out this solid deal. Currently, the Casio Amazon storefront has slashed the price of the LF-20W-8A watch by 20%, bringing the price down from $28.20 to just $22.44. According to Camelcamelcamel’s price history, this is the second-lowest price recorded for this model. Though, there’s just a $1 difference between the lowest ever and the second lowest.

    Unique hexagonal design

    With a vintage-style design, the watch features a durable resin case, bezel, and band. Unlike other Casio digital watches, it has a hexagonal-shaped bezel, giving it a unique look. The watch is quite compact and lightweight, measuring just 8.6 mm (0.33 inch) thin and weighing only 23 grams (0.05 lbs).

    Display and battery life

    The digital display of the watch is adorned with an analog-style clock, hour, minute, second, date, PM, month, and day sections. On top of this, there’s an amber backlight with afterglow that helps you read the dial in low lighting. On the functional side, the watch has a 3-year battery life, which is decent. Furthermore, the digital watch supports world time with the ability to view the current time in 48+ cities across 31 time zones. Other practical features include a countdown timer up to 24 hours, a 1/100-second stopwatch, five daily alarms, and a fully automatic calendar that extends up to 2099.

    Water resistance rating

    This model is rated at 30 m (3 bar), making it suitable for light water activities such as swimming and snorkling but not diving. All told, if you are looking for a retro-style compact yet lightweight digital watch from Casio, you can’t go wrong with the LF-20W-8A watch. You can learn more about it in the review video attached below.

     

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  • Amazfit Helio Strap Update: 3 Key Improvements

    Amazfit Helio Strap Update: 3 Key Improvements

    Key Takeaway

    – New training modes (basketball, swimming in pool) and ability to save favorite workouts in the app
    – Offline heart rate data syncing via smartwatch during swimming, with Helio Strap data having priority
    – Improved sleep tracking algorithm for more precise data
    – Extended pickleball mode adds data for forehand and backhand strokes
    – Positioned as an affordable, subscription-free alternative to Whoop 5.0 with reliable workout data

    Latest update brings fresh capabilities

    The Amazfit Helio Strap which costs $94 on Amazon got a big feature update last December and now Amazfit are announcing yet another patch that will bring a bunch of improvements. The release notes highlight some of the new things from that earlier patch and once again talk about new training modes like basketball and swimming in the pool, plus the abillity to save your favorite workouts in a list inside the phone app. This makes it easier to keep track of what you do often.

    Connection upgrades for better data

    However, there is also some new improvments included. After you do the update, it becomes possible to connect the Amazfit Helio Strap to a compatible Amazfit smartwatch. This lets the strap’s heart rate data be saved offline on the watch while your swimming, even if there is no Bluetooth connection to your phone. Amazfit says the Helio Strap’s heart rate info is more accurate than what a smartwatch gives, so it gets priority when recording any workout session.

    Better sleep tracking and new sport modes

    Amazfit also touts an improved sleep tracking algorithm, which should give you more precise data, along with an extended pickleball mode that collects extra stats such as the number of forehand and backhand strokes you make. For more details about the Amazfit Helio Strap you can check the official product page. In the press release for this software update, Amazfit points out again that the Helio Strap is a affordable, subscription-free alternative to the Whoop 5.0, and according to an analysis by The Quantified Scientist, it delivers extremely reliable workout data.

     

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  • Seiko Prospex Alpinist GMT HBC007 International Release

    Seiko Prospex Alpinist GMT HBC007 International Release

    Key Takeaway

    – Seiko officially launches the green-dial Prospex Alpinist GMT HBC007 for international markets, ending its 3-year Japan-exclusive status.
    – Design is nearly identical to the JDM SBEJ005, featuring a deep green dial, gold hands/markers, and a brown calfskin strap.
    – Powered by the automatic Caliber 6R54 with a 72-hour power reserve and GMT function, housed in a 200m water-resistant 39.5mm steel case.
    – Includes a 24-hour bezel for GMT and an inner rotating compass ring operated by the 4 o’clock crown, echoing the 1959 original.
    – Previously, the green GMT Alpinist was a gray-market favorite; the HBC007 now offers an official global purchase route.

    Seiko Debuts Prospex Alpinist GMT HBC007 Internationally

    Seiko has announced the Prospex Alpinist GMT HBC007, an international release of a watch that Japan-based collectors have had to themselves for almost three years. This info was published by @plus9time on their Instagram account. The HBC007 is a direct international variant of the SBEJ005, which launched in Japan on October 7, 2023. The watch keeps practically everything intact from the JDM original.

