Withings · Waterproof Smartwatches & Fitness Trackers
Withings ScanWatch 2 Hybrid Smartwatch
No PFAS disclosure available. Waterproof hybrid smartwatch, likely water-repellent coating-treated.
Withings provides no public PFAS information for this hybrid smartwatch. Water resistance in watches often involves water-repellent coating coatings that may contain PFAS, but material specifics are undisclosed.
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
Stainless steel case, sapphire crystal, elastomer bands with water resistance
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
The ScanWatch 2 case is stainless steel and sapphire crystal, both chemically stable and non-leaching under normal use. The elastomer (rubber) bands are the primary material variable: elastomers can contain plasticizers, UV stabilizers, and dyes, but Withings has not disclosed specific formulations. Water resistance to 50m is achieved via sealing and likely water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) surface treatment, which commonly relies on PFAS chemistry (as flagged in the PFAS grade). No information is publicly available on whether the bands contain phthalates, heavy metal colorants, or other processing additives.
The brand's record and disclosure
Withings (owned by Nokia) does not publish materials transparency reports or chemical disclosure statements for wearables. The company has not publicly committed to phasing PFAS or disclosed testing for restricted substances in bands or coatings. This silence on water-repellent coating treatment specifics is common in the smartwatch industry but limits consumer ability to assess waterproofing chemistry. No major product recalls related to material hazards have been documented for the ScanWatch line.
How it compares in its category
Smartwatches generally use similar stainless steel cases and elastomer bands with identical disclosure gaps. The ScanWatch 2 is not differentiated by material safety transparency compared to Apple Watch, Garmin, or Fossil hybrids. Sapphire crystal is actually a premium choice that avoids plastic lens concerns present in lower-cost models. The hybrid design (minimal electronics, mostly mechanical) reduces power consumption and thermal stress on materials versus full smartwatch competitors, slightly lowering chemical leaching risk from heat cycling.
If you buy it
Wash the bands regularly with mild soap and water to minimize skin contact with dyes and finishes; avoid prolonged heat exposure (dishwashers, saunas above 60°C) which can degrade elastomer integrity and increase leaching. Replace elastomer bands every 12-18 months if worn daily, as UV and sweat exposure degrade rubber polymers over time. The stainless steel case and sapphire crystal are durable and pose minimal hazard; focus maintenance on band condition and clasp integrity to maintain water seal. If the band develops visible cracks or discoloration, discontinue use and source replacement bands from Withings or verified third parties rather than unlabeled alternatives.
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.”
water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) treatment chemistry
Water resistance is likely achieved with fluorinated water-repellent coating, commonly PFAS-based, but Withings does not disclose the specific chemistry or whether it meets PFOA/PFOS restrictions.
Elastomer band additives (plasticizers, stabilizers, dyes)
Elastomer formulation is not disclosed. Standard rubber bands may contain phthalates or heavy metal pigments, but no testing or complaints are on record for ScanWatch 2 bands specifically.
Skin sensitization from band contact
Elastomer dyes and processing residues can trigger contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals, particularly with daily wear and sweat accumulation; risk is typical for rubber wearables but mitigated by band washing.
Coating degradation and microparticle release
Over years of wear, the water-repellent coating and band surface finish may degrade; small flakes or particulates could be inhaled or ingested, but long-term health impact data for smartwatch materials is absent.
Stainless steel nickel leaching (rare)
High-grade stainless steel (316L typical in watches) has very low nickel release under normal skin contact; nickel sensitization is a known risk for lower-grade stainless but ScanWatch 2 grade is not specified and no incidents are recorded.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 35% 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.