Balance 2 XT Smartwatch vs Chrono 42 Quartz Watch: which is safer?

Swatch Chrono 42 Quartz Watch is the clear pick. Amazfit Balance 2 XT Smartwatch carries a failing PFAS grade, and we never recommend buying a failing product.

Amazfit

Balance 2 XT Smartwatch

PFAS grade

F 40/100

Overall grade

F 28/100

Verdict

Skip

Hazard flags

⚑ 3

Material

Stainless steel case, glass face, plastic/elastomer band, waterproof coating

Confidence

35%

PossibleUnspecified waterproof coating chemistry (likely Teflon-family coating)

PossibleElastomer band plasticizer or degradation leaching

PossibleBacterial or mold growth under band (maintenance issue)

Why this grade

Our pick

Swatch

Chrono 42 Quartz Watch

PFAS grade

B 85/100

Overall grade

C 77/100

Verdict

Buy

Hazard flags

⚑ 2

Material

Stainless steel case, mineral/plastic crystal, standard watch components

Confidence

72%

PossibleMineral crystal breakage and laceration

PossibleBattery chemical leakage (internal only)

Why this gradeBuy

Both products run through the same public rubric: materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls, plus a beyond-PFAS hazard analysis. Grades are model-based estimates, not lab tests. How grades work →

More waterproof smartwatches & fitness trackers: see the full ranking