    Design and Specs Kept the Same as the Japan Model

    It has a deep green dial with gold-tone hands and markers — it’s the colorway the Alpinist is most closely associated with, going back to the cult-favorite SARB017. The case is stainless steel measuring 39.5 x 46.4 x 13.6 mm, and it is fitted with a brown calfskin strap. Inside is the automatic Caliber 6R54, which offers a 72-hour power reserve alongside a GMT hand for tracking a second time zone. Water resistance is rated at 200 meters.

    Bezel and Crystal Features Explained

    The outer bezel carries a 24-hour scale for reading the GMT hand, while the inner rotating ring doubles as a compass — operated via the crown at 4 o’clock — again, another design trait that goes back to the original 1959 Alpinist. The sapphire crystal has an anti-reflective coating on the inner side.

    How the Green GMT Alpinist was Previously Only in Japan

    When the mechanical GMT Alpinist line first came out in 2023, it was somewhat of a big deal — the Alpinist had previously only been available in a dual-time config as a quartz model. The black (SPB379) and blue (SPB377) variants launched internationally at the time, but the green dial SBEJ005 stayed as a Japan-exclusive, which made it a gray-market favorite. The HBC007 will give global buyers an official route to the green GMT Alpinist for the first time.

    Pricing and Final Availability Details

    Pricing for the international market hasn’t been confirmed yet; the SBEJ005 carries a Japan retail price of ¥141,800 (~$970). This new model is expected to be a sought-after addition for collectors who missed out on the Japanese version.

    • Caliber: 6R54 automatic
    • Power reserve: 72 hours
    • Case size: 39.5 x 46.4 x 13.6 mm
    • Water resistance: 200 meters
    • Strap: Brown calfskin
    • Crystal: Sapphire with inner anti-reflective coating
    • Japan retail price of SBEJ005: ¥141,800 (~$970)
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  • Citizen Attesa CC4107-80H: Full-Black Titanium Satellite GPS Watch

    Citizen Attesa CC4107-80H: Full-Black Titanium Satellite GPS Watch

    Key Takeaway

    – Limited-edition all-black GPS watch with recrystallized titanium construction
    – Unique crystal patterns on each watch due to high-temperature treatment and DLC coating
    – Powered by F950 caliber with world’s fastest GPS signal reception (3 seconds)
    – 44mm case, 10 bar water resistance, dual-spherical sapphire crystal
    – Limited to 1,800 units worldwide; Taiwan pricing at NT$84,800 (~$2,600)

    Citizen Taiwan Drops New Attesa Watch

    Citizen Taiwan has formally announced the Attesa CC4107-80H. This brand new limited-edition GPS watch uses the companys recrystallized titanium construction but now in a all-black colorway. The run is capped at 1,800 units and intended for worldwide availability, though it currently appears only on the Taiwan regional site at NT$84,800 (roughly $2,600).

    Design and Construction Details

    The watch is built around a 44 mm Super Titanium case with a Duratect DLC coating and measures 13.7 mm thick. The primary design detail is the same recrystallized titanium used on the bracelet center links and bezel that debuted in Citizens Attesa Platinum Shine Collection last October. Recrystallized titanium is created by applying high-temperature heat treatment followed by a cooling process — this process produces unique crystal patterns on the surface, and each one is unique to every watch, much like patterns found in natural minerals. Here, the process is applied to a full DLC-black context rather then the silver Platinum Shine treatment, which gives the CC4107-80H a darker, more agressive character.

    Movement and Feature Set

    Powering the watch is Citizens F950 caliber. Its the most advanced movement for Eco-Drive Satellite Wave GPS watches, capable of receiving time signals in as little as three seconds, which is the worlds fastest GPS satellite signal reception. The feature set covers world time across 39 time zones, a chronograph, perpetual calender, alarm, and power reserve indicator. The crystal is a dual-spherical sapphire with anti-reflective coating on both sides, and water resistance is rated at 10 bar.

    Platinum Shine Collection Context

    The complete Attesa Platinum Shine Collection debuted in October 2025 with three models in limited runs of 1,400 to 2,500 pieces worldwide. The CC4107-80H slots neatly into that lineup, albeit with a tighter production run then those predecessors.

