TomTom · Waterproof Smartwatches & Fitness Trackers
TomTom Multi-Sport Cardio GPS Watch
Water-resistant sports watches often use water-repellent coating coatings; TomTom discloses nothing about PFAS.
Sports watches typically feature waterproof treatments that may contain PFAS. TomTom provides no public information on coating materials or PFAS content, making assessment difficult.
The safe swap
Swatch
Swatch Chrono 42 Quartz Watch
85/100 safety
Same rubric that flunked this product. The swap earned its B.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Polymer case, elastomer band, waterproof coating
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
Category baseline
other is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
This watch uses a polymer (likely polycarbonate or similar plastic) case paired with an elastomer band, both common in sports watches for impact resistance and comfort. The waterproof coating, almost certainly a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) finish, is where PFAS risk concentrates, though TomTom provides zero transparency on its chemistry. Elastomer bands are generally stable and don't leach under normal use, but the polymer case can degrade if exposed to prolonged heat or certain solvents, potentially releasing small amounts of unreacted monomers.
The brand's record and disclosure
TomTom has not published environmental or chemical safety statements for this product line, nor disclosed any PFAS avoidance efforts or certifications (e.g., bluesign, OEKO-TEX). No recalls or established safety controversies are on record for this specific watch model. The silence on water-repellent coating chemistry is typical of the sports-watch industry but represents a missed opportunity for transparency that consumers increasingly expect from health-adjacent wearables.
How it compares in its category
Sports watches in this price/feature tier almost universally use similar polymer cases and elastomer bands; TomTom's material choices are industry standard, not differentiated. Most competitors also disclose nothing about PFAS in waterproof coatings, making this watch neither better nor worse than typical alternatives. If PFAS exposure is a priority, no mainstream GPS sports watch has credibly eliminated it from water-repellent coating finishes; mechanical sports watches or models with fluorocarbon-free claims (rare) are the only practical alternatives.
If you buy it
Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, high heat (>60°C), and chlorinated pools, which can degrade the polymer case and compromise the waterproof seal. Rinse the band regularly with fresh water to prevent sweat and salt corrosion of the elastomer. If the waterproof coating flakes or the band develops cracks, replacement is safer than continued use; the watch itself is not serviceable. Assume a 3-5 year functional lifespan for the seal before water ingress becomes likely.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
PFAS in water-repellent coating waterproof coating
Sports watches typically rely on fluorinated water-repellent coating finishes to maintain water resistance; TomTom's silence and the 40/100 PFAS score indicate probable PFAS presence, though no product-specific testing is public. Dermal exposure is minimal during normal wear, but PFAS can accumulate in serum over years of continuous wrist contact.
Polymer case degradation and monomer leaching
Polycarbonate and similar plastics can hydrolyze or photodegrade over 3-5 years, particularly under UV exposure and heat. Risk is low with normal use (occasional wrist contact, brief water exposure), but extended submersion or heat stress could release trace amounts of unreacted monomers.
Waterproof seal failure over time
GPS sport watches commonly develop water ingress after 2-4 years of heavy use due to elastomer gasket fatigue and coating delamination. Internal moisture can corrode circuitry and create bacterial growth if the watch is not dried promptly after submersion. This is a functional reliability issue, not a direct chemical hazard, but creates conditions for secondary contamination.
Elastomer band degradation and bacterial colonization
Elastomer bands trap sweat and bacteria in crevices, particularly where the band meets the case. While the material itself is chemically stable, poor hygiene or prolonged moisture exposure can cause skin irritation or localized infections, especially in individuals with sensitive skin or band allergies.
Heavy metal content (trace)
No cadmium, lead, or antimony has been reported in TomTom sports watches. Polymer cases and elastomer bands are generally free of intentional heavy metals, though imported components should be assumed to meet current RoHS limits.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 45% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
Safer alternatives in Waterproof Smartwatches & Fitness Trackers
Swatch
Chrono 42 Quartz Watch
Stainless steel case, mineral/plastic crystal, standard watch components
Lower concern. Standard watch materials pose minimal PFAS risk.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Swatch
SEA WASP
Plastic/resin watch case and strap
Typical consumer watch, no known PFAS risk signal identified
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Swatch
Neon Seppia Big Bold Chrono Quartz Watch
Stainless steel case, plastic/resin band, mineral or acrylic crystal
Lower concern. Standard watch materials typically lack intentional PFAS use.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
More waterproof smartwatches & fitness trackers grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.