I live in New York City, where it feels like everyone’s eyes are glued to a screen—on the subway, at coffee shops, even while crossing streets. I used to be one of them. My phone was practically an extra limb. I’d check messages, then somehow end up scrolling for twenty minutes. I wanted to stop, but willpower wasn’t cutting it.
Then I found a smartwatch that did something unexpected: it helped me use my phone less. This isn’t another hype piece about the newest gadget. It’s my honest story about how one small device quietly reshaped my digital habits and gave me more real moments in a city that never slows down.
First Impressions
The first thing I noticed when unboxing it was how calm it looked. No flashing lights or bold colors, just a simple round face with a matte strap that felt soft but durable. It didn’t scream “tech.” It whispered focus.
Setup was refreshingly slow-paced. It asked me which notifications I really wanted. I ended up saying no to almost everything—emails, social media, random alerts. For once, I felt in control instead of overwhelmed.
It wasn’t trying to replace my phone. It was trying to make me need my phone less.
Real-World Use
In New York, my days blur between work, errands, and spontaneous plans. I wore the smartwatch through it all—on the subway, in the gym, during late-night walks through SoHo—and that’s where I noticed the change.
My phone stayed in my pocket. I didn’t feel the urge to check it constantly because the watch gave me what I actually needed: time, reminders, a nudge to stand, a buzz when my partner texted. That’s it.
It became a filter between me and the chaos of digital life.
Now, when I get a notification, I glance at my wrist, take a breath, and decide if it’s worth reaching for my phone. Most times, it’s not.
Without realizing it, I started spending less time scrolling and more time noticing the city around me—the street musicians, the smell of roasted nuts by Bryant Park, the random conversations overheard on the subway.
Performance & Key Features
Battery life lasts around two to three days, which means I’m not constantly tethered to a charger. Fitness tracking is solid—heart rate, sleep, steps, even stress levels. But the magic isn’t in the specs. It’s in how it balances connection and calm.
You can still take calls, reply with short texts, and see who’s messaging you. But it’s just inconvenient enough to stop you from diving deeper. That’s the beauty of it. It adds friction where your phone removes it.
I customized mine with a black-and-white face that shows only time, date, and battery level. It’s almost boring—and that’s why I love it.
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros:
- Genuinely helps reduce phone usage
- Elegant, minimalist design fits any outfit
- Long battery life for city life on the move
- Customizable notifications create calm
- Durable yet comfortable on long days
❌ Cons:
- Not ideal if you rely heavily on smart features
- Small screen makes replying awkward
- Fewer apps than Apple or Samsung watches
- Pricey if you just want fitness tracking
Value for Money
In a city where everything feels designed to steal your attention, paying for something that protects it feels worth it. It’s not cheap, but it’s cheaper than another year lost to doomscrolling.
The real value isn’t in heart rate graphs or step counts. It’s in how it changes your relationship with your phone. You stop reacting to every buzz. You stop reaching for dopamine hits disguised as notifications. You start noticing what’s real again.
That’s not something most gadgets can do.
Alternatives & Comparisons
I’ve owned an Apple Watch before—it’s fantastic, but it kept me glued to my phone ecosystem. Every new ping was another rabbit hole. Samsung Galaxy Watch? Beautiful, but still too connected.
This one feels closer to analog mindfulness than digital overload.
If you want a similar balance, try the Withings ScanWatch, Garmin Vívomove, or even the Light Phone’s minimal companion watch. They all share the same idea: technology should serve you, not seduce you.
My Verdict
This smartwatch didn’t just tell time—it gave me time back.
I check my phone less, scroll less, and think more clearly. I still get my messages, but they arrive quietly now. I feel less reactive and more present, especially in a city as loud and fast as New York.
Technology doesn’t have to demand our attention. Sometimes, it can teach us how to reclaim it. This smartwatch is proof of that.
Written and tested by Chi Tran for 123Review.net.
Affiliate links may earn a commission, but opinions are my own.
Chi Tran is a tech and lifestyle reviewer based in New York City, exploring how simple tools make urban life smarter.
