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One of the most common complaints you’ll hear about smartwatches is that they’re not as aesthetically pleasing as traditional wristwatches. Smartwatches are primarily utility tools, meaning that, much of the time, aesthetic design is a bit of an afterthought. However, some brands have blended the functionality of a smartwatch with the sophisticated look of a regular watch, giving you the best of both worlds.
Luxury smartwatches are an excellent option for those who think that smartwatches look too “techy” or “nerdy”. They retain all the core functions and utilities of a smartwatch while being versatile enough for formal attire. Most of the time, people won’t even be able to tell you’re wearing a smartwatch.
Let’s get into some of the key features you’ll want to consider before buying one and take a look at some of the top models you can get today.
Top 5 Key Considerations
Build Quality
Much like a standard analog watch, the materials used in a luxury smartwatch are the most direct indicator of objective quality. High-grade materials don’t only mean a luxury feel and look, they also make a smartwatch more durable and resistant to corrosion and scratching.
Many materials can be used to give luxury smartwatches an elegant look, but ultimately, you should choose a durable material that appeals to you visually and fits your budget.
Here’s a quick look at some of the most common case materials:
- Precious Metals: The most expensive luxury smartwatches have cases made of gold or platinum.
- Stainless Steel: Entry-level and mid-tier luxury smartwatches use stainless steel, which is affordable and corrosion-resistant.
- Titanium: A highly durable, scratch-resistant material with a premium look and lightweight feel.
- Ceramic: It’s more versatile and comfortable than other materials while still retaining a luxury aesthetic.
For display material, there are really only two acceptable options you should consider for any luxury smartwatch:
- Sapphire: Its hardness makes it virtually scratch-proof and highly resistant to everyday wear and tear.
- Hardened Glass: Not as durable as sapphire, but still scratch-resistant and a fine choice for luxury smartwatches on the more affordable end.
Display Quality
As with TVs, a smartwatch’s display type is a significant determinant of how premium it looks. LCD screens used to be the standard, but aren’t common in luxury models because of their limited contrast. On the other hand, AMOLED and OLED displays deliver rich blacks, vibrant colors, and strong contrast.
Additionally, you’ll want to ensure your smartwatch’s display is bright for easier readability under direct sunlight and boasts a high resolution for razor-sharp text and images. Pixel Per Inch (ppi) indicates resolution, and the higher it is, the crisper the image.
Also, on premium models, the dial appears painted rather than printed, and the display appears integrated into the case rather than sitting on top of a screen. That gives it a streamlined, fluid look, which is a crucial indicator of quality for a luxury smartwatch.
Battery Performance
Smartwatch battery life greatly varies from model to model. However, a 1-3 day battery life is a good baseline for luxury smartwatches. Anything longer than that can be considered exceptional battery life.
You’ll also want to consider charging capabilities. Some smartwatches support fast and wireless charging, and some exclusive models can even be charged using solar energy. In any case, you can extend battery life during any given charge cycle by running fewer apps or keeping your watch in standby mode.
Water Resistance
Unlike regular smartwatches, luxury models do not use Ingress Protection (IP) ratings to indicate water resistance. Instead, it uses atmospheres (ATM), which means water depth and pressure resistance in meters. Here’s a brief breakdown of the most common ATMs for luxury smartwatches:
- 3 ATM / 30m: Splash/rain resistant, but not suitable for swimming.
- 5 ATM / 50m: Safe for showers and light pool/ocean exposure.
- 10 ATM / 100m: Suitable for swimming and pool/ocean exposure.
- 20 ATM / 200m+: Suitable for diving and professional water sports.
Sensor Accuracy
Luxury smartwatches don’t just look the part; in general, they have highly accurate sensors underneath the hood for tracking health and fitness metrics. The best luxury smartwatches can track your GPS location, heart rate, blood oxygen, steps, calorie burn, and sleep patterns.
Reliable and precise tracking sensors can provide an idea of your overall health and fitness condition. Some smartwatches also use data collected by sensors to prepare insight reports, which you can use to optimize your training and recovery.
User Preferences
Design & Style
Do you prefer a modern techy look? Or do you want your smartwatch to look like a traditional watch? Luxury smartwatches are available in both styles, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences.
Analog and hybrid-style watch faces are popular choices for luxury smartwatches, and polished, brushed, or matted finishes are ideal, as they give watches an elegant, refined look. Color is also an important consideration, with some watches available in different tones, including silver, gold, rose gold, and black.
Ultimately, a luxury smartwatch should be noticeable and have proper proportions, with small details that give it an authentic, premium look.
Compatibility
Luxury smartwatches are the same as regular models in that they run an operating system that must be compatible with your smartphone for full functionality. Wear OS and watchOS are Google and Apple operating systems that work best when synced with the same brand’s smartphones. However, it’s worth noting that some luxury smartwatches have proprietary operating systems that are functional with both Android and iOS devices.
Lifestyle & Smart Features
If you’re into exercise, you’ll want to make sure your smartwatch has the right sensors to track your fitness goals. Many smartwatches also have preset activity modes, which can help you progress and optimize recovery.
As fashionable as they may be, you’ll also want your luxury smartwatch to make your day-to-day life more manageable. Smart features to look out for include phone calls and text messaging, secure contactless payments, voice assistants, and music streaming capabilities.
Leading Luxury Smartwatch Brands
The luxury smartwatch market blends craftsmanship, advanced health tracking, and long-term durability. A few brands consistently stand out because they deliver premium materials, refined software, and a level of polish you don’t get from mainstream models. Knowing what each brand specializes in helps you choose a watch that fits both your lifestyle and your expectations.
Apple (Apple Watch Ultra Series)
Apple’s top-tier models sit at the edge of luxury because they combine rugged titanium construction with one of the most polished smartwatch ecosystems available. The Ultra line offers best-in-class display quality, advanced health metrics, and deep integration with iPhone apps. These watches appeal to buyers who want premium materials without losing everyday usability. Look for models with sapphire glass and the newest sensors if accuracy matters. Avoid them if you don’t use an iPhone, because the experience is heavily restricted on non-Apple devices.
TAG Heuer
TAG Heuer focuses on blending traditional Swiss design with modern smart features. Their Connected Calibre watches use high-end materials such as titanium, ceramic, and sapphire crystal, delivering an unmistakably luxurious feel. The software experience is clean and built on Wear OS, which ensures broad app support. Look for these if you want a smartwatch that looks like a premium mechanical watch. Avoid older generations with weaker battery life or slower processors.
Montblanc
Montblanc brings its reputation for craftsmanship into the smartwatch category with models that feel refined and understated. Their smartwatches emphasize classic styling, strong build quality, and reliable fitness tracking. They use Wear OS, which gives you flexibility across Android and iOS. Look for Montblanc if you want luxury without a sporty look. Avoid them if you need advanced training metrics, because their health features are more general-purpose than athletic-focused.
Garmin (MARQ Series)
Garmin’s MARQ collection sits firmly in the luxury outdoor and athletic category. These watches use premium materials and feature advanced GPS performance, deep training analytics, and long battery life. They are designed for buyers who want luxury and serious performance in the same device. Look for MARQ models if you prioritize multisport tracking, navigation features, or expedition-level durability. Avoid them if you want a watch with a strong app ecosystem or lots of third-party integrations, because Garmin focuses more on performance features than lifestyle apps.