19 Mar
Blog

Skagen Jorn Hybrid HR Review: Nearly A Winning Combination

Skagen Jorn Hybrid hr review wrist up

Jorn Hybrid Smartwatch HR

“The Skagen Jorn Hybrid HR combines watch-like looks with more tech features, including a heart rate monitor, for a better connected experience. However, it's often too complex on its own and hasn't cracked some of the basics either. "

  • The screen adjustment is excellent

  • Two sizes and different color options available

  • Two weeks of battery life with moderate use

  • Unstable connectivity

  • Often too complex for your own good

The Skagen Jorn Hybrid HR is a new generation of hybrid smartwatches. When hybrid smartwatches first hit the market, they bridged the gap between a full touchscreen smartwatch and a traditional watch. They were smaller, thinner, and designed like a normal watch rather than a technology.

Smartwatches are now more compact, more powerful and better designed than ever before. Because of the outstanding importance of the Apple Watch, they are also more easily accepted as wristwatches. So where are hybrid smartwatches? The Skagen Jorn Hybrid HR is the answer. It uses Fossil's latest hybrid platform, which emphasizes the technical side more than ever, moving closer to a full smartwatch and moving further away from a traditional watch. I've been wearing it for a few weeks now to see if the increasing technology makes it worth buying.

design

The Fossil Q Crewmaster was launched in 2016 and remains a great looking hybrid smartwatch because of the flashy colors. It shares a design with an established and popular non-intelligent Fossil watch. It has character, weight, and welcome watch-like features, including a rotating chronograph bezel and raised indexes. The technical side was secondary, but functional, and I wore it a lot.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Now, five years later, the Skagen Jorn HR is a step further than the simplicity of the Q Crewmaster, but still a step further than Skagen's Falster 3 and other touchscreen smartwatches. In the center of the dial is a screen under two mechanical hands. However, it is a monochrome e-ink screen rather than a full-color touchscreen. It shows three complications (although the layout can be adjusted), but it doesn't sit flush against the bezel, which means you know it's a screen when you look at the face. The glass over the dial is flat and leads into an angled edge, then down to a metal case.

The Danish brand is known for its simple, minimalist design. My test model is black with a black strap and a yellow flash on the otherwise dark hands and dial. The case has a size of 42 mm and a modest size. However, if it's still too big for your liking, there is a 38mm version too. I have a 6.5 inch wrist and the 38mm Skagen Jorn is way too petite while the 42mm version is just right.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

On the side of the case there are three buttons that each control the watch's navigation system. They are easy to find and squeeze, but they don't have an elevated feel for movement. It's all attached to a really nice looking textured rubber strap which is one of the design highlights of the Jorn. It's not the longest strap out there, however, and there are only five holes left when it's on my wrist. The 38mm Jorn strap is tailored for much smaller wrists.

While the screen is minimalist, it ruins the illusion that this is not a smartwatch.

I struggled to really connect with the design of the Skagen Jorn. The minimalism borders on boredom, which is not supported by the completely black color scheme, but mainly by the screen. If not viewed directly, it will catch the light and ripples can be seen on the screen, ruining the illusion that this is a "watch" and not a smartwatch. The flat glass is also a let down and adds to the fundamental nature of watch design. Double tapping the glass activates a backlight. I would have liked to have it turned on when I lift my wrist too.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

If you compare it directly to the Q Crewmaster 2016, you really see the design differences. From the curved glass to the soft-touch buttons, it feels like a far higher quality product that leans towards a watch. The Skagen Jorn's screen means it's a piece of technology and didn't grab me in the same way. If I wanted a piece of wearable technology I'd buy a full touchscreen smartwatch, not a hybrid.

