Updated for 2017, the Garmin Vivomove HR looks like a traditional analogue watch but has the functionality of a smartwatch. It's this combination of features that Garmin hopes will appeal to those who like the idea of wearable tech but not the aesthetic.
- Best cycling watch
- Wrist-based heart rate monitors vs. chest heart rate straps
- Tips for bike computers, heart-rate monitors and cycling gadgets
“When we first introduced the Vívomove last year, it was geared towards customers who wanted a beautiful timepiece first and activity tracking functions second,” said Andrew Silver, Garmin EMEA product manager.
“With the new Vívomove HR, not only is the design as elegant as ever, the wearable technology is cutting edge. We’re the first on the market to offer a hybrid smartwatch with both wrist-based heart rate and a digital touchscreen display. And you get all of that without losing the classic, timeless look of an analog watch,” Silver added.
The Vivomove HR is one of three products being launched this year by Garmin, the other two being the new Vivoactive 3 and the Vivosport.
Main features of the Garmin Vivomove HR
- Activity tracking
- Wrist-based heart rate monitor
- Smart notifications with vibration alert: emails, texts, calls, app alerts, social media updates, etc.
- Digital touchscreen display
- Analog watch face
- Claimed swim and shower safe
- Claimed battery life of five days in smart mode, two weeks in watch mode
- Control music on smartphone
There are two versions of the Vivomove HR available: the Vivomove HR Sport with a silicone wrist strap, and the Vivomove HR Premium which features leather straps and a full steel body. Straps are interchangable, and a selection of different finishes for the watch body include black, rose gold-tone and gold-tone.
For those who like to integrate all their apps and devices, and stay connected, the Vivomove HR will vibrate to alert you to incoming emails, texts and calls based on your setup preferences. You can also get app alerts and social media updates, plus control music on your smartphone. It even gives you the ability to send an alert to help you locate your smartphone if you can't remember where you put it.
The analog watch face is also a digital touch screen, allowing you to control the display.
Fitness monitoring
As you'd imagine given the name, the Vivomove HR has an integrated heart rate monitor, which will track your heart rate throughout the day. Other tools include an algorithm-based VO2 max number, plus a calculated 'fitness age' which will change as you fitness improves.
For anyone trying to lead a calmer life, the stress tracking feature will be right up your street. This tracks your heart rate variability (HRV) and uses this estimate how stressed you are throughout the day. It also offers guided breathing exercises to help address stress on the spot. The HRV data can also be tracked over a longer period of time using Garmin Connect, which makes spotting patterns in stress levels easier.
The Vivomove HR comes preloaded with activity profiles including walking, running and strength training, though sadly for us, cycling doesn't seem to be on the list.
Sync with Garmin Connect
As with other Garmin wearable tech, the Vivomove HR will automatically sync with the Garmin Connect mobile app if you have it loaded on your smartphone. This allows you to chart information like workout data, sleep patterns and the aforementioned stress levels over time.
The device will also count your daily steps, flights of stairs climbed, time asleep and more, plus that increasingly important reminder to get up and move around if the Vivomove HR detects you've been sitting still for too long.
Garmin Move IQ
The Vivomove HR includes Garmin Move IQ, a feature that can match certain movements to certain types of activity such as walking, running, cycling and swimming, and tag them as such in your daily timeline.
You can also set the device to start timing such activities automatically once they are detected, so you don't have to start and stop your device when you begin and end your ride.
Garmin Vivomove HR price and availability
The Vivomove HR will be available in late 2017. Pricing is set at £169.99/$199.99 for the Vivomove HR Sport and £249.99/$299.99 for the Vivomove HR Premium. It will be available from late 2017.
