Someone pointed out there's a small edit issue at the end... the person responsible has now been removed from his position at Stu's Reviews. *and immediately rehired because we would have to change the channel name to just "Reviews"... 👀
I've been wearing a Kronaby for about 4 years now and it's performed very well. You were wondering in your review why the payment mechanism was not available anymore. This was originally a partnership between Barclays and several companies, including Kronaby, whereby Barclays sent a chip that would slot into the bracelet. I used it for about 2 years. It was brilliant. Then, in their infinite wisdom, Barclays decided to stop this very innovative service. It's never been replaced.
I've had my Apex for four years and I love it. If I could change/enhance one thing it would be that the vibrations and the hands on the watch worked independently. I.e if I have my mum set on the first row in the third column I would like to feel three vibrations and see the hands point to one. If I have my dad on the second row in the third column I want to feel three vibrations and see the hands at two etc. That would make me pick up my phone even less.
I really love my Kronaby. It looks stylish and has real sapphire glass. Build quality looks and feels good. Strap could use some work, but it's exchangeable. Really I couldn't think what I would use a pure smartwatch for. I don't care about health tracking, it's always felt gimmicky. This watch can handle the rest. It vibrates when I get a call or text message, so I know even when I'm in a meeting. If I wanted to read it or respond, I'd much rather just look at my phone. My biggest use case is music control anyway, which works fine. And I look good in a suit. 😎
The IFTTT integration is very very cool but the watch does seem to be lacking some key features like health tracking. Without a screen it also makes some of the features a bit redundant, e.g. how does an accept/reject call button work in reality without knowing who is calling? If you want a good looking hybrid with a screen and full health tracking the Garmin Vivomove Style & Luxe range is a good alternative.
During a call, it can be kinda genius actually. It doesn't reject calls, it mutes them if you know you can't make it to your phone or are busy. And you could know who's calling if you put their contact in your filtered notifications.
@@StusReviewsUK Switching the watches is very smooth. In app settings you see the list of your connected watches and just select the watch you are about to wear. its connected within 15 sec.
I've been looking at hybrid watches and stumbled across this brand a couple of days ago. They certainly make some nice looking watches but I'm not sure I get the notification feature. For me the benefit of a smartwatch that handles notifications is that I don't then get my phone out to see why it alerted me. Once that phone is in my hands I'll be on Twitter or Reddit and that's another 15 minutes gone. The hybrid watches I've been looking at such as Fossil, Withings and Garmin show the detail of the notification so I don't think I would pick up the phone unless there were some need to respond. I'm really interested to know your experience with this watch. Is it sufficient for you to know you have a WhatsApp message, news alert, etc., or do you find yourself going back to the phone to get more information? Thanks for the review. I will be checking out your other videos.
I go back to my phone to know what the message is only from people i care about. Leitners Ad Maoira eink watch might be up your alley otherwise stick with the watches you mentioned for hybrids that show the full message
I have 3 and each purchased on e-bay at a fraction of the price. I’ve tried a few other smart watches, but Kronaby continues to be the one I am most happy with… not being distracted is such a bonus and a simply beautiful concept. I’ve got my phone for payments and would prefer to use this over a watch. Great review and thanks!
Since you're the only one I've seen mention the ebay purchase, did you buy "new old stock" ones? I may pull the trigger but curious how "new" they are. Apologies for the super late and random request
@@dgyoungs I purchased from people that I guess didn't like the watches. I've not had any issues with the ones that I purchased. Have changed the batteries in a few and no longer swim with these watches but to me, they're still the best of both worlds. I tried a Withings scanwatch 2 for a few weeks but returned to the simplicity of the Kronaby... a kind of effortless style.
Hi Stu, how is the vibration strength? Previous hybrids I’ve tried from Skagen and Fossil were pretty weak so I’m looking for decent vibration strength
Honestly looking around at watches lately and I keep coming back to kronaby! In Australia they are around $500 and IMO is the best value I can find that has smart features and sapphire crystal AR .. looking at traditional watches like Seiko for instance prices are over $500 for the quality and they DONT have ANY smart features . IMO price is actually good
i love this watch when i first saw it. Only in Octomber 2023 it apeared in my country. But i cant decide apex or sekel. I love the sekel, but my life style is more casual.....and i just cant decide(
That is a very clever watch! Great review. I'm really a fitness watch user rather than a smartwatch user, so I'm with Garmin. Got tired of Samsung. I think the Kronaby concept is interesting.
