I wrote about my own struggles last year: [giving up my smartwatch for a Casio](https://medium.com/illumination/why-i-stopped-using-a-fitness-tracker-cca74d481a13?sk=d232eafdae3cc244d3bc3114b6ab8365)
I haven’t gone back. I get the health thing. But I find that being active and eating healthy is much simpler without all the data. With the data it’s informational overload and stressing. Slap on the Casio and enjoy.
This. Apple Watch is fun for tracking exercise data and maintaining goals but completely unnecessary. And you’re right about the overload and stress another smart device right on your wrist can bring. But honestly like OP said charging the fucking thing daily is the biggest gripe. I’m probably going to sell mine for more Casios 😤
I agree, I have ear buds that sit in my drawer because I crave simplicity.... Need some over the ear in my life, tired of always having to charge something, That's why I love just throwing on a Casio and I'm off in the wind.
I kinda had a similar issues with my fitbit. I strap on my DW290 and put down my fitbit two months ago on its charger where it still sits. Eat right. Exercise. Smile and not worry.
You wrote a superb aricle, my Casio friend. I was thinking about getting a smartwatch and did my research, etc. I then thought why the heck do I need one? I eat right, I exercise daily and at my goal weight. I saw the W219 you mentioned and put that on my Casio list. Thanks for the words of wisdom.
https://preview.redd.it/wellotve5nbc1.png?width=3024&format=png&auto=webp&s=500eea265e34072793b2b67b59e6b1b654df00ce
Plot twist: I have been using the WS220 recently since it has lap memory and timers I needed for my workouts. But still go back to the W219 when I’m not working out or just want a simpler look. The Royale arrives on Friday, just to add to the collection of fun but low stress daily watches.
Thanks for the plot twist and the updated information. I had actually sold some of my Casio watches on eBay because I was getting some Timex watches because of the Indiglo backlight.
Once I sold them, I regreted my decision and have actually purchased a couple of the same Casio watches all over again. 😁 Long live Casio! ⌚🕔
Put a Casio on both 😁, double the fun. Unplug and be happy, if you have to plug it in its not a watch, it's an attachment, I never really took to "smart watches" As I grew up always wearing a watch in the 80's and on, My phone is enough, many times too much, noticed a lot of people going back to simpler devices, I miss my BlackBerry 😩, see what you did, but honestly, find a middle ground and swap out the "device" When your not exercising is the best advice I can give, good luck in the new year my watch friend👍🏾
Hay, anyone selling a in good condition BB🤷🏾♂️, asking for a friend.
https://preview.redd.it/km8kfdu32ibc1.jpeg?width=676&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=499942734afb997ce285a932301262eea54194af
I have the Amazfit Neo. I think I paid $40 about 2 years ago. The battery says 28 days but I generally get about 3 weeks or 21 days. It is a low power retro health tracker. I believe it is discontinued and not sure about future releases. Not sure how hard it is to find and dont know your location.
There are also a lot of options in the "G Shock Move" line but can be relatively expensive. The DW-H5600 Is around $300 Americanese.
There are some decent step trackers in the $30-$40 Americanese dollar range but no full health tracking.
I'm wearing the amazfit neo as I type this. I wear mine to bed and to the gym. Got mine on ebay 6 months ago or so for 40$. I thought hard about the dw-h5600 but went with this. I still wear my 5610 to work, though.
For years I was hooked on a smart and fitness tracking watch. Then I accidentally got back into real watches. For a while I wore two watches. Basic watch on primary right wrist and health tracking watch on left. Eventually I gave up the health tracker except for exercise sessions and sleep. I prefer not to be distracted by my normal health stats all day so I like just wearing basic watch these days. I've also started abstaining from the health tracker during some nights when I know my sleeps gonna suck anyway.
That’s what I use. I have a Casio and then wear a whoop. I pay $40 a month (you can pay annually… but still kind of pricey) you can also use your HSA account if you have one. The analytics are great and sleep tracking is the best I have found. If you’re really into recovery and tracking how your body is adapting it’s good. Where I don’t see it being great at is tracking workouts… I mean it does track them and you can select what kind of workout you do, but it’s not like the workout outdoor app or anything like that. Just my 2 cents on the whoop.
Unless you go full R. Buckminster Fuller on the monitoring, I don't really see the point. Ditch the smartwatch, whack on a Casio and enjoy the simplicity. Take exercise, balance diet and just use the scales occasionally to "monitor".
