Timex challenges Withings with the new classically styled Metropolitan+ fitness watch

By Andy Boxall September 17, 2015

timex metropolitan watch news yacht racer — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Classic watch brand Timex has introduced the Metropolitan+, which combines a traditional analog watch style with modern fitness and activity tracking features, along the same lines as the Withings Activite and the Runtastic Moment. Timex says it’s the first in a new range of smart wrist wear, and will form part of its Connected Style Collection.

What’s the Metropolitan+ all about? Underneath the standard analog watch looks, it will track your steps, movement, and calories burned during the day, and then sync the data across to a connected smartphone. The watch uses Bluetooth to transfer the data, where a detailed breakdown of your activity awaits inside an app, plus it displays your daily progress towards a set goal on the watch face itself.

Timex Metropolitan+ Watch — The Timex Metropolitan+ fitness tracking analog watch Image used with permission by copyright holder

Nothing unusual there, but what makes the Metropolitan+ interesting is it doesn’t have a separate battery. All this is done using the standard watch battery inside, that doesn’t require charging. Timex doesn’t say how long the battery will last with this extra strain, but even if it’s six to twelve months, it’ll be way beyond the majority of fitness trackers.

Timex will release the watch in silver or black, with red and orange accent colors respectively, plus a choice of straps. It’ll also feature Timex’s quick release strap system, so you can swap them out for any of Timex’s other straps. The accompanying app will be produced for both Android and iOS devices. At this time Timex has only announced the Metropolitan+ in a men’s style, so we’re expecting it to be quite large.

Depending on which model you choose, expect to pay either $125 for the black version, or $150 for the silver model with a leather strap. No release date has been provided for the Metropolitan+. It’s not Timex’s first try at making a smart watch either, as the company released the $400, 3G-equipped Ironman runner’s watch late last year, and also makes the Timex Move x20 fitness band.

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Andy is a Senior Writer at Digital Trends, where he concentrates on mobile technology, a subject he has written about for…

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