Hi Stu, I’m a fan of you and the channel, but I’ve a question for you… ‘Why?’ Alexa listens, no buttons required, whether strategically placed on the wrist or not, and the phone the watch connects is going to be in my pocket. The same phone that’s tracking steps, staircases, 100’s of time zones, alarms and timers…and let’s not forget the compass, sat nav, and games console plus a ‘million’ other Apps. And…£260 buys a Tissot automatic watch with a ‘battery’ life of forever plus a cow skin strap - made in Switzerland. Hmmm 🤔
I mean I thought I explained ‘why’… because I’ve always been a fan of watches that are smart that don’t look like smartwatches. Yes you’re right, Alexa does listen… but I think I covered this in my Flic review… it’s far faster to press a button and it runs a routine rather than having to use a wake word, ask it to run the routine and then wait for Alexa to respond. Okay, the difference might only be 5 seconds, but again, this is something I spoke about in my flic review- check it out if you haven’t already! Also… it’s IFTTT, so if you didn’t agree with my uses of the buttons, you’ve got full control for all sorts of things in there… and by that logic re your phone doing it all… what’s the need for any smartwatch in that case 😉. Lastly- tissot have a few lovely models 👌 Hopefully that explains the why Steve! Most of it comes down to preference in style and choice of how you want to operate devices!
@@StusReviewsUK cheers Stu, I think you nailed it on preference...I’m a tech savvy old guy, but there’s something about cogs and wheels that mesmerises me, and if I owned a smart watch of any variety, I wouldn’t be wearing the watches that make me smile. So I look forward expectantly to the future and your review on the button that administers a natural dose of dopamine 😁
Great watch unless you need it repaired here in North America, (not to mention Central or South America) NO REPAIR available since their 'approved' repair company just ghosts you. BIGGEST watch mistake I made.
You didn’t mention what IMHO is the biggest selling point, doesn’t it have two year battery life? Given that most smart watches have to ve recharged every few days - that seems big. EDIT Oops! As pointed out he does mention it - but I do think it big enough to deserve more than a passing mention
Seriously? Who's got time to remember all those settings? If you want a hybrid then just buy a Fossil Hybrid with its e-ink screen and screw routines, you can just ask Alexa to do that with your voice
@@StusReviewsUK not really missing the point, the fossil hybrid is very similar to these in that it looks like a traditional watch with analogue hands. And pressing buttons is only quicker when you remember which button/s to press.
My concern in rural USA: do I need consistent WIFI for a basic Kronaby? My home usually gets LFT with intermittent Verizon MIFI. I do not have a smart house at all, so sadly, little use for IFFT. I find the Kronaby much more attractive than an Apple Watch. I was alerted to their existence by Eric Weiner, author. Thank you.
@@StusReviewsUK So its got a Baum chicca wow wow button.....Turn on the kettle, put on the music and turn off the lights.😁 Not a bad design for €245. My amazfit 5 is grand but the app is poor. Might be time to upgrade. Ill need a tweed jacket tho.
@@Badonicus How crazy! Yes there is... I have literally no idea how that got there because its not in the project timeline! Oh well... Stu's Reviews, warts n' all!
99% of smartwatches let you monitor your heartrate, blood oxygen and some even measure blood pressure. Kronaby can turn my kettle on .................. great 🙄.
Like I said… preference on what you want in a smartwatch… I’m already unhealthy, so I don’t need a watch that can monitor my heart rate blood oxygen or pressure to tell me that. However I absolutely need one that can boil me some water for more sugary tea. 🫖☕️😂
Someone pointed out there's a small edit issue at the end... the person responsible has now been removed from his position at Stu's Reviews. *and immediately rehired because we would have to change the channel name to just "Reviews"... 👀
🤣
🤣🤣🤣
The payment strap used bpay by Barkley's. Barkley's has shut down this service.
Boom! Cheers Niel! That explains that… don’t use Barclays so wouldn’t know! It’s a shame it didn’t support more NFC payment options!
Employee discipline matters. Good job!
I've been wearing a Kronaby for about 4 years now and it's performed very well. You were wondering in your review why the payment mechanism was not available anymore. This was originally a partnership between Barclays and several companies, including Kronaby, whereby Barclays sent a chip that would slot into the bracelet. I used it for about 2 years. It was brilliant. Then, in their infinite wisdom, Barclays decided to stop this very innovative service. It's never been replaced.
There is actually a team in Malmö, Sweden still working on the product. So the “Sweden” part in the name is still valid. ;)
I am wearing my Kronaby Sekel for the last two years and never realized the IFTT connection to Alexa and Kronaby, thanks Stu!
Ohhhhh you’re going to have some fun! I’m using mkZense to pair up Alexa to IFTTT (if you get stuck)!
@@StusReviewsUK i was going to tell that as well, I had to link it to MkZense otherwise there were no action for Alexa
Only three routines for the free version, but that is exactly the number of the pushers.l!
