Just announced by Movado is its new Connect 2.0 smartwatch, the brand’s follow-up to its first smartwatch that was released in 2017. I got to spend some time with a 42mm Connect 2.0, but first a quick rundown of what’s new: Two smaller case size options, interchangeable straps, GPS, heart rate monitoring, a rotating smart crown, programmable pushers, and the new Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 3100 chip (1GB RAM /8GB storage are the big updates and changes.
Smaller Cases, Interchangeable Straps
The first generation of the Movado Connect was sleek, but the case size was 46.5mm-wide. This hefty case size led to a pretty self-selecting buyer pool for the Connect, but Movado clearly took this feedback to heart by significantly downscaling the size and offering two options. The Movado Connect 2.0 will be available in 40mm-wide and 41mm-wide cases. I wasn’t able to spend time with the smaller 40mm version, but I have to say that the 42mm felt pretty ideal and not at all bulky or chunky. The finishes are really well done, and the black is sharp and minimalist in all the best ways.
What I really liked was that the Connect 2.0 also has an easy switch interchangeable strap system. (Currently, Movado is offering a Milanese bracelet, leather strap, and fabric strap.) You just press the pushers on the back of the lugs and the strap comes out — I found swapping them to be very simple. I also want to note that I really like the lugs on this watch; they have a solid, architectural look to them, and the design works.
Programmable Pushers And Rotating Crown
New to the Connect 2.0 are the programmable pushers on the right side of the case. These have always made sense to me for a smartwatch because they’re a tactile and easy way for a user to access shortcuts, while they look like chronograph pushers at a passing glance. Also new is a rotating crown, allowing the user to scroll through the interface by turning it. The first generation Connect only had touchscreen ability, which is still present, but I find some reassurance in the ease of these tactile additions.
Google Wear, GPS & Heart Monitoring
The Movado Connect 2.0 uses the Google Wear OS, compatible with Android as well as iPhone (though with limited functionality). You’ve got the standard functionality here with Google Assistant, Google Pay, Google Fit, Google Play, etc. There’s bluetooth and WiFi connectivity, as well as NFC.
Notably new functionality for the Connect 2.0 is the addition of a GPS and, what no smartwatch in 2019 can be without, a heart rate monitor for health tracking.
More Memory & Storage
Memory and storage get a significant boost with the addition of the new Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 3100 chip. The Movado Connect 2.0 has 1 GB of RAM and 8 GB of storage, which is up from the first generation model’s 512 MB of RAM and 4 GB of storage.
Charging and Battery Life
Another are in which Movado did well is the caseback, which is done in ceramic. To charge the Connect 2.0, just place it on the charger and it magnetically snaps on. I didn’t have the full opportunity to see how long the battery lasts or how long it takes the watch to charge, though I did get from about 13% to 60% in what I remember to be a few minutes. According to Movado, the watch lasts 2-4 days when just on time-only mode, which means you’ll get through a day using it at full-functionality and it’ll need that nightly charge.
Screen And Dials
The AMOLED screen is always on, which is something carried over from the previous generation. Also, there are over 100 customizable dial variations at launch but I have to say that, given the modern, sleek design of the Connect 2.0, the Museum dial just looked the most, natural to me. The overall design here is top notch in both concept and execution.
Final Thoughts & Pricing
The new Movado Connect 2.0 is one of the best-looking and -feeling smartwatches I’ve handled in recent memory. I was really happy to hear Movado took feedback into account and downsized the case, and having options in 40mm and 42mm is spot on. While limited functionality might not make this the ideal choice for iPhone users like myself, I can see the Connect 2.0 appealing to a lot of Android users who want smartwatch functionality in a really well designed package.
The Movado Connect 2.0 is priced substantially less than high-end Swiss smartwatches like the TAG Heuer Connected or Montblanc Summit, coming in right around where the new Apple Watch Series 5 range lands. Price for the Movado Connect 2.0 is $495-795 USD, with the 42mm on bracelet that you see in this article is priced at $695 USD. You can look at the full collection here at movado.com
