Chrono 42 Quartz Watch vs Scanwatch HWA09 Hybrid Smartwatch: which is safer?

Swatch Chrono 42 Quartz Watch is the clear pick. Withings Scanwatch HWA09 Hybrid Smartwatch 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

Scanwatch HWA09 Hybrid Smartwatch

PFAS grade

F 40/100

Overall grade

F 10/100

Verdict

Skip

Hazard flags

⚑ 4

Material

stainless steel, sapphire crystal, elastomer band

Confidence

45%

PossibleElastomer band degradation and additive leaching

PossibleBacterial and fungal growth on band

LikelyWaterproofing chemistry (PFAS surrogate)

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