Screen adjustments

Does that mean I didn't warm up at all at Skagen Jorn HR? No, as the hybrid platform has a very interesting customization feature that allows you to completely change the look and layout of the e-ink screen. This really helped make the Jorn HR my own and reduced the overly technical feel a bit. The complications can be changed or eliminated entirely as needed. Skagen offers a selection of alternative background designs in black or white. You can also choose a photo from your gallery that you want to use.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

I've used the Oppo Find X3 Pro with the Skagen Jorn, and some of its "microscope" macro shots worked very well in the background. A macro shot of some metal satisfied the watch freak in me as the monochrome screen gave it a very weathered, almost marble-like look. Removing the complications gave him a real visual boost. It's easy to customize the screen in the Skagen app.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

This personalization is obviously lacking in hybrid smartwatches without screens and is a key benefit for the new hybrid platform from Fossil. After days of experimenting to get just the right look, the watch took on a new identity when I found it. What is interesting, however, is that I preferred the simpler, cleaner, and less technical look I had chosen to a face with digital complications.

Features and activity tracking

Appreciation of the design will always be subjective, but what about the new functionality? Do you remember the Pebble Smartwatch? It's a bit like that because the e-ink screen isn't "instantaneous" like a touchscreen and there is a light tap or two before it reacts to your actions. Everything is only controlled via the three buttons on the side and is a bit too complicated for your own good.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The Skagen Jorn HR can track a small selection of general workouts and even has a heart rate monitor on the back. There is automatic exercise tracking that wasn't very reliable. So how do you choose a workout in the app? It is good that you can configure the training mode for one of the buttons, otherwise it will be a multi-button operation, made even longer by the slight pauses caused by the screen refresh rate.

This is not a smartwatch for the fitness enthusiast.

Once it starts, I like the way the hands line up and count the first minute of activity, and the screens provide information about heart rate and calories burned. Hence, it's obviously much more comprehensive than a screenless hybrid smartwatch. Except that it's nowhere near as informative as Google Fit or Apple Health.

The number of steps was slightly overestimated compared to my Apple Watch, but the heart rate sensor stayed constant. I don't find the watch comfortable enough to wear overnight, but if you do it will track sleep. The watch is waterproof to 3ATM, but not suitable for swimming. The fitness data can be synchronized with Google Fit. The Skagen Jorn is a decent training and activity partner, but not for the very keen or dedicated athlete.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Notifications arrive on the watch, you can view daily calendar appointments and control your music from the watch. Notifications can be read to some extent, and hands move out of the way to make this easier. However, there is no option for interaction. It took a while to get used to the operating system in general, especially a touchscreen system, as many buttons have to be pressed to navigate the menus. It feels a little dated, but once you get the hang of it it's almost quick enough not to be irritating.

App and battery

The Skagen Jorn requires the Skagen hybrid app to connect to your phone. Don't make the mistake of using Fossil's Hybrid Smartwatch app as it won't work. Annoyingly, it doesn't always work with the Skagen app either. I found the connection to the watch unreliable. I tried to refuse a consistent connection on multiple phones.

I also found that the range of the connection was pretty short, and if I simply moved from one room to another the watch would be disconnected. Worse, it often required manual reconnection rather than doing it automatically. These issues are likely software-related issues and an update may fix them. However, this doesn't stop them from making the owner experience frustrating.

It's a shame, because the app is attractive and very easy to use. It's easy to customize the watch face and buttons, as large, easy-to-use screen settings are activated with just a tap. Step count, sleep time, active minutes and heart rate are clearly displayed. There is a challenge mode where you can work on fitness goals with friends. I also like the ease of choosing which apps to send notifications and the speed at which changes to the watch are synced.

With minimal use, it's realistic to get two weeks of battery life – but tracking sleep hits hard.

Skagen expects the battery to last for two weeks, but that depends on how you use it. If you don't track exercise or sleep, this is nearly achievable as the watch is barely losing 10% per day. Add a workout plus sleep tracking each day and usage can drop to around 10 days or less. During my mixed usage, I charged it on the 12th day. It's a quick charger and it takes a little over an hour to fully charge. However, the proprietary magnetic disk is different from the one that comes with other Skagen smartwatches.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

While the battery life is better than a touchscreen smartwatch with Wear OS software installed or the Apple Watch, it doesn't have the six months or more seen with mild hybrid watches from Casio or Alpina. Therefore, the Skagen Jorn HR has to keep up with feature-rich touchscreen smartwatches like the Huawei Watch GT2 Pro or the Amazfit GTR 2. This is a tough question because of the better usability with a touchscreen model.

