Best watch value available today, very happy with this watch

When I saw this watch for $30, I figured I really couldn't lose, since I've spent more on Casio watches in the past, only to have a broken watch band within two months that I never replaced... I bought this knowing that Pebble was bought by Fitbit, and knowing there is a possibility that it's app store might completely disappear after 2017. To be honest, I wasn't expecting too much here. It has been a very pleasant surprise that I like the watch so much, even after an initial honeymoon period of a few weeks now. I bought the watch from best_deal_today and it was shipped really fast, 2 days before the estimated shipping date. It arrived in a generic box. I already figured I was getting a refurbished model for the price. Mine looks brand new, as if it were never worn before I got it. I ordered Zagg screen protectors for the watch, and I'm happy I did. The watch battery was completely dead when it arrived. I would recommend just waiting and charging it fully before even touching the watch, which takes about 3 hours or so. I updated the watch to the latest firmware, which I highly recommend doing. This takes away the 8 app limitation, and adds the timeline view. For me the timeline view has been most useful for checking the weather, by selecting the sunrise or sunset and scrolling down to see the weather report for the day. Of course if you have events in the calendar they will be on the timeline too. I have the Pebble paired with a Samsung Galaxy S5 phone. I was able to setup and update the watch with the Pebble app without any problems. This watch really shines due to the sheer volume of apps available for the Pebble Classic. I'm surprised how many apps support the original Pebble Classic, and there are very few apps available in the Pebble app store that don't support this watch. So far the apps I use most are Music Boss, Pebble Rocker utility apps, and Skipstone. Pixel Miner has been the best game I've found so far, but is the biggest battery waster. I quickly figured out how to keep every app notification from the phone from showing up on the watch. You can disable notifications from individual apps using the Pebble app on the phone. I've been able to get at most 4 days of battery life with this watch, but that's probably because I still tinker with it constantly. I've found the best way to save battery life is to switch off the backlight. I'm experimenting using the backlight app now, so that I can have the backlight only during night hours. The Pebble classic I have doesn't seem to have any easy way to open it, so I don't believe there will be any way to change out the battery in the future. I recommend just using the simplest possible setup and use, to extend the total lifetime of the battery. Overall, I'm just happy that I don't have to charge the watch nightly. Even just charging the watch while showering and getting ready for work, will easily give enough charge for an entire day if necessary. One thing that important to me with this watch was the fact it is water proof. So far I have had no issues whatsoever getting this watch wet. It has been under running water many times, and I've yet to experience any issues whatsoever with its water proof integrity. The only reason I don't shower with it, is simply that I don't want to get soap scum buildup on it. Overall, I'm really happy to have gotten this watch at such a good price. I'm happy with the watch itself, and the apps that are available for it. I will be ecstatic if it lasts more than a year. I hope this review will give proper expectations for anyone thinking of purchasing this watch. For me, it is a no brainer at the price, despite the uncertain future of its app community.Read full review

Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned