Analog Meets Digital: The Withings ScanWatch 2 Balances Style and Function

In an era where smartwatches demand daily charging and feature increasingly complex interfaces, the Withings ScanWatch 2 presents a refreshing alternative. This hybrid wearable seamlessly blends the timeless aesthetic of an analog timepiece with sophisticated health tracking capabilities, offering a compelling solution for those who refuse to choose between style and functionality.

The Philosophy of Hybrid Wearables

The smartwatch market has long been dominated by devices that prioritize digital features over traditional watch aesthetics. While these full-fledged smartwatches offer comprehensive app ecosystems and detailed graphics, they often come with the significant drawback of requiring daily charging—a friction point that many users find frustrating.

Withings has taken a different approach with the ScanWatch 2. By maintaining analog watch hands while embedding digital capabilities, the company has created a device that honors the heritage of traditional timepieces while still delivering valuable health data. This hybrid approach appeals to a specific segment of users: those who appreciate elegant design but still want the benefits of modern health tracking.

Design and Build Quality

At first glance, the ScanWatch 2 is difficult to distinguish from its predecessor, but subtle improvements make this iteration even more compelling. Available in 38mm and 42mm sizes (both priced at $349), the watch features a stainless steel case, domed sapphire glass, and rotating crown button that exudes elegance.

The 42mm model I tested weighs approximately 52 grams and fits comfortably on the wrist. The analog hands feature a Super LumiNova coating, allowing them to glow in the dark after exposure to light—a practical touch that maintains the traditional watch experience. This is clearly a device designed for those who appreciate refined aesthetics rather than rugged, multi-textured sports watches.

Health Tracking Capabilities

Despite its analog-first appearance, the ScanWatch 2 packs impressive health monitoring features:

• ECG Assessment: The device can perform electrocardiograms to monitor heart health
• Blood Oxygen Tracking: Measures SpO2 levels
• Heart Rate Monitoring: Continuous tracking throughout the day
• Sleep Tracking: Monitors sleep patterns (though it doesn't distinguish between deep and REM sleep)
• Skin Temperature Tracking: Monitors temperature changes with baseline plotting
• Activity Tracking: General physical activity monitoring

The Withings smartphone application serves as the hub for all this data, integrating with Apple Health, Google Health Connect, and Google Fit. The app also aggregates data from other Withings devices, including scales and blood pressure monitors, providing a comprehensive view of one's physical state.

Battery Life: The Hybrid Advantage

One of the most significant benefits of the ScanWatch 2's hybrid design is its battery life. Withings claims up to 30 days on a single charge, and while I couldn't verify this maximum in my testing (due to using the device with connected GPS), I did experience impressive longevity. After three runs (35-55 minutes each), the watch still lasted over a week before requiring a charge.

The two-hour charging time is reasonable, and the ability to go days or weeks between charges addresses one of the most common complaints about traditional smartwatches. This extended battery life makes the ScanWatch 2 particularly appealing to travelers or those who dislike the routine of daily device charging.

Limitations and Considerations

No device is perfect, and the ScanWatch 2 has some notable limitations:

• Lack of Detailed Graphics: The small OLED display can't compete with the rich interfaces of full smartwatches
• No Built-in GPS: Relies on connected GPS through a smartphone
• Limited Notifications: Notification capabilities are more basic than those of dedicated smartwatches
• Sleep Tracking Limitations: Cannot distinguish between different sleep stages
• No Long-term Temperature Trends: The app currently only shows daily temperature changes without historical analysis

Withings has also introduced a subscription service ($9.95/month or $99.50/year) that provides additional insights, "Missions" for motivation, and enhanced habit-building tools—similar to services offered by competitors like Fitbit.

Market Position and Implications

The ScanWatch 2 occupies an interesting niche in the wearable technology landscape. It doesn't compete directly with feature-rich smartwatches like the Apple Watch or Samsung Galaxy Watch, nor does it aim to replace basic fitness trackers. Instead, it targets a specific user who values both elegant design and comprehensive health monitoring.

This hybrid approach represents a thoughtful response to consumer fatigue with daily charging routines and overly complex interfaces. As wearable technology continues to evolve, devices like the ScanWatch 2 demonstrate that there's still room for innovation that prioritizes user experience over feature proliferation.

Final Thoughts

The Withings ScanWatch 2 succeeds by not trying to be everything to everyone. Instead, it focuses on doing several things exceptionally well: providing a beautiful timepiece experience, delivering essential health tracking data, and offering battery life that eliminates one of the biggest pain points of modern wearables.

For the tech enthusiast who appreciates both form and function, or for the traditional watch wearer curious about health monitoring, the ScanWatch 2 presents an elegant solution that bridges the gap between analog and digital worlds. It's a reminder that sometimes the most innovative technology isn't about adding more features, but about thoughtfully integrating what matters most.