Price and availability

The Skagen Hybrid Jorn HR is priced at $ 195 regardless of the size or combination of strap and case you choose. The black model shown here is complemented by a gray version with a steel mesh strap and a steel version with a brown leather strap, while the 38 mm models in gold come with a gold mesh strap or a black leather strap. They are available directly from Skagen's online store or from other retailers, including Amazon.

Our opinion

The Skagen Jorn Hybrid HR Fits between full hybrid smartwatches like the old Q Crewmaster and full touchscreen watches like the Falster 3. It eliminates the simplicity and real watch-like look of a full hybrid, but doesn't offer the convenience or speed of a touchscreen to get the added functionality activate.

The customizable screen is a highlight, but the connectivity issues are frustrating. While the battery life is reasonable, it doesn't go beyond what you get from some touchscreen watches. Wearing the Skagen Jorn HR has sometimes made me miss the days of a simple hybrid watch, and sometimes I've wondered why I didn't put on something like the Apple Watch instead, and it's unlikely to be very satisfying to own them.

Is there a better alternative?

If you're looking to spend less than $ 200 on a new smartwatch and don't need a touchscreen, the $ 179 Amazfit GTR 2 or the $ 139 GTR 2e can do it all for less. Buying a Wear OS smartwatch costs more, with the $ 300 Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 3 being our recommendation. If you own an iPhone, we recommend spending a little more and getting the $ 279 Apple Watch SE. It works perfectly with iOS, has more features and functions, and looks great too.

If you're looking for a connected watch that looks like a watch, the Withings Steel HR or Withings ScanWatch are great options. Although functionality varies, Casio's attached G-Shock range adds some related elements to a wide variety of designs.

How long it will take?

Time is on Skagen Jorn Hybrid HR's side. The lifespan of the watch is really only limited by the app support and the internal battery and shouldn't cause any problems for at least two or three years. The design is classic and is unlikely to go out of style. The splash resistance and metal case should also be secure.

Should you buy it?

No. If you're looking for a smartwatch that is more than just a simple hybrid, buy a full touchscreen model.

Editor's recommendations




04 Jun
Blog

Skagen Falster 3 X By Kygo Review: Stealthy Scandinavian

Skagen Falster 3 x by Kygo review face

Skagen Falster 3 X By Kygo Review: Scandinavian Stealth

"The Skagen Falster 3 X by Kygo gives one of the best WearOS smartwatches you can buy an elegant, stealthy look."

  • Stealthy, cool, minimalist design

  • X By Kygo branding is subtle but effective

  • Makes and receives calls

  • Full day battery and quick charge

  • WearOS can be frustrating

Cooperation is widespread in the world of watches. Fashion brands, artists and even racing teams work together regularly to create a unique watch.

Skagen, the Danish brand best known for its minimalist watches and stylish accessories, has taken a slightly different route with its special edition Falster 3 Smartwatch in collaboration with Norwegian DJ and producer Kygo.

Kygo first immersed himself in the technology with a series of headphones and speakers. However, this collaboration with Skagen is special given the common Scandinavian background. I've been wearing the Falster 3 X By Kygo for a week and have good news to report. This is one of the best WearOS smartwatches currently available.

design

What is the difference between this watch and the normal Falster 3 smartwatch? The X Kygo model has a matte black body with a black silicone strap for an ultra-stealthy look. The only deviation from this topic is a strong white guard, who is marked with the words "X by Kygo". There is also a subtle X on the top of the strap.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Of course, you also get an exclusive Kygo X Skagen dial that, as you guessed it, is black and white. By default, the constantly on environment screen does not show the time. Instead, a large X appears on the screen. This helps me to imagine that I am a member of the X-Men, but it does not help me to see the time at a glance.

