I am not a smartwatch person. Hell, I’m not even a watch person. My style lends itself to impractical rock ’n’ roll accessories like chunky skull rings and nostalgic wallet chains rather than something that could actually benefit the quality of my life.
So when I was asked to strap on one of the latest, most advanced-tech timepieces on the market I was intrigued, especially because it ostensibly blends technical capabilities with stylish aesthetics (as opposed to others on the market that resemble an 80s film idea of what time-travel devices might look like).
So here we go. The Huawei GT 2 Pro has 24 hours to benefit my fitness, work and relaxation routines. Good luck, little guy – you’re going to need it.
7am – Morning run
On the days I go into the office, I have to take the Central Line. For those fortunate enough to not live in London, this is Satan’s preferred mode of transport. When I do choose to commute, I start my mornings with a 5k run to clear my mind and get ready for the day ahead.
Normally I run with my phone in hand so I can listen to my music and use a running app. This time, there's no need - the Huawei G2 Pro can store up to 500 songs and features multiple running modes (both indoor and outdoor), while also recording your BPM and calories burned.
It also boasts one very unique feature for developing runners. I’ve been trying to run 5k in under 22 minutes, but I never know when to speed up. This watch, however, lets you race your former self, so you can follow your previous progress and see where you need to put in more effort. TAKE THAT, PAST JAMIE.
The smartwatch even has a two-week battery life, so if you're running a cheeky ultra-marathon to kick off your Saturday morning, you can count on it to track your whole journey without fear of it losing juice halfway through.
9.30am – Office-ready
I am a vain man, so for me, a watch should be aesthetically pleasing as well as technically superior. Previous fitness watches I’ve seen have looked like something you might pull out of a Christmas cracker, but this evolved piece of kit has a strap crafted from premium leather along with a range of over 200 digital watch faces (I opted for a vintage inspired one to match my style), making it a versatile accessory that can co-exist with a multitude of outfits – casual, smart or a mix of both, as seen here with this Ryan Gosling/grandad-inspired look.
As well as blending in with my office look it also fits in with the actual routine of the day, with the watch allowing me to take calls when I'm away from my desk and can't be reached. Finally, style meets substance.
11am – Stress test
Like a lot of people, my nerves have understandably been tested during lockdown thanks to the constant influx of negative news and restrictions. Although technology can’t fix this, it can help improve your wellness routine. From providing regular reminders to take a time-out from my desk to suggesting various breathing exercises, this smartwatch monitored my stress and offered solutions to ease any tension it picked up on.
1pm – Weather check
We’re in that awkward season where it’s crisp and sunny one minute, biblical flooding the next. So having an accurate weather reading on your wrist (the built-in altitude barometer detects air pressure change, a signifier of inclement weather) was really helpful when leaving the office to head into Soho – even if it was just to grab an overpriced salad.
Not that I’d need it in central London, but the watch also features a compass, as well as other nature-focussed apps, such as sunrise and sunset times, moon phases and oxygen saturation detection (useful when climbing), which should come in handy when I finally get to return home to the Lake District for hiking.
6pm – Post-work gym session
The Huawei G2 2 Pro features over 100 exercise modes, including rowing, cycling, swimming, skiing and golf, as well as a general workout mode that tracks your heart rate and calories burned. If it makes you sweat, then it’s on here.
I’m quite clumsy, so I was worried about knocking it when returning weights, but the wear-resistant sapphire watch dial and titanium frame made it a reliable workout companion. So if you’re into CrossFit, feel free to fling yourself about without fear.
11pm – Sleep tracking
Sleeping should be a simple, natural necessity, but we live in complex, unnatural times, so our rest can sometimes be disturbed by a plethora of issues, including stress.
If you find yourself staring at the ceiling night after night waiting impatiently for slumber, the GT 2 Pro can scientifically diagnose six common types of sleep issues and suggest lifestyle tweaks to improve your rest.
With all of this activity going on, you’d think the watch would be drained by the end of the day. In fact, its battery only went down a small fraction (it has an impressive two-week lifespan). So, if you’re wanting a piece of tech that’s low maintenance and high reward, this just might be the watch you’ve been looking for. How hard you make it work is up to you.
Elevate your style and daily routines with the Watch GT 2 Pro
