Watch Series 9 GPS + Cellular Aluminum Case vs Water Resistant Watch Model 8R500 - Men: which is safer?
TomTom Water Resistant Watch Model 8R500 - Men is the clear pick. Apple Watch Series 9 GPS + Cellular Aluminum Case carries a failing PFAS grade, and we never recommend buying a failing product.
Apple
Watch Series 9 GPS + Cellular Aluminum Case
PFAS grade
Overall grade
Verdict
Hazard flags
Material
Confidence
PossibleUnknown PFAS in waterproofing coatings
PossibleFluoroelastomer seal degradation and microfragment release
ReportedBrand transparency and recall responsiveness
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 Unknown PFAS in waterproofing coatings, Fluoroelastomer seal degradation and microfragment release and Brand transparency and recall responsiveness 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, ion-X glass, fluoroelastomer seals, proprietary coatings 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