    Pricing and Global Release

    Global availability is confirmed, but pricing outside Taiwan hasnt been announced yet. Meanwhile, you can check out the Citizen CB5908-57E on Amazon.


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  • Google Pixel Watches 2, 3, 4 Get Wear OS 7 Soon

    Key Takeaway

    – Wear OS 7 will be released for Pixel Watch 2, 3, and 4 on June 9, 2026, but not for the first-generation Pixel Watch.
    – Key improvements include roughly 10% longer battery life and replacement of tiles with more versatile Android-style widgets.
    – Standardized workout app UI and multi-headphone music streaming via Google Cast or Bluetooth are new features.
    – Watch face optimizations aim to reduce development effort for creators.

    Google’s Latest Update Drops Sooner Than Expected

    Google Wear OS 7 was anounced in mid-May. At the launch, Google only confirmed that the update would be released for the Pixel Watch “later this year”, without publishing a schedule or a list of compatible smartwatch models. The release could now take place surprisingly quickly, as Verizon has already published a changelog with a release date of June 9, 2026.

    Which Models Get The Update And What It Includes

    The update is listed for the Pixel Watch 2, the Pixel Watch 3 and the Pixel Watch 4 ($309 on Amazon), but not for the first-generation Pixel Watch, which was launched in 2022. Wear OS 7 therefore supports similarly old smartwatch models such as Apple watchOS 27. As usual, Verizon’s changelog is sparse – the update is said to include Wear OS 7, the latest security patch and performance improvements.

    Battery Life And Interface Changes Are Key

    Wear OS 7 is a moderate update, but there are a few significant improvements on board. First and foremost, Google promises around 10 percent longer battery life. Full-screen tiles are replaced by Widgets which look and function almost exactly like Android widgets. This should not only make them more versatile and interactive than tiles, it should also make it much easier for app developers to port an Android widget to Wear OS.

    Workout Apps, Music Streaming, And Watch Faces

    Google also wants to standardize workout apps by making the user interface of features such as heart rate measurement or music playback available to third-party apps. Wear OS 7 allows music to be streamed to multiple headphones via Google Cast or Bluetooth. Watch face optimizations are intended to reduce the development effort.

     


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  • Garmin Fenix: How to Access External Efficiency Metrics

    Key Takeaway

    – Garmin’s ecosystem is not fully open, restricting third-party sensor pairing for metrics like running efficiency.
    – A developer successfully sent ground contact time and vertical oscillation data to a Garmin Fenix via ESP32/nRF52832, recognized as native data.
    – The project relied on Claude AI as a coding assistant, highlighting AI’s value for tasks requiring specialized knowledge (e.g., Bluetooth Low Energy).
    – A basic understanding of technology remains necessary despite AI assistance.
    – The open-source GitHub project could enable future DIY sensor development within Garmin’s platform.

    Garmin’s Ecosystem and Its Limits

    Garmin provides a comprehensive ecosystem but it is not entirely open, even though certain steps have been taken to make it more accessible. For example, users cannot just pair any sensor with a Garmin smartwatch to display metrics such as running efficiency. This might be less relevant for end users, but potentially significant for makers who want to experiment with custom hardware.

    DIY Sensor Success With ESP32

    A programmer has now successfully sent data to a Garmin Fenix using an ESP32 or nRF52832 chip, which the Fenix smartwatch recognised as native data. Specifically, these are running efficiency metrics, namely ground contact time and vertical oscillation. Sample data was used for this, not actual data collected by a fully functional DIY sensor, but it still shows real promise.

    Development Process and Claude’s Role

    Both the detailed Reddit post and the two blog entries are definitely worth reading, as they also explain how the development process unfolded. Sam Dumont used Claude as a tool and, by his own account, needed this assistance because he lacks expertise in Bluetooth Low Energy and reverse engineering, though he has been familiar with the Garmin platform and its quirks since 2020. The post demonstrates how Claude can apparently be put to good use in programming as a technically savvy colleague who critically examines one’s own ideas and may offer new approaches. According to Dumont, however, a basic understanding of technology is still necessary for such projects.

    Future Potential for Makers

    Of course, it remains unclear to what extent this project will be adopted by other developers. In the long run, the project, which Sam Dumont also shared via GitHub, could certainly open up opportunities for other makers to create their own sensors that work with Garmin devices.

