We’re almost ready to bring 2025’s Stuff Gadget Awards winners to a close — there’s just the big one (plus a few stragglers) tomorrow. But first: Something for your wrist. A few somethings, in fact. They run between ‘semi-affordable’ and ‘cash in your trust fund’, but that’s fine. Really.
Wearable tech has morphed in recent years, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see a smart ring here at some point. Okay, it might be surprising, but at least brands are trying new form factors. The new stuff, as this batch of Gadget Awards winners shows, has a way to go before it becomes as ubiquitous as the smartwatch, fitness watch, or even just the wristwatch.
Now… watch this space tomorrow for the final update. Or just nab a copy of the most recent issue of Stuff Magazine. It’s all in there.
FITNESS WATCH OF THE YEAR
GARMIN FENIX 8 (AMOLED)
The Fenix 8 remains Garmin’s most capable adventure tool – but now elevated by some transformative upgrades. A razor-sharp AMOLED screen lifts the entire experience without sacrificing stamina, while the built-in mic and speaker unlock voice-activation and memo tools previously missing from Garmin’s multisport lineup.
The comprehensive tracking capabilities cover everything stat addicts could dream of: adaptive coaching, workout suggestions, training readiness monitoring, and round-trip routing. ClimbPro previews route elevations, offline maps handle navigation, and improved dive credentials allow exploration to 40m.
Sapphire glass and titanium reinforce the Fenix 8’s rugged credentials across all three sizes. At the same time, GPS and heart-rate accuracy remain reliable, battery life is lengthy, and smartwatch skills are genuinely top-tier – including offline Spotify, contactless payments, and Garmin Messenger. The Fenix has always been brilliant, but this generation feels even better.
R27 500 / garmin.com
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Coros Pace Pro ● Whoop MG
SHORTLISTED
Huawei Watch Fit 4 Pro ● Amazfit Active 2 ● Polar Vantage M3
SMARTWATCH OF THE YEAR
HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 PRO
The Watch GT 6 Pro claims this year’s smartwatch crown, mainly because it’s proof that world-class fitness tracking doesn’t mean sacrificing daily usability. While its design could be described as highly stylish, what truly stands out here is the stamina: this device delivers class-leading battery life of almost two weeks with normal use.
The watch provides a seamless and lag-free experience on its bright AMOLED screen – and offers reliable activity tracking with accurate GPS, making it a trustworthy partner for runs and workouts. Huawei has gone all-in on tracking improvements this year, making the Watch GT 6 Pro an essential tool for fitness fanatics of all stripes.
R7 000 / consumer.huawei.com
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Samsung Galaxy Watch8 Classic ● Apple Watch SE 3
SHORTLISTED
Apple Watch Ultra 3
ANALOGUE WATCH OF THE YEAR
TAG HEUER CHRONOGRAPH X ORACLE RED BULL RACING
Tag’s Formula 1 line has been around for some time, but this special edition branded with Red Bull Racing’s colours will throw some excellent Quartz Chronograph movement onto your wrist if you’ve got the cash ready. For those with even deeper pockets, the even more advanced Carrera Formula 1 Chronograph X Oracle Red Bull Racing will ask for almost double the cash. Come on, it’s an investment, after all. The 44mm case offers up titanium and a forged carbon bezel, an improved Opalin dial, and Calibre 16 movement over the ‘lower’-priced model. It may strike some as an extreme method of expressing your support for the Formula One team, but those folks just don’t understand, do they?
from R65 000 / tagheuer.com
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Christopher Ward C12 Loco ● Ulysse Nardin Diver AIR
SHORTLISTED
Tudor Pelagos Ultra ● Tissot PRC 100 ● Zenith GFJ ● Nomos Glashutte Club Sport Neomatik Worldtimer