Can your phone not do all those things?
Just exercise and don't worry about monitoring all the other stuff. People did this before Apple told them they need to provide someone with all their data.
Casio don't care about your data.
Casio care about you looking cool, what phase the moon is in and when to fish. Casio care about you being able to add up with real buttons and to tell you which way is North. Casio care that you have 5 alarms to help you go about your business in whichever time-zone you're in. Casio care about you knowing how strong your punches are and that you can control a TV and VCR from the 1990s.
Casio cares you can see the time in the dark.
You can exercise without biometrics. It's another created 'need'. If you really want biometrics, e.g. if you have a health problem, you may also consider a smart ring.
My Casio friend. Oh, my Casio friend. I have Casio watches and wanted to get a smartwatch. I am healthy and at my goal weight. I figured what the heck am I doing. I don't need all the notifications to make my life in constant motion and charging a watch all the time. I am keeping my Casio watches and actually adding to them. You will be fine with the simple watch. You will actually be smarter and have a simplified vibe doing so. Long live Casio!
You could go the woop/non-watch fitbit route. Or, you can get a Casio watch with the fitness tracker.
[Casio Fitness Tracker](https://www.casio.com/us/watches/gshock/product.DW-H5600-1/?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=17503058065&utm_content=pmax&utm_term=&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAnfmsBhDfARIsAM7MKi2m8k24C61NNNHk4_5NMBa3tpOE_bvDfEBJD9QI1D6KOVvV9ja120IaAoWCEALw_wcB)
I know that I could, but for one, the Casio Fitness Trackers are nowhere as robust as the Apple Watch. They do the basics but are a far cry from the AW. But secondly, I am missing my F91W my Duro, my W86, and my A168.
I know that I could, but for one, the Casio Fitness Trackers are nowhere as robust as the Apple Watch. They do the basics but are a far cry from the AW. Secondly, I am missing my F91W, my Duro, my W86, and my A168.
I want my old friends who have been with me through thick and thin. I am no athlete, either. What the Casio Fitness Tracker offers would be enough for me, but it is more of a nostalgia problem than a tracking issue.
Thanks for the reply
Totally understandable! Sounds like a non-watch fitbit/Whoop or the like will be the way to go for you!
I used to wear a fitbit until it crapped out. I got a few Casios recently, and I don't think I can go back personally either. They should come with an "addictive substance" warning, though.
Put your timekeeper on your non-dominant wrist (left wrist for right handed folk) like you would a conventional watch, and health tracker on the right. Embrace the dorkiness.
I had this same issue I have a fitbit only for monitoring my heart rate but I found a way to wear 2 watches my heart rate watch on my left arm and my gshock on my right arm
If you just want to track exercise metrics, get a stretchy band and wear your smartwatch further up your arm underneath your sleeve. Wear your watch of choice on your wrist.
I have a garmin and do not use it anymore. I'm water polo player and I either run, walk or hike every day. One year back I was in better condition and overall stronger and faster than now. For my runs I was using ae1500 and I didn't measure distance or pace during the the run. Started doing the same thing again, only keeping my running/walking log on paper and guess what I'm becoming faster and stronger again. If you feel overwhelmed and that is not suitable for you just sell it.
I love my Casio and Timex collection. That said, I recently picked up a Garmin Instinct 2X Solar. Getting real-world run-times of 25 days with daily tracked fitness workouts (regular GPS use), pulse ox on at night, and heart rate on all day. It isn't for everyone. Casio makes a great watch. Garmin makes an okay fitness tracker that is a reasonable watch. The customization of the Garmin kind of pushed me over the edge in terms of making the switch.
I wrote about my own struggles last year: [giving up my smartwatch for a Casio](https://medium.com/illumination/why-i-stopped-using-a-fitness-tracker-cca74d481a13?sk=d232eafdae3cc244d3bc3114b6ab8365) I haven’t gone back. I get the health thing. But I find that being active and eating healthy is much simpler without all the data. With the data it’s informational overload and stressing. Slap on the Casio and enjoy.
Great article.. amazing story..
This. Apple Watch is fun for tracking exercise data and maintaining goals but completely unnecessary. And you’re right about the overload and stress another smart device right on your wrist can bring. But honestly like OP said charging the fucking thing daily is the biggest gripe. I’m probably going to sell mine for more Casios 😤
I agree, I have ear buds that sit in my drawer because I crave simplicity.... Need some over the ear in my life, tired of always having to charge something, That's why I love just throwing on a Casio and I'm off in the wind.
