Smartwatches are all the rage nowadays. And LG is keeping up with this trend by announcing its latest smartwatch – the Watch W7.
The Watch W7 is a hybrid mechanical accessory that features mechanical hands set over a Wear OS-powered digital display. Its hybrid tech means the user can turn off the smartwatch aspect without interfering with the timekeeping functionality – even after the battery dies.
LG has worked with the Swiss watch manufacturer Soprod SA in incorporating the mechanical movements of the W7, which, apart from keeping accurate time, includes an altimeter, a barometer, a stopwatch, and a compass.
Retailers that sell cell-phone and tablet units are looking to offer this elegant accessory starting this October. The smartwatch is priced at $450.
Let’s take a look at the distinct features of the Watch W7:
Specifications
Measuring 44.5 x 45.4 x 12.9mm, this watch is relatively big compared to other brands out there. The 1.2-inch touchscreen display may not provide the biggest display area for a smartwatch, but it’s placed atop the watch hands to give it a unique interface that non-hybrid smartwatches do not have.
This model uses Qualcomm’s Wear 2100 chipset, which has 768MB of RAM. If used as a smartwatch, the W7 can last up to two days. But as a mechanical timepiece, it can last for up to 100 days, at least according to LG.
Appearance
LG wonderfully combines classic and modern in this device.
It’s fashioned out of a sleek burnished steel case, with two buttons on either side of the crown. All three can be used to access the watch’s smart features.
It uses 22mm watchbands, which can easily be changed depending on whether you want a more formal or rugged look. But as it is, the palette and overall construction make this watch versatile enough to be worn almost anywhere.
The hands-and-display face may take some getting used to, though, because the hands tend to get in the way of the screen. You can address this issue by just holding the top right button to slide the content higher and move the hands to the 3 and 9 o’clock marks.
Applications
Compared to the Apple Watch or the Samsung Galaxy Watch, the W7 decidedly took the no-frills route. There is no heart rate sensor, no built-in GPS or LTE option, and it does not support NFC and Google Pay.
LG’s concept may be to focus on the traditional watch form and enhance its features, but for an accessory that costs $450, one would expect that there are a number of smartwatch features incorporated into the device. Otherwise, what’s the point?
The Verdict so Far
Based on the specs and features, the Watch W7 is all about blending the traditional timepiece aesthetic with the enhanced functionality of a smartwatch. You’ll appreciate the quality and overall look of this smartwatch. But the bare-bones smart features may not be enough for many to consider this watch over what’s currently being offered by more established brands.