Fortunately, all normal Falster 3 dials are included. The customizable yet minimalist Digital 3 (see above) looks great, while the Danish star face gives the watch the much needed color.

That is all for the differences. Even the box it comes in is the same as any other Falster 3 o'clock. The housing is made of stainless steel, has a diameter of 42 mm and a depth of 11 mm and a 1.3 inch OLED screen. The 22 mm belt is attached to it with two narrow, tubular eyelets. There are three buttons on the side of the case. The middle one is a rotating crown, while the other two can be programmed to activate the functions of your choice.

Skagen Falster 3 X by Kygo StrapAndy Boxall / Digital Trends

Since the Falster 3 X By Kygo is almost completely black, it goes with everything and looks polite and sophisticated, but can lose a bit of identity. The regular Falster 3 is much more colorful.

The black silicone strap is comfortable and has a ribbed texture underneath so it doesn't sweat. It grabs your arm and prevents the watch from slipping around your wrist, but does not collect dust and lint. The name Skagen is stamped into the clasp, which contributes to the many details that make the watch look good.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The crown rotates to facilitate navigation in the operating system. I found it to be fairly small and fairly stiff to rotate, especially compared to the Moto 360 that I wore the week before Falster 3, but the size means that it is suitable for all fingers.

The buttons have a high-quality click and are of course minimalistic in design. By default, the top button opens a list of your saved watch faces, and the bottom button changes to Google Fit. Browse through the "Personalization" menu and you can redefine it as you wish.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

There's not much reason for someone who isn't a Kygo fan to buy this Falster 3 in a special edition over the regular model, but if you do, you won't be disappointed. The Falster 3 is one of the best looking WearOS smartwatches I've ever seen. The clandestine makeover retains everything that was great about the regular model, but adds a new option that fits your style.

Performance and software

Skagen uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 3100 system on a chip (SoC) paired with 1 GB RAM for the Falster 3 X By Kygo, making it one of the most powerful WearOS smartwatches available. WearOS from Google is installed with the integrated version 2.17. It was first released in April, which means the watch is almost up to date. It contains the "wash hands" timer.

WearOS is very malicious. It holds back many otherwise solid intelligent atches. But how do the defects affect you every day? Here's an example that drives me crazy.

Skagen Falster 3 X by KygoAndy Boxall / Digital Trends

When notifications are sent to the Falster 3, you will get a vibrating alert and the screen will wake up to show you what's new. For me, the watch doesn't usually show the latest notification, but an older notification (usually from Gmail). To see the new one, I have to manually scroll to the top of the list, which means that the usefulness of a smartwatch that is available at a glance is lost. Or it just alerts me several times as if accusing me of not dealing with them. This happens almost independently of the phone to which it is connected and on a regular basis.

Skagen Falster 3 X by Kygo with notificationsAndy Boxall / Digital Trends

Skagen doesn't install unique apps on the watch, and Google doesn't install the messaging app or maps by default. Therefore, you have to do this manually. There are a number of apps for WearOS, including Spotify, Telegram, Cardiogram, Messenger and more.

Apps differ in usefulness and performance. Google Maps is helpful, but can run slowly depending on the strength of the GPS signal. Google Assistant is available. Because the watch has a speaker, responses can be both heard and read on the screen.

Skagen Falster 3 X from Kygo Apps ListAndy Boxall / Digital Trends

A microphone is connected to the speaker, with which calls can be made and received via Bluetooth and not via an integrated 4G LTE connection. This is another example of where WearOS can get confusing. The pre-installed phone app didn't work on my watch and forced me to download the Google phone app from the Play Store, which worked without incident.

Would you like to use the telephone function? It's fine for quick calls, but you don't want to have a long conversation. Aside from the general oddity of talking to your watch, audio is choppy when one party talks about the other. It's great to see this feature on a WearOS smartwatch at all, as many models don't include it.

