To Screen Protect or To Not Screen Protect?

[Brianrh]

Soon I will own my first reasonable quality smartwatch (Honor Magic Watch 2) and I am wondering if there is a need to use a screen protector? On my cheaper bands it hasn't been worth it but they do bare some signs of wear on their faces because of this. I don't know how good the glass is fitted to smartwatches, is it susceptable to scratches and chips?

Also wondering at the virtues and problems of film and tempered glass protectors on some complex curved watch glass?

Thanks.

 

[WatchSmarty]

Would make sense to get a screen protector. Honor doesn't indicate what screen protection it has so it is likely minimal. Also unlike some watches where the bezel protrudes from the watch offering some protection, this isn't the case here.

Here is a photo of the 46mm with a scratch (no screen protector). It actually scratches quite easily.

 

[WatchSmarty]

Tempered glass ones are best. The glass covers the part that is not curved. If you are careful installing, you should be able to avoid most air bubbles. This photo has some.

 

[Brianrh]

Has anyone seen or used those clip over plastic cowls that look to clip over bezel to protect it but open in the middle above the screen. They do look as though allow a screen protector to be used as well. However those cowls look as though they might make your look like a monstrosity.

 

[WatchSmarty]

I have seen ones that cover the entire watch. See the 2 examples below for the 46mm. Personally I don't think they look as good.

 

[smartwatchfanatic]

Those whole watch covers ruin the look of the watch.

 

[Brianrh]

This what I was thinking. So generally speaking to still have a nice looking watch a tempered glass screen protector will protect the glass, well the flat part of it, but the bezel may still show scratches depending upon it's finish i.e. painted, anoidised, etc.

Is the glass in smartwatches usually flat right up against the bezel or is there sometimes curvature towards the edges? Just wondering if there is a raised edge from the glass screen protector which is easily visible, if that doesn't spoil the appearance?

 

[WatchSmarty]

Bezel could get damaged but it usually is a more resistant to scratches and scrapes. More and more watches have some curvature. The Magicwatch2 is pretty flat until you get to the bezel. There will be a raised edge. It is noticeable if you know it is there but don't think it will spoil the appearance.