@@SpyrosGiotakis COINCIDENCE OR NOT /👁\! #illuminaticonfirmed
I've had my Apex for four years and I love it. If I could change/enhance one thing it would be that the vibrations and the hands on the watch worked independently. I.e if I have my mum set on the first row in the third column I would like to feel three vibrations and see the hands point to one. If I have my dad on the second row in the third column I want to feel three vibrations and see the hands at two etc. That would make me pick up my phone even less.
This is the watch I'm looking for! I want a Nordic style clean analog watch with some smart features I can use every now and then. Good review.
I really love my Kronaby. It looks stylish and has real sapphire glass. Build quality looks and feels good. Strap could use some work, but it's exchangeable. Really I couldn't think what I would use a pure smartwatch for. I don't care about health tracking, it's always felt gimmicky. This watch can handle the rest. It vibrates when I get a call or text message, so I know even when I'm in a meeting. If I wanted to read it or respond, I'd much rather just look at my phone. My biggest use case is music control anyway, which works fine. And I look good in a suit. 😎
You sound incredibly similar to Jeremy Clarkson, and I mean that in the best way possible. Excellent review. Shame the watch doesn’t have a V8 though.
The IFTTT integration is very very cool but the watch does seem to be lacking some key features like health tracking. Without a screen it also makes some of the features a bit redundant, e.g. how does an accept/reject call button work in reality without knowing who is calling? If you want a good looking hybrid with a screen and full health tracking the Garmin Vivomove Style & Luxe range is a good alternative.
During a call, it can be kinda genius actually. It doesn't reject calls, it mutes them if you know you can't make it to your phone or are busy. And you could know who's calling if you put their contact in your filtered notifications.
I’ve got 4 Kronaby Watches now and love them. I still watched this video all the way through though!
That’s one thing I haven’t tested… how is the app experience with multiple watches Daniel!?
Which ones do you have?
@@StusReviewsUK Switching the watches is very smooth. In app settings you see the list of your connected watches and just select the watch you are about to wear. its connected within 15 sec.
The NFC payment band would have been withdrawn because BPay, the Barclays Back payment system was itself withdrawn back in July
Great info Richard! 👍👍
I enjoyed your review, especially because of the.... sound! Nice voice and music mixing. What microphone did you use?
I've been looking at hybrid watches and stumbled across this brand a couple of days ago. They certainly make some nice looking watches but I'm not sure I get the notification feature.
For me the benefit of a smartwatch that handles notifications is that I don't then get my phone out to see why it alerted me. Once that phone is in my hands I'll be on Twitter or Reddit and that's another 15 minutes gone.
The hybrid watches I've been looking at such as Fossil, Withings and Garmin show the detail of the notification so I don't think I would pick up the phone unless there were some need to respond.
I'm really interested to know your experience with this watch. Is it sufficient for you to know you have a WhatsApp message, news alert, etc., or do you find yourself going back to the phone to get more information?
Thanks for the review. I will be checking out your other videos.
I go back to my phone to know what the message is only from people i care about. Leitners Ad Maoira eink watch might be up your alley otherwise stick with the watches you mentioned for hybrids that show the full message
I love my Apex had it 5 years and it performs great, it gets more comments than my automatic and GMT time pieces :)
I have 3 and each purchased on e-bay at a fraction of the price. I’ve tried a few other smart watches, but Kronaby continues to be the one I am most happy with… not being distracted is such a bonus and a simply beautiful concept. I’ve got my phone for payments and would prefer to use this over a watch. Great review and thanks!
Since you're the only one I've seen mention the ebay purchase, did you buy "new old stock" ones? I may pull the trigger but curious how "new" they are. Apologies for the super late and random request
@@dgyoungs I purchased from people that I guess didn't like the watches. I've not had any issues with the ones that I purchased. Have changed the batteries in a few and no longer swim with these watches but to me, they're still the best of both worlds. I tried a Withings scanwatch 2 for a few weeks but returned to the simplicity of the Kronaby... a kind of effortless style.
Do you have any flow up after having the watch for so long?
Thanks, great review... still considering
Hi Stu, how is the vibration strength? Previous hybrids I’ve tried from Skagen and Fossil were pretty weak so I’m looking for decent vibration strength
Fairly weak/quiet until you increase the vibration strength in the app with a setting.
Honestly looking around at watches lately and I keep coming back to kronaby! In Australia they are around $500 and IMO is the best value I can find that has smart features and sapphire crystal AR .. looking at traditional watches like Seiko for instance prices are over $500 for the quality and they DONT have ANY smart features . IMO price is actually good
If you are patient you can pick up a lightly used 41mm or 43mm on eBay AU for about $200 AUD.
i love this watch when i first saw it. Only in Octomber 2023 it apeared in my country. But i cant decide apex or sekel. I love the sekel, but my life style is more casual.....and i just cant decide(
That is a very clever watch! Great review. I'm really a fitness watch user rather than a smartwatch user, so I'm with Garmin. Got tired of Samsung. I think the Kronaby concept is interesting.
