Watch Series 11 GPS 42mm Aluminum Case Sport Band vs Water Resistant Watch Model 8R500 - Men: which is safer?
TomTom Water Resistant Watch Model 8R500 - Men is the clear pick. Apple Watch Series 11 GPS 42mm Aluminum Case Sport Band carries a failing PFAS grade, and we never recommend buying a failing product.
Apple
Watch Series 11 GPS 42mm Aluminum Case Sport Band
PFAS grade
Overall grade
Verdict
Hazard flags
Material
Confidence
PossibleFluoroelastomer degradation and VOC release
ReportedBacterial or fungal growth under band
PossiblePFAS in water-resistant coating
Our pick
TomTom
Water Resistant Watch Model 8R500 - Men
PFAS grade
Overall grade
Verdict
Hazard flags
Material
Confidence
PossiblePolymer case and band degradation
PossibleBacterial or mold growth in seals and band
Where these two actually differ
- We flag Fluoroelastomer degradation and VOC release, Bacterial or fungal growth under band and PFAS in water-resistant coating on the Apple and not on the TomTom.
- We flag Polymer case and band degradation and Bacterial or mold growth in seals and band on the TomTom and not on the Apple.
- The Apple is Aluminum case, fluoroelastomer sport band with water-resistant treatment where the TomTom is On watch case and band, which is most of the difference in these two grades.
- The gap is 45 points, wide enough that this is not a close call, and the TomTom is the one to buy.
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 fitness trackers & cases: see the full ranking