TomTom · Waterproof Fitness Trackers & Cases
TomTom Water Resistant Watch Model 8R500 - Men
No coating described, and no PFAS statement from the brand.
The product information we reviewed describes on watch case and band, with no water-repellent coating named. Water resistance on products like this usually comes from the material and its seals rather than a surface treatment. The brand has published no PFAS statement for it.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
On watch case and band
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What’s concerning
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.
Polymer case and band degradation
Standard ABS and elastomer used in fitness trackers can degrade under UV, heat, and prolonged sweat exposure. Degradation itself does not release known toxins, but structural failure may occur within 2-3 years of heavy use.
Bacterial or mold growth in seals and band
Moisture trapped in the band or at seal interfaces can foster microbial growth if the device is not dried thoroughly after water exposure. This is a hygiene risk rather than a chemical one, but it can cause skin irritation in sensitive users.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Heavy metals
The display, circuit board, and battery are sealed inside the case and not intended for contact with skin or ingestion. No recalls or published testing have identified leachable lead, cadmium, or mercury from this model's internal electronics.
Source, FDA ↗Allergens in elastomer band
TomTom has not disclosed the elastomer formulation or additives in the 8R500 band. Standard silicone or rubber bands carry low risk of dermatitis, but users with latex sensitivity should test the product on a small skin area first.
Battery leakage or failure
The rechargeable battery is sealed and not user-replaceable. No specific safety incidents have been reported for this model, but any swelling, heat, or odor should trigger immediate device disposal.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
The TomTom 8R500 uses a standard polymer case and elastomer band typical of fitness trackers. No specialty coatings, ceramic layers, or metal finishes are documented for this model. Waterproofing comes from sealed housing and gaskets rather than surface treatments, which eliminates risks from coating degradation or leaching common in some sportswear.
The brand's record and disclosure
TomTom has not issued public statements about PFAS use or avoidance in wearables, nor has the company published material safety data for this specific model. The brand has no documented product recalls for chemical hazards in its fitness tracker line. Limited independent third-party testing is available for this model, so hazard assessment relies on material category norms.
How it compares in its category
This watch sits in the mid-range of sports wearables, using commodity materials similar to competitors like Garmin and Fitbit entry models. Most fitness trackers in this segment avoid specialized coatings that introduce hazard complexity. The sealed design is standard for water-resistant electronics and poses lower leaching risk than older gel-based or treated fabric bands.
If you buy it
Keep the device away from prolonged heat above 50°C (122°F) to avoid accelerated polymer degradation. Rinse the band regularly with fresh water after swimming or sweating to prevent sweat-salt buildup that can degrade elastomer elasticity over time. Replace the band if cracking, discoloration, or odor develops; original TomTom bands are available. Store in a cool, dry place when not in use.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 35% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- TomTom has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
More waterproof fitness trackers & cases grades
How we score, every product runs through the same public 0-100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.