Ask HN: Any dumb watch with only GPS-tracker?

15 points by isoos 2 years ago

I don't mind smart watches, but right now I'd be looking for a cheap, long battery life, dumb watch with only a GPS tracker. (I don't need heartrate monitoring, step counter or any other feature.)

Is there any out there? Plus points if it is hackable in any way, but not a hard requirement.

Edit: I am looking for a watch with independent GPS chip, not one that needs to be connected to a phone all the time.

teetertater 2 years ago

Check out the Fossil Hybrid line of watches, I have one and love it (although it does more than you require)

If you use Android then they're completely hackable with alternative open-source firmware[1]. Actually if you follow the link there's a whole list of hackable watches you could check out

1: https://www.gadgetbridge.org/

solardev 2 years ago

Some of the Garmin watches have built in GPS, limited smart watch features, and battery life of several days. I had an older vivo something or another that was perfect for this, light and cheap. It had a HR sensor I never much bothered with it, just used the GPS for hikes and bikes.

Importantly, the tracking works fine without a phone. I would go exercise without having to bring a heavy phone along.

The newer models are more expensive, but have built in routing it seems. Shrug.

I don't use my old one any more and I'd be glad to mail it to you if you want.

theragra 2 years ago

Amazfit BIP is pretty nice, except it.stops recording randomly ( not often)

rookietect 2 years ago

Apple AirTag.

  • nateb2022 2 years ago

    AirTags don't have built-in connectivity, but rather use bluetooth to run off of other devices' cellular connections. If no compatible devices are around, they won't function as intended.