Repairable smartwatch moves closer to competing with the Apple Watch Ultra.

      A distinctive repairable and upgradeable smartwatch has moved closer to becoming a reality following a significant investment ahead of its crowdfunding campaign. It is named the Una Watch and is touted as the world’s first “modular GPS sports watch." The promotional images on Instagram feature it in adventurous contexts, indicating its competition with established smartwatches like the Apple Watch Ultra, Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra, and various models from Garmin and Polar.

      The modular design is particularly relevant here. In extreme sports, as well as in some less intense activities, watch components can easily sustain damage. However, almost all parts of the Una Watch seem to be readily removable and replaceable. The preview website claims that a single tool will suffice for disassembling the smartwatch, similar to HMD's repairable smartphones, and components such as the battery, screen, front panel, and possibly internal parts will be interchangeable.

      The Una Watch has garnered financial support from SFC Capital in the U.K., adding £300,000 (approximately $387,360) to other investments, including a portion of the prestigious Scottish Edge innovation awards prize for the company based in Edinburgh, Scotland. This funding arrives ahead of the Una Watch's anticipated launch on the crowdfunding platform Kickstarter, where it is expected to retail for £270, or about $350, before any early bird discounts.

      This pricing will place it below the Apple Watch Ultra and its competitors, and the projected specifications reveal why. It is expected to feature a 1.2-inch Memory-in-Pixel (MIP) LCD display with a resolution of 240 x 240 pixels, instead of a full OLED touchscreen, and will be powered by an ARM Cortex M33 processor, commonly used as a co-processor in smartwatches like the Google Pixel Watch 3. However, the sports technology included is likely to attract many to the Una Watch, which will include various sensors such as a heart rate and blood oxygen sensor, alongside dual-frequency GPS. Notably, the watch will require only a USB-C cable for recharging, a more user-friendly solution compared to the proprietary charging docks used by many other smartwatches.

      The Una Watch's modularity is what sets it apart. HMD has demonstrated that repairable smartphones remain feasible, making the disassembly of these devices quite easy. However, using modularity for hardware upgrades has faced significant challenges over the years. Furthermore, the most recognized modular smartwatch, called Blocks, failed in 2019 before it could even be delivered to its Kickstarter backers, highlighting the need for caution before supporting any Kickstarter project.

      Interest in the Una Watch appears significant, with about 7,000 individuals reportedly showing interest through the website, and around 1,000 people already making a deposit for the smartwatch. Although the exact launch date for the Kickstarter campaign remains unclear, updates can be obtained by signing up on the official page now.