Withings ScanWatch Nova

Overview

The Withings ScanWatch Nova elevates the hybrid smartwatch concept into luxury territory, wrapping the same medical-grade health technology found in the ScanWatch 2 in a stunning dive watch-inspired design. At $599, it’s Withings’ statement piece—a watch that wouldn’t look out of place alongside a Rolex Submariner or Omega Seamaster, yet hides FDA-cleared ECG, SpO2, and temperature sensors behind its beautiful sunray dial.

With its ceramic rotating bezel, Super-LumiNova indexes, and Oyster-style metal bracelet, the Nova proves that health monitoring devices don’t have to look like fitness trackers. The enhanced 10ATM water resistance and dive-watch certification make it genuinely capable underwater, while the signature 30-day battery life means you can actually wear it diving without worrying about charging.

Key Selling Points

1. Luxury Dive Watch Aesthetics: The ceramic bezel, mirror-polished case edges, sunray dial, and Super-LumiNova hands create a timepiece that commands respect in any boardroom or yacht club, disguising its smart capabilities completely.

2. Enhanced Durability with 10ATM Rating: Double the water resistance of standard ScanWatch models means genuine dive capability to 100 meters, making it suitable for recreational scuba diving, not just swimming.

3. Complete Health Monitoring Suite: FDA-cleared ECG for atrial fibrillation detection, medical-grade SpO2 monitoring, and revolutionary TempTech24/7 temperature tracking deliver hospital-grade health insights in a luxury package.

4. Premium Materials Throughout: 316L stainless steel with mirror polish, scratch-resistant ceramic bezel, anti-reflective sapphire crystal, and a tapered Oyster bracelet that rivals luxury Swiss watches in quality.

5. Same Phenomenal 30-Day Battery: Despite the luxury positioning, you still get a full month between charges—no compromise between elegance and practicality.

Target Buyer Profile

The ScanWatch Nova targets affluent health-conscious individuals aged 35-65 who appreciate luxury timepieces but want modern health monitoring. Perfect for:

• Luxury watch collectors wanting health features without sacrificing aesthetics
• Successful professionals who view watches as status symbols
• Dive watch enthusiasts seeking smart capabilities
• Health-conscious executives who refuse to wear fitness trackers
• Anyone who loves the Rolex Submariner aesthetic but wants health monitoring
• Gift buyers seeking a premium health-focused present

This isn’t for budget-conscious buyers (the ScanWatch 2 offers identical health features for $250 less), serious athletes needing GPS and training metrics, or those with smaller wrists as it only comes in 42mm.

Purchase Considerations

Value Proposition: At $599, you’re paying a $250 premium over the ScanWatch 2 purely for design and materials—the health features are identical. Only justified if the luxury aesthetic matters to you.

Size and Weight: Only available in 42mm with significant weight (110g with bracelet), making it substantial on the wrist. Those with smaller wrists or preferring lighter watches should consider other models.

Color Selection: Three sunray dial options (blue, green, black) each offering different personality. Blue is most versatile, green is boldest, black is most understated.

Bracelet vs Strap: The Oyster bracelet is beautiful but heavy and can pull arm hair. Consider switching to leather or fluoroelastomer bands for comfort, though this reduces the luxury appeal.

No GPS Still: Despite the premium price, it still relies on connected GPS from your phone. At this price point, competitors like Garmin MARQ offer built-in multi-band GPS.

Verdict

The Withings ScanWatch Nova succeeds brilliantly at its narrow mission: delivering medical-grade health monitoring in a genuinely luxurious package that watch enthusiasts will actually want to wear. At $599, it’s the only hybrid smartwatch that can credibly sit alongside luxury Swiss timepieces without looking out of place.

Choose the Nova if you value design and materials above all else, want a health monitor that doubles as a luxury statement piece, need the enhanced 10ATM water resistance for diving, or simply love the dive watch aesthetic and have the budget to indulge.

Skip it if you’re value-conscious (the ScanWatch 2 offers identical health features for much less), need built-in GPS and advanced sports tracking, have smaller wrists or prefer lightweight watches, or expect extensive smart features for the premium price.

The ScanWatch Nova represents a fascinating experiment in luxury health monitoring. While the $250 premium over the ScanWatch 2 buys only aesthetics and materials, not functionality, for the right buyer—someone who sees their watch as jewelry first and technology second—it’s the perfect fusion of traditional luxury and modern health consciousness. It’s not the smartest smartwatch or the best value, but it might be the most beautiful health monitor ever created.