UNA Watch: the sustainable device that aims to replace your Apple Watch.
It is built in a way similar to Lego blocks.
UNA Watch has been introduced as an innovative sustainable and modular option in the smart watch market, after receiving a £300,000 investment from SFC Capital. This smartwatch, created by Lewis Allison, former CTO of the golf brand Shot Scope, aims to be a more eco-friendly alternative to popular Apple Watches and Garmins.
This device stands out as "the world's first completely modular and repairable GPS sports watch." In addition to resembling Garmin models in design, it offers an impressive list of specifications. The idea behind the UNA Watch emerged from Allison's frustration with finding devices designed to be disposable, which led him to draw inspiration from sustainability initiatives like Fairphone and Framework.
UNA Watch allows users to swap individual components such as batteries, screens, and sensors, which not only enhances the device's repairability but also paves the way for future modular upgrades, such as advanced health tracking, cellular connectivity, and improved displays.
The company plans to launch UNA Watch through Kickstarter and has registered significant interest, with more than 7,000 people expressing their intention to participate and over 1,000 deposits made.
As for its features, the watch includes dual-frequency GPS, an altimeter, an accelerometer, comprehensive health tracking, an advanced heart rate sensor, and a battery life of 10 days. It also features a 1.2-inch always-on MIP display. One of the highlights is its use of a USB-C charging port, which is rare for this type of device.
UNA has also designed a companion app that is compatible with iOS and Android, centralizing training data and integrating with fitness applications like Strava.
With a launch price of $335, with a $100 discount available for those who pre-order, the UNA Watch presents itself as an attractive option for those interested in sustainability in technology. Furthermore, it seeks to address criticisms directed at established brands that often design their devices to be difficult to repair and have a high rate of disposability.
Looking ahead, UNA Watch seems to be positioning itself as a promising competitor in the smartwatch segment, offering not only features worthy of consideration but also a commitment to durability and ease of repair.