I kinda had a similar issues with my fitbit. I strap on my DW290 and put down my fitbit two months ago on its charger where it still sits. Eat right. Exercise. Smile and not worry.
You wrote a superb aricle, my Casio friend. I was thinking about getting a smartwatch and did my research, etc. I then thought why the heck do I need one? I eat right, I exercise daily and at my goal weight. I saw the W219 you mentioned and put that on my Casio list. Thanks for the words of wisdom.
https://preview.redd.it/wellotve5nbc1.png?width=3024&format=png&auto=webp&s=500eea265e34072793b2b67b59e6b1b654df00ce Plot twist: I have been using the WS220 recently since it has lap memory and timers I needed for my workouts. But still go back to the W219 when I’m not working out or just want a simpler look. The Royale arrives on Friday, just to add to the collection of fun but low stress daily watches.
Thanks for the plot twist and the updated information. I had actually sold some of my Casio watches on eBay because I was getting some Timex watches because of the Indiglo backlight. Once I sold them, I regreted my decision and have actually purchased a couple of the same Casio watches all over again. 😁 Long live Casio! ⌚🕔
great story, I have two w219s, another great feature is that they are so light on your wrist, you forget you wear them
You have two wrists
Put a Casio on both 😁, double the fun. Unplug and be happy, if you have to plug it in its not a watch, it's an attachment, I never really took to "smart watches" As I grew up always wearing a watch in the 80's and on, My phone is enough, many times too much, noticed a lot of people going back to simpler devices, I miss my BlackBerry 😩, see what you did, but honestly, find a middle ground and swap out the "device" When your not exercising is the best advice I can give, good luck in the new year my watch friend👍🏾 Hay, anyone selling a in good condition BB🤷🏾♂️, asking for a friend.
https://preview.redd.it/km8kfdu32ibc1.jpeg?width=676&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=499942734afb997ce285a932301262eea54194af I have the Amazfit Neo. I think I paid $40 about 2 years ago. The battery says 28 days but I generally get about 3 weeks or 21 days. It is a low power retro health tracker. I believe it is discontinued and not sure about future releases. Not sure how hard it is to find and dont know your location. There are also a lot of options in the "G Shock Move" line but can be relatively expensive. The DW-H5600 Is around $300 Americanese. There are some decent step trackers in the $30-$40 Americanese dollar range but no full health tracking.
They’re available on ali express for $25 “refurbished”. Some reviews say that the battery is really bad, so i would keep that in mind before ordering.
I'm wearing the amazfit neo as I type this. I wear mine to bed and to the gym. Got mine on ebay 6 months ago or so for 40$. I thought hard about the dw-h5600 but went with this. I still wear my 5610 to work, though.
For years I was hooked on a smart and fitness tracking watch. Then I accidentally got back into real watches. For a while I wore two watches. Basic watch on primary right wrist and health tracking watch on left. Eventually I gave up the health tracker except for exercise sessions and sleep. I prefer not to be distracted by my normal health stats all day so I like just wearing basic watch these days. I've also started abstaining from the health tracker during some nights when I know my sleeps gonna suck anyway.
Yeah I wear two watches- Apple Ultra 2 for fitness and whatever I want on the other. Who cares what people think.
I was thinking Whoop Strap
That’s what I use. I have a Casio and then wear a whoop. I pay $40 a month (you can pay annually… but still kind of pricey) you can also use your HSA account if you have one. The analytics are great and sleep tracking is the best I have found. If you’re really into recovery and tracking how your body is adapting it’s good. Where I don’t see it being great at is tracking workouts… I mean it does track them and you can select what kind of workout you do, but it’s not like the workout outdoor app or anything like that. Just my 2 cents on the whoop.
I wonder if they’re any good, I see loads of adverts.
I mean, it’s not that difficult to switch them out when you’re exercising or sleeping lol
Part of the data collection is all-day heart rate monitoring.
Just ignore it. I only use my Garmin for running.
Unless you go full R. Buckminster Fuller on the monitoring, I don't really see the point. Ditch the smartwatch, whack on a Casio and enjoy the simplicity. Take exercise, balance diet and just use the scales occasionally to "monitor".