    • Garmin ecosystem is not fully open for third-party sensors
    • ESP32 and nRF52832 chips used to mimic native data
    • Metrics include ground contact time and vertical oscillation
    • Development relied on Claude AI for Bluetooth expertise
    • GitHub project could enable future maker innovations
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  • New Casio GM-S2110 Blacked-Out G-Shock Collab Coming

    New Casio GM-S2110 Blacked-Out G-Shock Collab Coming

    Key Takeaway

    – New Rels B G-Shock collab uses the smaller GM-S2110 platform (slimmer S-series case, resin band).
    – Features an all-dark colorway with brushed metal bezel and custom caseback engraved with Rels B/G-Shock logos and tour artwork.
    – Ships in a custom aluminum flight case branded with the Rels B logo.
    – Release date is June 18; pricing unconfirmed but expected to exceed standard €130-150 due to custom packaging and engraving.

    Casio and Rels B Drop Another G-Shock Collab

    Casio is dropping another G-Shock collaboration with Spanish rapper Rels B, this time on the smaller GM-S2110 platform. The new GM-S2110B-8ARLSB, teased via a 3rd party Instagram account (geesgshock), is set to release on June 18. Rels B (real name Daniel Heredia Vidal) is a Latin rapper and producer from Palma de Mallorca, Spain, who also goes by Skinny Flakk, which explains the “ARLSB” suffix in the model number.

    Design and Special Features

    The watch is based on the octagonal GA-2100 silhouette, finished in an all-dark colorway with a brushed metal bezel. What sets it apart from the standard GM-S2110B-8A is a caseback engraved with the Rels B and G-Shock logos alongside tour artwork, just like the rapper’s concert imagery, as hinted at in the Spanish-language video (“de sus conciertos”). It ships in a custom aluminum flight case branded with the Rels B logo.

    Previous Collaboration and Size Difference

    This isn’t the duo’s first time working together. Rels B previously became a G-Shock ambassador to help launch the GM-2110, a full-metal model with an elegant design alongside durability, released in five colorways — that was the larger, bracelet-equipped version. The GM-S2110B-8ARLSB moves to the slimmer S-series case, which features a compact size suited for slimmer wrists, with a resin band instead of a metal bracelet.

    Pricing and Availability Details

    No pricing has been confirmed yet, though standard GM-S2110B-8A variants typically retail around €130-150 in Europe. Given the custom packaging and engraving, the collab model will likely carry a premium over that.

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  • Pebble Watch Round 2: Delayed by Manufacturing Issues

    Key Takeaway

    – Pebble Round 2 mass production not yet started, causing further delays.
    – Shipments now expected to begin in July, with all pre-orders shipped by September.
    – Delay caused by a cosmetic defect (small indentation) from CNC machining.
    – Fix involves adjusting the die for metal injection molding to avoid the CNC cut.
    – Smartwatch priced at $199, features a 1.3-inch e-paper display, two-week battery, but no heart rate monitor.

    Production Pushed Back Again

    The Pebble Watch 2 is facing further delays. Specifically, the model is yet to enter mass production, even though the company is very close to starting mass production. This is affecting the delivery schedule: shipments of the Pebble Round 2 are now expected to begin in July. The plan is to have all pre-ordered units of the Pebble Round 2 shipped by September. Furthermore, Pebble founder Eric Migicovsky has stated that leather straps will be available in black and brown.

    Behind The Scenes of The Holdup

    An X post from Migicovsky explains the reason for the delay in considerable detail and with complete transparency. During a visit to China, a cosmetic issue was discovered, caused by the manufacturing process. This was a small indentation near the point where the strap lug connects to the case, which was caused by the CNC machining process. The aim is to correct this defect by adjusting the die for the metal injection molding and to simply avoid the CNC cut.

    Current Pre-Order Pricing and Features

    The Pebble Round 2 is still available for pre-order at a price of $199. The smartwatch will sport a 1.3-inch display capable of showing 64 colors and processing touch input. Thanks to its relatively energy-efficient e-paper display, it reportedly reaches a battery life of around two weeks. However, the Round 2 doesn’t include a heart rate monitor, a feature now almost standard on smartwatches.

