# A Family Gathering: Evaluating 13 Smartwatches Across Generations
**By [Author Name]**
When selecting a smartwatch, technology enthusiasts typically prioritize performance factors such as battery longevity, accuracy in fitness tracking, and the app ecosystem. However, for many average users, the choice often hinges on a much simpler criterion: visual appeal. To delve into this aspect, I organized an unusual experiment during the holiday season—a smartwatch “beauty pageant” adjudicated by 21 family members, spanning from teenagers to those in their eighties. The findings were eye-opening, shedding light on the varying perceptions of smartwatch design across generations.
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## **The Experiment: A Festive Beauty Contest**
On Christmas morning, I showed up at my parents’ home equipped with a Safeway bag filled with 13 smartwatches. My aim? To see how a varied group of family members, many of whom had little to no experience with smartwatches, would rank these devices based solely on their appearance. The selection included an assortment of sporty, popular, and hybrid models from brands like Apple, Samsung, Garmin, and Google.
### **Methodology**
Each family member was tasked with organizing the watches from “most appealing” to “least appealing.” To prevent any bias, I mixed up the watches after each round of voting. I also guided participants to concentrate on the watch’s physical attributes rather than features, ignoring elements like display brightness or band color (though some couldn’t help but mention the latter).
The judges ranged from my 80-year-old great-aunt to my teenage niece and nephews, providing a rich cross-generational viewpoint on what constitutes a visually appealing smartwatch.
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## **The Competitors**
The 13 smartwatches featured in the contest were meticulously chosen to showcase a diverse array of styles and price ranges:
1. **Amazfit Cheetah Pro**
2. **Apple Watch Ultra 2**
3. **Coros Pace Pro**
4. **Fitbit Charge 6**
5. **Fitbit Sense**
6. **Garmin Fenix 8**
7. **Garmin Instinct 2X Solar**
8. **Google Pixel Watch 3**
9. **OnePlus Watch 2R**
10. **Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro**
11. **Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic**
12. **Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra**
13. **Withings ScanWatch 2**
This assortment ranged from fitness-centric designs to hybrids reflecting classic aesthetics, ensuring a wide variety of styles.
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## **The Outcomes: Champions and Underdogs**
After counting the votes, the results were both anticipated and unexpected. Here’s how the smartwatches fared:
### **Top 3 Champions**
1. **Withings ScanWatch 2**
The overwhelming favorite, this hybrid watch charmed most participants with its timeless, minimalist design. Numerous family members stated it was the only watch they would consider sporting, as it resembled a classic timepiece more than a gadget.
2. **OnePlus Watch 2R**
An economical choice, the OnePlus Watch 2R impressed with its elegant, rounded aluminum casing and unique bezel. Its simple design resonated across diverse ages, demonstrating that affordability can go hand in hand with style.
3. **Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro**
The metallic, recessed bezel of the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro secured it a place among the top three. Its silver finish distinguished it amid a host of black watches, appealing to those who lean toward a more refined appearance.
### **Bottom 3 Underdogs**
1. **Garmin Instinct 2X Solar**
Finishing last, this sturdy, adventure-ready watch was criticized for being overly bulky and utilitarian. One family member humorously remarked that it looked like it belonged in a sci-fi film, comparing it to Master Chief’s gear from *Halo*.
2. **Amazfit Cheetah Pro**
Although it featured a titanium bezel, the Cheetah Pro was labeled as looking “cheap” and excessively sporty. Its aesthetics did not resonate with those who favored a more polished design.
3. **Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra**
Surprisingly, Samsung’s premier smartwatch ranked low. Its sharp, square-like design was perceived as “too large” and “unnatural,” failing to connect with both younger and older judges.
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## **Key Insights**
### **1. Timeless Designs Prevail**
The win of the Withings ScanWatch 2 signals a strong preference for classic, enduring styles. Many participants, particularly older family members, found hybrid designs to be more acceptable than those with a heavy emphasis on technology.
### **2. Dimension and Comfort are Crucial**
Oversized, heavy watches like the Garmin Instinct 2X Solar and Apple Watch Ultra 2 were criticized for their dimensions. Participants preferred sleeker, more compact options that felt less cumbersome.
### **3. Minimalism Outshines Complexity**
Watches featuring minimal designs, such as the OnePlus Watch
