Galaxy Watch3 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.

Samsung Galaxy Watch3

Samsung

Galaxy Watch3

PFAS grade

Excellent 85/100

Overall grade

Excellent 77/100

Verdict

Buy

Hazard flags

⚑ 2

Material

Stainless steel case, various polymers, possibly water-repellent

Confidence

35%

PossibleNickel leaching from stainless steel

PossibleElastomer band degradation and skin contact

TomTom Water Resistant Watch Model 8R500 - Men

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 Nickel leaching from stainless steel and Elastomer band degradation and skin contact on the Samsung 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 Samsung.
  • The Samsung is Stainless steel case, various polymers, possibly water-repellent 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 →

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