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  • Massive Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 upgrade tipped before launch

    Massive Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 upgrade tipped before launch

    Key Takeaway

    – Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 battery upgraded 35% to 784 mAh (advertised as 800 mAh)
    – 40mm Galaxy Watch9 gets 23% battery increase to 382 mAh (marketed as 400 mAh)
    – 44mm Galaxy Watch9 battery remains unchanged at 435 mAh
    – All three watches expected to launch alongside Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8 next month
    – Information from Sammobile unconfirmed, take with a grain of salt

    Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 Battery Upgrade

    As we approach Samsungs Galaxy Unpacked event, which is expected to air in July, leaks and rumors about the launch lineup keep surfacing. Weve herd alot about the new foldables and the new naming convention, and there have been some leaks about the smartwatches aswell. The latest peice of information relates to the latter, specifically the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2, and points to a huge upgrade.

    Battery capacity details

    According to Sammobile, the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 will feature a 35% larger battery than its predecessor. This amounts to 784 mAh, which is likely to be advertised as 800 mAh. In comparrison, the original Galaxy Watch Ultra has 590 mAh. The massive upgrade to battery capacity, coupled with the new Snapdragon Wear Elite SoC, should translate to a significantly longer-lasting smartwatch.

    Galaxy Watch9 battery specs

    Furthermore, the publication states that the 40 mm variant of the Galaxy Watch9 will feature a 382 mAh battery, marketed as 400 mAh. This marks a 23% increase compared to the Galaxy Watch8’s 325 mAh. The 44 mm varient, on the other hand, is expected to stay the same at 435 mAh. Recently, it was reported that the Galaxy Watch9 will not come with a charging speed upgrade. Weather that is true for the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 aswell remains to be seen.

    Information reliability and launch timeline

    The publication does not state how and where it made this discovery, so take this information with a grain of salt. All three watches, the Galaxy Watch9, Galaxy Watch9 Classic, and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2, are expected to be unveiled alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold 8, and Galaxy Z Flip 8 next month.

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  • New Casio G-Shock MRG-B5000SA-2 Leak: Blue Sapphire & AIP Coating

    New Casio G-Shock MRG-B5000SA-2 Leak: Blue Sapphire & AIP Coating

    Key Takeaway

    – Casio is releasing at least three MR-G models for the sub-line’s 30th anniversary.
    – The second model, MRG-B5000SA-2, has leaked with blue accents and a possible new surface treatment.
    – The case may feature Arc Ion Plating (AIP), a hardening treatment similar to DLC used in aerospace.
    – Standard features include Tough Solar, Multi-Band 6, Bluetooth, 200m water resistance, and pricing above $5,000.
    – An official announcement is expected within the next two months.

    Casio Teases New Square MR-G Model

    In a fresh new scoop, Casio appears to be preparing at least three new MR-G models to celebrate the sub-line’s 30th anniversary, and the second of them has just leaked. Casioblog, the Russian enthusiast publication that has a strong track record, has published the first image of the MRG-B5000SA-2 — a variant of the iconic square MR-G that gets blue accents and what could be a new surface treatment.

    Visual Highlights and Materials Speculation

    As one would expect, the most eye-catching detail in the render is a pair of blue inserts at the top and bottom of the case, between the bezel segments. Casioblog speculates these are either sapphire crystal elements or titanium designer accents. The “SA” suffix in the model name could likely be a direct reference to whichever material it turns out to be. Blue circular accents around the buttons complement the theme nicely.

    • The overall case tone also has a deep, lustrous blue-grey quality to it
    • the source suggests that it could be Arc Ion Plating (AIP)
    • this is a hardening treatment similar to DLC coating used in aerospace applications
    • it is associated with traditional Japanese metalworking

    Anniversary Lineup and Expected Features

    If the leaks hold weight, the MRG-B5000SA-2 would be the second MR-G 30th anniversary release after the MRG-BF1000EB, a high-end Frogman variant we saw earlier this year. A third model based on the MRG-B2000 series is also reportedly in development. The MRG-B5000 platform uses a Ti64 titanium case, a DAT55G titanium band rated at three times the hardness of pure titanium, and a Cobarion cobalt-chrome bezel alloy four times harder than pure titanium.

    Pricing and Availability Details

    The SA-2 is expected to secure the standard MR-G feature set: Tough Solar, Multi-Band 6, Bluetooth, and 200-metre water resistance, with sapphire crystal and pricing north of $5,000. An announcement is expected within the next two months. Thats all the information we have right now about this exciting new release from Casios premium line.

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