Withings · Waterproof Fitness Trackers & Cases
Withings Unisex Scanwatch Nova Brilliant Edition Watch
Smartwatch coating unaddressed; Withings provides no PFAS guidance.
Withings does not disclose PFAS in this watch. Water-resistant treatments and elastomer components may contain PFAS but lack public verification.
The better-graded swap
TomTom
TomTom Water Resistant Watch Model 8R500 - Men
85/100 safety
Same rubric that flunked this product. The swap earned Excellent.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Stainless steel case, sapphire crystal, fluoroelastomer strap with water resistance coating
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.
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
Water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
PFAS
Fluoroelastomer straps used in smartwatches are typically treated with fluorine-based water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coatings to meet water-resistance standards. Withings does not disclose the chemistry of this coating, and industry practice commonly involves PFOA or other long-chain PFAS compounds.
Source, ATSDR ↗Fluoroelastomer strap degradation and leaching
Over 2-3 years of daily use, fluoroelastomer can degrade, crack, and potentially release unreacted monomers or degradation byproducts. Withings does not publish strap lifespan data or composition details. Risk is mitigated by periodic replacement and avoidance of high heat or UV exposure.
What’s reassuring
Nickel leaching from stainless steel
316L stainless steel used in watch cases is specifically chosen for its low nickel migration. No recalls or dermatitis reports linked to Scanwatch Nova case material are on record. Risk applies only to individuals with severe nickel hypersensitivity and prolonged wet contact.
Sapphire crystal brittleness
Sapphire crystal is chemically inert and does not leach. The only hazard is mechanical, a hard impact can cause the crystal to shatter and produce sharp glass fragments. This is a physical safety risk, not a chemical one, and is inherent to all sapphire watch designs.
Battery-related hazards
The Scanwatch Nova uses a standard lithium coin cell or rechargeable battery enclosed within a sealed case. No battery contact with skin occurs under normal use. No safety incidents with the Nova battery system are on record.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
The Scanwatch Nova case is stainless steel (typically 316L), which is highly resistant to corrosion and does not leach nickel or other metals under normal skin contact. The sapphire crystal is inert laboratory glass. The fluoroelastomer strap is a synthetic rubber chosen for durability and water resistance; however, fluoroelastomers are often treated with fluorine-based water and oil repellent coatings (aqueous film-forming foams or similar compounds) to achieve 5ATM water resistance. The coating composition is not disclosed by Withings.
The brand's record and disclosure
Withings does not publicly disclose detailed material safety data sheets, PFAS content, or testing for their smartwatch components. The company markets the Nova as a health and fitness tracker with emphasis on battery life and design but has not addressed PFAS concerns that are standard in water-resistant textiles and coatings industry-wide. No product recalls or safety controversies specific to the Scanwatch line are on record.
How it compares in its category
Smartwatches typically use fluoroelastomer or silicone straps with water-resistant coatings; most major brands (Apple, Garmin, Fitbit) do not disclose PFAS content in their coatings. The Scanwatch Nova's stainless steel case is a premium choice compared to aluminum or plastic cases found on lower-cost models. Unlike textile-based fitness trackers, the strap contact area is minimal and the materials are not absorbent, reducing potential skin exposure routes versus fabric wristbands.
If you buy it
Clean the fluoroelastomer strap regularly with soap and water to remove sweat and debris; do not soak for extended periods or expose to extreme heat (above 60C/140F). If the strap develops visible cracks, discoloration, or a chemical odor, replace it promptly. The stainless steel case requires no special care. Store the watch in a dry environment and remove the strap during intense sweating or extended water immersion to minimize prolonged contact with any residual coating.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 45% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Withings has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
Better-graded alternatives in Waterproof Fitness Trackers & Cases
TomTom
Water Resistant Watch Model 8R500 - Men
On watch case and band
Polymer case and band degradation
Limited concern
Bacterial or mold growth in seals and band
Limited concern
No coating described, and no PFAS statement from the brand.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
TomTom
Tom Tom Sport Runner Wrist Watch Model 8rs00 Water Resistant Wide Band
Plastic/elastomer band
Coating degradation and peeling
Limited concern
Bacterial or mold growth in band seams
Limited concern
No coating described, and no PFAS statement from the brand.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
TomTom
Black Tomtom Water Resistant Watch Model 8rs00 With Wristband
Plastic/elastomer wristband, exact
Elastomer degradation and off-gassing
Limited concern
Bacterial growth in seals and crevices
Limited concern
Contact dermatitis from additives or microbial buildup
Limited concern
No coating described, and no PFAS statement from the brand.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
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.