Waterproof Rugged Apple Watch Band + Case For Apple Series vs Water Resistant Watch Model 8R500 - Men: which is safer?
TomTom Water Resistant Watch Model 8R500 - Men is our pick: better on PFAS and on the overall hazard picture.
Apple
Waterproof Rugged Apple Watch Band + Case For Apple Series
PFAS grade
Overall grade
Verdict
Hazard flags
Material
Confidence
PossibleElastomer degradation and microparticle shedding
PossibleAllergic contact dermatitis from elastomer additives
PossibleMoisture trapping and bacterial/fungal growth
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 Elastomer degradation and microparticle shedding, Allergic contact dermatitis from elastomer additives, Moisture trapping and bacterial/fungal growth and Seal degradation leading to device water ingress 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 Silicone/elastomer band with fluoropolymer-based where the TomTom is On watch case and band, which is most of the difference in these two grades.
- These two are level, close enough that price and fit should decide it rather than our grade.
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