As far as I know design and development are still carried out in Malmo Sweden.
When will we have merch?! I want a Stu’s Reviews coffee / tea mug so bad!!
Haha! I might do a limited edition run of something during the festive Jól period (or run up to)! 💚
Hi Stu, I’m a fan of you and the channel, but I’ve a question for you… ‘Why?’ Alexa listens, no buttons required, whether strategically placed on the wrist or not, and the phone the watch connects is going to be in my pocket. The same phone that’s tracking steps, staircases, 100’s of time zones, alarms and timers…and let’s not forget the compass, sat nav, and games console plus a ‘million’ other Apps.
And…£260 buys a Tissot automatic watch with a ‘battery’ life of forever plus a cow skin strap - made in Switzerland. Hmmm 🤔
I mean I thought I explained ‘why’… because I’ve always been a fan of watches that are smart that don’t look like smartwatches.
Yes you’re right, Alexa does listen… but I think I covered this in my Flic review… it’s far faster to press a button and it runs a routine rather than having to use a wake word, ask it to run the routine and then wait for Alexa to respond. Okay, the difference might only be 5 seconds, but again, this is something I spoke about in my flic review- check it out if you haven’t already!
Also… it’s IFTTT, so if you didn’t agree with my uses of the buttons, you’ve got full control for all sorts of things in there… and by that logic re your phone doing it all… what’s the need for any smartwatch in that case 😉.
Lastly- tissot have a few lovely models 👌
Hopefully that explains the why Steve! Most of it comes down to preference in style and choice of how you want to operate devices!
@@StusReviewsUK cheers Stu, I think you nailed it on preference...I’m a tech savvy old guy, but there’s something about cogs and wheels that mesmerises me, and if I owned a smart watch of any variety, I wouldn’t be wearing the watches that make me smile.
So I look forward expectantly to the future and your review on the button that administers a natural dose of dopamine 😁
Surprised why it is still not consider main stream watch as it is solid watch.
Still love mine!
now i have to look into it 😅
Great watch unless you need it repaired here in North America, (not to mention Central or South America) NO REPAIR available since their 'approved' repair company just ghosts you. BIGGEST watch mistake I made.
Barthelona!
🍷🇪🇸 chorizo!
You didn’t mention what IMHO is the biggest selling point, doesn’t it have two year battery life? Given that most smart watches have to ve recharged every few days - that seems big. EDIT Oops! As pointed out he does mention it - but I do think it big enough to deserve more than a passing mention
He did mention that at 2:04 :)
Seriously? Who's got time to remember all those settings?
If you want a hybrid then just buy a Fossil Hybrid with its e-ink screen and screw routines, you can just ask Alexa to do that with your voice
I think you missed the point… this is about *not* having another screen, (and buttons are faster than voice control).
@@StusReviewsUK not really missing the point, the fossil hybrid is very similar to these in that it looks like a traditional watch with analogue hands. And pressing buttons is only quicker when you remember which button/s to press.
Correct… but it also has a display. 👁👄👁
My concern in rural USA: do I need consistent WIFI for a basic Kronaby? My home usually gets LFT with intermittent Verizon MIFI. I do not have a smart house at all, so sadly, little use for IFFT.
I find the Kronaby much more attractive than an Apple Watch. I was alerted to their existence by Eric Weiner, author.
Thank you.
You just need bluetooth to your phone so you're good.
1
YET ANOTHER Chicken Dinner! 🍗👑
@@StusReviewsUK So its got a Baum chicca wow wow button.....Turn on the kettle, put on the music and turn off the lights.😁 Not a bad design for €245. My amazfit 5 is grand but the app is poor. Might be time to upgrade. Ill need a tweed jacket tho.
*tweed jacket not included
@@StusReviewsUK oh was there an edit issue , last few secs of the vid?
@@Badonicus How crazy! Yes there is... I have literally no idea how that got there because its not in the project timeline! Oh well... Stu's Reviews, warts n' all!
99% of smartwatches let you monitor your heartrate, blood oxygen and some even measure blood pressure. Kronaby can turn my kettle on .................. great 🙄.
Like I said… preference on what you want in a smartwatch… I’m already unhealthy, so I don’t need a watch that can monitor my heart rate blood oxygen or pressure to tell me that. However I absolutely need one that can boil me some water for more sugary tea. 🫖☕️😂