Health tracking

Google Fit is the standard training platform of the Falster 3. The watch has a heart rate sensor on the back and is waterproof up to 30 meters, so it can be worn while swimming. The heart rate sensor delivered measurements similar to my Apple Watch, but there are big deviations. The results often vary by up to 10 beats per minute per minute.

In other words, it may not be a replacement for a special heart rate monitor for those who take their fitness seriously.

Skagen Falster 3 X by Kygo Google Fit screenAndy Boxall / Digital Trends

Starting a workout is easy: Google Fit access is programmed in the bottom button of the watch and GPS to make it easier to track runs. Data is collected and synchronized with the Google Fit app on your phone, which has recently been redesigned. It has been improved visually, but finding historical data is more complicated.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Fit remains an easy-to-use system and works well under WearOS. However, like the heart rate sensor, it will not satisfy hardcore fitness addicts. There are numerous fitness apps available for WearOS in the Google Play Store, including Endomundo, Strava, Runtastic and Map My Run.

The Falster 3, in either its Kygo or standard form, doesn't focus on fitness, so the casualness of Google Fit is likely to appeal to most people who consider it.

battery

Skagen does not list the size of the Falster 3's battery, but claims that it lasts at least 24 hours before it needs to be charged. The Snapdragon 3100 from Qualcomm has several battery saving modes that allow even longer usage times.

In my experience, a normal day that starts at 8 a.m. and ends at midnight includes a tracked basic workout and active, active heart rate monitoring. The remaining battery life would not be enough to last for a second day, even if the watch is turned off overnight.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The small magnetic charging base is the same as all the smartwatches designed by Fossil. If the battery charged 14% at the end of a normal day, it took 55 minutes to reach 100%. It took 65 minutes from zero to 100%. The one-day battery is balanced by quick charging.

Skagen Falster 3 X by Kygo on the wristAndy Boxall / Digital Trends

The battery life of smartwatch varies greatly depending on the use. If you use the phone or use GPS, the battery will be much more loaded, although the Falster 3 should still last for most of the day.

The battery modes help here. Daily mode is standard with all functions active, while advanced mode shuts down some functions such as on-screen audio and Wi-Fi. Time only mode turns everything off except time. These are quickly activated using the WearOS pulldown quick access settings.

Price, guarantee and availability

The Kygo Skagen Falster 3 X costs $ 295 or £ 279, just like the normal Falster 3. It is available directly from Skagen's online store and comes with a two-year warranty.

Our opinion

The Skagen Falster 3 X By Kygo is effortlessly stylish and individual than the equally great Fossil Gen 5 and excellent performance. It is one of the best WearOS smartwatches you can buy today.

Is there a better alternative?

The Skagen Falster 3 X by Kygo is a great buy. If you choose a WearOS smartwatch, check out the $ 299 Fossil Gen 5, which is very similar except for the design, and the $ 299 Moto 360, which in turn offers you another design alternative. Outside of WearOS, we also recommend the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 with its superior software and fitness tracking.

If you have an iPhone, we recommend that you buy an Apple Watch Series 5 for $ 399. WearOS connects to iOS, but you lose some features, including iMessage notifications and app integration. It's better to spend a little more on the Apple Watch. Not only is the software the best portable platform, but the design and materials are excellent.

How long it will take?

The Falster 3 X By Kygo is waterproof up to 30 meters, but not particularly robust. The latest version of WearOS is running. This is a good sign of receiving future updates. Google’s new software may not always include new features, but may provide bug fixes and other improvements. It is therefore important to maintain them. No contract is required for the smartwatch to use the phone function.

When you buy the Falster 3, you just have to think about the battery life and technology. The battery life has a limited lifespan, but will likely last for a few more years. Inside is the latest technology for smartwatches. The Falster 3 is a smartwatch that you can buy safely and is expected to last for two years or more.

Should you buy one?

Yes, in any case. The Falster 3, whether it is the X By Kygo edition or not, is one of the best looking and most powerful Smartwatches with WearOS available today.

Editor's recommendations