Chrono 42 Quartz Watch vs Pulse O2 Activity Tracker: which is safer?

Swatch Chrono 42 Quartz Watch is the clear pick. Withings Pulse O2 Activity Tracker carries a failing PFAS grade, and we never recommend buying a failing product.

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

Withings

Pulse O2 Activity Tracker

PFAS grade

F 40/100

Overall grade

F 28/100

Verdict

Skip

Hazard flags

⚑ 3

Material

Plastic casing, elastomer band, waterproof coating (type unspecified)

Confidence

45%

PossibleWaterproof coating composition (unspecified)

PossibleBacterial or fungal growth under band

PossibleCoating delamination and micro-particle exposure

Why this grade

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