E 45mm Smartwatch vs Water Resistant Watch Model 8R500 - Men: which is safer?
These two grade almost identically. Pick on price and preference; neither has a PFAS edge.
Garmin Instinct
E 45mm Smartwatch
PFAS grade
Excellent 85/100
Overall grade
Excellent 77/100
Verdict
Buy
Hazard flags
⚑ 2
Material
Polymer case, elastomer band, glass screen
Confidence
45%
PossibleElastomer band degradation and allergen exposure
PossibleGlass screen breakage and sharp edges
TomTom
Water Resistant Watch Model 8R500 - Men
PFAS grade
Excellent 85/100
Overall grade
Excellent 77/100
Verdict
Buy
Hazard flags
⚑ 2
Material
On watch case and band
Confidence
35%
PossiblePolymer case and band degradation
PossibleBacterial or mold growth in seals and band
Where these two actually differ
- We flag Elastomer band degradation and allergen exposure and Glass screen breakage and sharp edges on the Garmin Instinct 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 Garmin Instinct.
- The Garmin Instinct is Polymer case, elastomer band, glass screen 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