The 7 Best-Looking Smartwatches And The 7 That Miss The Mark On Design

Most people check their smartwatches for steps, messages, and maybe a reminder to drink water. However, there’s a silent fourth function nobody talks about: making you wonder why you paid good money to wear something that looks like it came out of a vending machine.

We live in a world where tech has taken over every wrist. Smartwatches promise to streamline life, but while some do that with elegance, others look like they lost a fight with a calculator. It feels like somewhere along the design process, someone said, “Make it futuristic,” and forgot to ask, “Make it wearable.”

If you're guessing, we’re here to sort these watches out for you. Let's begin with seven smartwatches that actually understood the assignment and brought some serious design games to the table.

The Apple Watch Series 9 starts strong with a seamless case made from 100% recycled aluminum or stainless steel. Its always-on Retina display also stays crisp in any light, while colorways like Starlight and Midnight add subtle sophistication. Best of all, the interchangeable bands allow you to shift your style as easily as your schedule.

The Galaxy Watch6 Classic refines the smartwatch formula with thoughtful details. Its rotating stainless steel bezel adds visual structure, circling a slimmer case that wears more comfortably than earlier models. Lastly, the round face draws from analog designs, supported by customizable watch faces that keep the look personal.

This smartwatch takes its cues from traditional dive watches, as it pairs stainless steel with sapphire glass for a familiar, durable build. Beneath the analog hands, a small digital display quietly handles health tracking without disrupting the aesthetic. It also delivers a 30-day battery life that supports long-term use without daily charging.

Designed to benefit smaller wrists, the Garmin Lily 2’s ultra-light 24g build feels effortless. With Sport and Classic editions available, this smartwatch slips between casual and polished looks, more like a bracelet with benefits than a screen on your arm. At just 24 grams, it’s easy to forget you’re wearing it, which only adds to its appeal.

The Huawei Watch GT 4 in green takes a different approach to smartwatch design. Its geometric bezel draws the eye without relying on size, while the woven strap adds texture that feels deliberate. With more than 25,000 watch faces and full health tracking built in, it doesn’t separate fashion from function; it simply treats both as standard.

This one’s titanium casing and leather strap set a familiar tone, evoking classic watchmaking before the display even lights up. Tightly integrated with Montblanc’s suite of travel apps and global design sensibility, this watch is for those who crave contemporary performance without compromising classic style.

You know that feeling when your tech just fits—like it belongs to you, not just with you? The Google Pixel Watch 2 gets that. Its dome-shaped Gorilla Glass gives off a smooth, pebble-like elegance. Weighing just 31 grams, it’s so light you’ll forget you’re wearing it until Fitbit’s tracking reminds you how effortlessly it keeps up.

Now, the next seven smartwatches might technically be “smart” but completely missed the mark in the style department.

The Casio G-Shock GSW-H1000 is built with an extremely tough design, as its rubber-heavy construction reflects its focus on durability. Originally intended for outdoor environments, the watch includes multiple sensors and a thick protective casing. However, its total weight of nearly 104 grams makes it feel cumbersome for general daily use.

With tank-like casing and exaggerated angles, this watch looks ready for a desert recon. Its aggressive military styling polarizes a tactical dream for outdoor survivalists and a clunky nightmare for minimalist dressers. In short, casual users hoping for versatility might find themselves outmatched by this overbuilt beast.

Nothing about the Fossil Gen 6 Wellness Edition demands a second look. Its plain circular case and unimaginative straps blend into a sea of wearables that forgot to evolve. Despite its wellness branding, the design lacks energy or intention. Even the color options feel half-hearted, as they lack the refinement you'd expect from a brand aiming for lifestyle appeal.

There’s a certain hesitation built into the Suunto 7’s design, like it is never quite committed to an identity. The oversized bezel dominates the face, throwing off its proportions, while the scattered button placement feels more accidental than intentional. Straddling the line between athletic and casual wear, it ends up excelling at neither.

The Garmin Instinct 2X Solar makes no apologies for its function-over-form philosophy. With a blocky, utilitarian shell and a flat monochrome display, it leans heavily into survival mode. Solar panels bulk up the frame without offering any visual charm, and the muted color options—like “Graphite”—only deepen its tactical look.

This one’s plastic casing lacks the premium finish expected at its price point, and the chunky bezel adds bulk without character. Moreover, flat buttons and a watch face that hasn’t evolved in years signal a dated design approach. While it's built with athletes in mind, its appearance ignores anyone who values style in their tech.

The Coros Vertix 2 pushes size to the extreme with its massive 50.3mm case, which makes it impractical for most wrists. Besides, its bulky buttons interrupt the symmetry, and the so-called “adventure aesthetic” feels unfinished. As a result, it overlooks anyone looking for a balance between function and refined form.