Brite R450 Heart Rate Watch 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.
Lifetrak
Brite R450 Heart Rate Watch
PFAS grade
Overall grade
Verdict
Hazard flags
Material
Confidence
PossiblePlastic and rubber degradation from sweat and heat
PossibleBacterial growth in band seams and crevices
PossibleAllergic contact dermatitis from rubber or plasticizer residue
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 Plastic and rubber degradation from sweat and heat, Bacterial growth in band seams and crevices, Allergic contact dermatitis from rubber or plasticizer residue and Waterproof seal integrity loss over time on the Lifetrak 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 Lifetrak.
- The Lifetrak is Plastic band, rubber strap 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