Features in watches - GPS, thermometer and more!

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Features in watches - GPS, thermometer and more!

Leo Smith

Leo is a water sport enthusiast. He loves swimming, scuba diving and boating. Apart from water sports, he is also interested in technology, especially artificial intelligence.

22 Feb 2024

In today's world, where technology and fashion intersect, wristwatches have evolved from simple time-indicating devices to sophisticated gadgets that offer a wide range of functions. From GPS to thermometers, wristwatches have become not only an object of elegance, but also a practical tool to make life easier. In this article, we take a closer look at some of these innovative features that make wristwatches an essential companion in everyday life.

 
 

In the shadow of the hands. The harmony of life assisted by technology

The presence of advanced features in wristwatches, such as GPS, thermometer, heart rate monitoring, NFC payments or sleep monitoring, significantly simplifies daily life, transforming the traditional watch into a multifunctional tool that serves not only for timekeeping, but also as a personal assistant for health, finances and organisation. With these features, users can better manage their time, monitor and improve their physical health, make fast and secure transactions and optimise their rest, all of which combine to make their day more efficient and improve their overall wellbeing. In a dynamic world where every minute is at a premium, having a watch that offers such features becomes an invaluable asset to help manage personal and professional life on a daily basis.

 
functions in Tissot watches
 

GPS navigation - paths of discovery enchanted by time

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a feature that has revolutionised the way we use watches. Thanks to the built-in GPS module, watches can now track your exact location, which is invaluable for outdoor enthusiasts, athletes and travellers. This feature allows users to not only track routes taken while running, cycling or hiking, but also navigate unfamiliar locations without the need for a phone. What's more, watches with GPS often offer additional features such as speed, distance and altitude measurement, making them an indispensable tool for anyone who wants to monitor their training progress.

 
GPS navigation in Polar watches
 

Thermometer. Climate indicator on your wrist

In a world where every detail matters, watches with a built-in thermometer open up new horizons for adventurers and professionals. This subtle but powerful function transforms the watch into a personal meteorologist that provides information on the ambient temperature with a precision previously reserved for specialised devices. For travellers traversing a variety of climatic zones, for athletes training in changing conditions and even for those deciding on appropriate clothing on a daily basis, the wrist thermometer becomes an invaluable resource to help adapt to the vagaries of nature.

 
Vostok watch
 

Heart rate monitoring - keep your health under control

Watches equipped with heart rate monitoring are like having a personal trainer and cardiologist in one. Using advanced sensors, this function tracks the wearer's pulse in real time, providing valuable data on heart health during daily activities and intense workouts. For active health-conscious individuals, athletes improving their performance, and those monitoring their cardiovascular health, the ability to constantly access such information is invaluable. Watches with this feature allow you to optimise your training, ensuring that each activity is performed within a safe range for your heart.

 
Heart rate monitoring in the Coros watch
 

Contactless payments. Wrist wallet

In the digital age, where any transaction can be completed in the blink of an eye, contactless payment watches are becoming a symbol of modernity. They allow purchases to be made quickly and securely with a simple gesture of the wrist, eliminating the need to carry a wallet or phone. This feature is particularly useful for quick purchases, on the go or during sports when you want to keep your hands free and minimise the number of items you carry. Watches with contactless payments are a step towards a future where every transaction is quick, easy and hassle-free.

 
NFC payment in Suunto watches
 

Sleep tracking. Guardian of your rest

Sleep-tracking watches open the door to a better understanding of one of the most important, and often most neglected, areas of our lives - rest. By analysing sleep phases, body movements and the quality of rest, these smart devices provide insights into our nocturnal habits. This allows us to optimise our rest, identify potential problems and work on improving our sleep quality. In a world where the pace of life is constantly high and stress is a constant companion, sleep monitoring watches are becoming essential tools in the quest for better health and greater well-being.

 
Watch sleep monitoring
 

Date feature. Day chronicle indicated on the wrist

The date picker on a watch is like a silent story that reminds us daily of the passage of time. This subtle but extremely useful feature gives a quick glimpse of the current date, so that each day is clearly rooted in time. Whether it's a simple date box or a more sophisticated perpetual calendar that automatically adjusts to changes in months and leap years, the date pad is an integral part of organising the day. For busy professionals, students and anyone who values precision in their planning, a date pad is not only a convenience, but also a daily reminder of passing deadlines and important events.

 
Date feature of Orient Multi-Year Calendar watch
 

Tachymeter. Measuring speed at the wrist

Often found on the perimeter of the watch dial, the tachymeter is a tool that appeals to the heart of any lover of speed and precision. Allowing the measurement of speed based on transit time, the tachymeter becomes a key tool for athletes, drivers and anyone with a fascination for the world of dynamics. This function, although rooted in the watchmaking tradition, still finds its way into the modern world, offering an elegant way to quantify performance without the need for complex measuring devices.

 
tachymeter in Certina watches
 

World Time. A time traveller on your wrist

The world time function on watches is like having a personal portal to every corner of the world. For international businessmen, travellers, people with family and friends in different time zones, being able to keep track of the time in multiple cities at once is invaluable. Watches with this feature display the time for selected locations around the world, eliminating the need for manual recalculation and allowing instant adjustment to the global rhythm of life. This is not only a convenience, but also a way to maintain close relationships despite the distance, reminding us of the common flow of time that connects us all.

 
World time on a Jacques Lemans watch
 

Depth gauge. Exploring the depths with elegance

The depth gauge in a watch is a feature that takes lovers of diving and exploration of underwater worlds to a new level of experience. Enabling precise underwater depth measurement, watches with a depth gauge are not only a practical tool, but also a symbol of adventure, safety and advanced technology. For divers, whether professional or amateur, having a watch that can serve as a reliable companion when exploring undersea realms is essential. Not only does it provide valuable information about the current depth, but it also helps to monitor dive safety, making any expedition more controlled and rewarding.

 
depth gauge in Seiko Prospex watches
 

Wristwatch - more than just time

In a technological age where the boundaries between functionality and elegance are increasingly blurred, wristwatches are evolving to become not only a reflection of personal style, but also a versatile tool to make everyday life easier. From date displays to tachymeters, world time to depth gauges, each of these functions brings unique value, transforming the traditional watch into a personal assistant for health, travel and adventure. They support the management of time, health, finances and even relationships, offering users not only comfort and convenience, but also security and confidence in various aspects of life. In a world where time is the most precious resource, modern wristwatches are becoming key allies in the pursuit of efficiency, health and wellbeing, highlighting that the true value of technology lies in its ability to enrich the human experience.


Leo Smith

Leo is a water sport enthusiast. He loves swimming, scuba diving and boating. Apart from water sports, he is also interested in technology, especially artificial intelligence.