Based on Guess' best-selling Rigor watch, the Guess Connect is an analog timepiece available in four models and two sizes (41mm and 45mm). I reviewed the 45mm rose gold model with brown bezel and brown croc strap. It is a beauty.
It has a crown for setting the time, and two buttons on its right side for answering calls and toggling through the menu. On its top left, a rubber cover hides a micro-USB charging port. On its bottom left sits the speaker/micro- phone unit.
There is a small (96 x 16 pixels) Oled screen at the lower half of the watch face. When you receive a message, the watch will vibrate with the message running across the screen.
A small LED light glows red during charging, green when the watch reaches full charge, and blue during pairing.
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TECH SPECS
PRICE: $559
CASE MATERIAL: Stainless steel
COMPATIBILITY: Android 3.0 or higher and iOS 8.0 or higher
WEIGHT: 90g (with leather strap)
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RATING
FEATURES: 3/5
DESIGN: 5/5
PERFORMANCE: 3/5
BATTERY LIFE: 5/5
VALUE FOR MONEY: 4/5
OVERALL: 4/5
Charging is needed only to power the smartwatch capabilities. The analog movement is powered by a coin battery that is supposed to last two years. Lasting up to five days on a full charge, the Guess Connect's "smart" battery life is bettered only by the Pebble Time Steel. And even if it goes flat, you still get a fully functional watch.
When paired with a smartphone via the Guess Connect app (available for both Android and iOS), it provides various smart capabilities. You can also use the watch as a camera remote trigger.
You can use the top right button to trigger Siri or Google Now for voice commands. Furthermore, you can answer calls using the watch. At times, while I can hear the other party clearly during such calls, they can hardly hear me.
The watch does not have a heart-rate sensor, nor does it track your physical activity. And with its exposed microphone, I am apprehensive about washing my hands while wearing the watch, even though it is supposed to be splash-proof.
Trevor Tan
- Verdict: The Guess Connect is a smartwatch for the fashionable and stylish, even if its smart capabilities are limited by geek standards.
Smartwatch segment
Tag Heuer Carrera Connected: Best-looking luxury watch
Huawei Watch: Traditionalists' favourite, with minimalist design
Motorola Moto 360 (2nd Gen): Same good looks with several refinements
Asus ZenWatch 2: Affordable price and sensitive screen
Pebble Time Steel: Display dim but superb battery life
Samsung Gear S2 Classic: Wins on looks but let down by its OS
