New Delhi: Nothing has finally launched its latest wearable, the CMF Watch 3 Pro, in India nearly 10 months after its global debut. Positioned as the successor to the Watch Pro 2, the new smartwatch brings design refinements, improved health tracking, and additional smart features. However, with a higher price tag of Rs 7,999, the big question remains: is it worth the wait?
The timing of the launch appears strategic. With Nothing strengthening its foothold in the Indian market, including strong retail performance in Bengaluru, the Watch 3 Pro arrives at a moment when brand recognition and consumer interest are on the rise.
Design and display: Familiar yet refined
At first glance, the CMF Watch 3 Pro retains much of the design language seen in its predecessor. It features a circular dial, a rotating crown, and silicone straps. However, subtle refinements elevate its overall appeal.
The smartwatch comes in multiple variants with distinct bezel designs, catering to different style preferences. Unlike the previous generation, the bezels are now fixed, making colour choice more important for buyers. The metal case adds a premium touch, while the device weighs just over 50 grams, making it relatively comfortable for daily wear.
With a 47mm dial, the watch leans towards the larger side, which may not suit users with smaller wrists. It also carries an IP68 rating, offering protection against dust and water splashes.
The device sports a 1.43-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 466×466 pixels. While the pixel density has slightly reduced compared to the previous model, real-world usage shows no noticeable compromise in clarity. With peak brightness reaching 670 nits, the display remains easily readable even under direct sunlight.
User experience and customisation
The Watch 3 Pro offers smooth navigation, whether through the touchscreen or the rotating crown. The interface is responsive, with minimal lag or stutter during usage.
Users can choose from over 120 watch faces via the Nothing X app, ranging from minimalistic designs to more artistic layouts. There is also an option to create custom watch faces using images, videos, or AI-generated designs, adding a layer of personalisation.
Health tracking: Reliable but not flawless
Health and fitness tracking remain key highlights of the Watch 3 Pro. The smartwatch includes multiple sensors to monitor heart rate, SpO2 levels, stress, and sleep patterns.
In real-world usage, heart rate and SpO2 tracking deliver reliable results for a device in this price range. The watch supports 131 activity modes, including running, yoga, and hiking, making it suitable for a wide range of users.
Sleep tracking is detailed, offering insights into deep sleep, light sleep, and REM cycles. However, there are occasional inconsistencies, such as missing brief wake-up periods during the night.
The inclusion of a running coach feature adds value for fitness enthusiasts, helping users train towards specific goals over time.
Smart features and connectivity
The Watch 3 Pro includes several modern smartwatch features, including Bluetooth calling, quick replies for notifications, and remote camera control. It supports apps like WhatsApp for notifications and quick responses.
One notable addition is integration with ChatGPT, allowing users to access AI-powered responses directly from their wrist when connected to a smartphone.
While the calling feature works adequately, it is limited to manually dialled numbers or pre-set contacts, which may feel restrictive for some users.
Battery life: Strong performance
Battery life is one of the stronger aspects of the Watch 3 Pro. Nothing claims up to 13 days of usage on a single charge. In practical scenarios, with features like raise-to-wake and continuous health monitoring enabled, the watch delivers around 6–7 days of battery life.
This performance is competitive within its segment and ensures users do not need to charge the device frequently.
Pricing dilemma and competition
At Rs 7,999, the Watch 3 Pro sits in a challenging position. It is more expensive than budget wearables from brands like boAt and GoBoult, yet significantly cheaper than premium smartwatches such as the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 or Google Pixel Watch 3.
This “middle ground” pricing means the watch must justify its cost through performance and features rather than brand positioning alone.
Conclusion
The CMF Watch 3 Pro delivers a well-rounded experience with premium design, solid health tracking, smooth performance, and impressive battery life. While it may feel slightly overpriced compared to entry-level options, it offers a more refined experience that justifies the premium.
For users seeking a stylish smartwatch with reliable features and strong battery performance, the Watch 3 Pro proves to be a worthy contender. Its delayed arrival in India may have been “fashionably late,” but it manages to make a compelling case for itself in an increasingly crowded market.