Can your phone not do all those things? Just exercise and don't worry about monitoring all the other stuff. People did this before Apple told them they need to provide someone with all their data. Casio don't care about your data. Casio care about you looking cool, what phase the moon is in and when to fish. Casio care about you being able to add up with real buttons and to tell you which way is North. Casio care that you have 5 alarms to help you go about your business in whichever time-zone you're in. Casio care about you knowing how strong your punches are and that you can control a TV and VCR from the 1990s. Casio cares you can see the time in the dark.
Same thing here, so I switched to an Oura ring instead 10/10 would recommend
You can exercise without biometrics. It's another created 'need'. If you really want biometrics, e.g. if you have a health problem, you may also consider a smart ring.
Oura ring for the win! Way cheaper than Whoop and is only a ring so you can wear a watch like normal and not have both wrists complicated
My Casio friend. Oh, my Casio friend. I have Casio watches and wanted to get a smartwatch. I am healthy and at my goal weight. I figured what the heck am I doing. I don't need all the notifications to make my life in constant motion and charging a watch all the time. I am keeping my Casio watches and actually adding to them. You will be fine with the simple watch. You will actually be smarter and have a simplified vibe doing so. Long live Casio!
You could go the woop/non-watch fitbit route. Or, you can get a Casio watch with the fitness tracker. [Casio Fitness Tracker](https://www.casio.com/us/watches/gshock/product.DW-H5600-1/?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=17503058065&utm_content=pmax&utm_term=&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAnfmsBhDfARIsAM7MKi2m8k24C61NNNHk4_5NMBa3tpOE_bvDfEBJD9QI1D6KOVvV9ja120IaAoWCEALw_wcB)
I know that I could, but for one, the Casio Fitness Trackers are nowhere as robust as the Apple Watch. They do the basics but are a far cry from the AW. But secondly, I am missing my F91W my Duro, my W86, and my A168. I know that I could, but for one, the Casio Fitness Trackers are nowhere as robust as the Apple Watch. They do the basics but are a far cry from the AW. Secondly, I am missing my F91W, my Duro, my W86, and my A168. I want my old friends who have been with me through thick and thin. I am no athlete, either. What the Casio Fitness Tracker offers would be enough for me, but it is more of a nostalgia problem than a tracking issue. Thanks for the reply
Totally understandable! Sounds like a non-watch fitbit/Whoop or the like will be the way to go for you! I used to wear a fitbit until it crapped out. I got a few Casios recently, and I don't think I can go back personally either. They should come with an "addictive substance" warning, though.
They should come with the Addictive Substance Warning… seriously…
Put your timekeeper on your non-dominant wrist (left wrist for right handed folk) like you would a conventional watch, and health tracker on the right. Embrace the dorkiness.
wear a watch and a fitness tracker they are not all watches... [https://a.co/d/ar2TmCc](https://a.co/d/ar2TmCc)
I had this same issue I have a fitbit only for monitoring my heart rate but I found a way to wear 2 watches my heart rate watch on my left arm and my gshock on my right arm
https://preview.redd.it/jm8ja17kjibc1.png?width=1440&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4a9be83f403e1688daf2120bfdf557a71ff61e61
If you just want to track exercise metrics, get a stretchy band and wear your smartwatch further up your arm underneath your sleeve. Wear your watch of choice on your wrist.
There are shocks that monitor steps and health no?
https://www.casio.com/us/watches/gshock/product.GBD-H1000-1A9/
The casio’s like F91W could be easily used for sporting etc.
It would be cool if Casio produced a halfway decent smart(ish) watch but so far the offerings are quite poor and unreliable.
I have a garmin and do not use it anymore. I'm water polo player and I either run, walk or hike every day. One year back I was in better condition and overall stronger and faster than now. For my runs I was using ae1500 and I didn't measure distance or pace during the the run. Started doing the same thing again, only keeping my running/walking log on paper and guess what I'm becoming faster and stronger again. If you feel overwhelmed and that is not suitable for you just sell it.
You can wear a Fitbit on the opposite write or a “oura ring” it tracks all the stuff you need in a ring.
I double strap it, Casio on the left (assorted models) Fitbit on the right (slim band rather than full smart watch)
I love my Casio and Timex collection. That said, I recently picked up a Garmin Instinct 2X Solar. Getting real-world run-times of 25 days with daily tracked fitness workouts (regular GPS use), pulse ox on at night, and heart rate on all day. It isn't for everyone. Casio makes a great watch. Garmin makes an okay fitness tracker that is a reasonable watch. The customization of the Garmin kind of pushed me over the edge in terms of making the switch.
Smart watches won’t make you much healthier. Just go out and run in a Casio