The tech world has been buzzing, and if you’ve typed “Nothing smart watch” into your search bar, you’re in the right place. While the mainline “Nothing” brand, known for its transparent and minimalist design, hasn’t released a watch under its own name, its sub-brand, CMF by Nothing, has dropped a bombshell: the CMF Watch Pro. This isn’t just another smartwatch; it’s a statement piece that aims to blend premium features with an incredibly accessible price point. As a smartwatch expert with over a decade of experience, I’ve seen countless devices come and go, but the CMF Watch Pro genuinely caught my attention. It’s time to dive deep and see if this device lives up to the hype and is the “Nothing smart watch” we’ve all been waiting for.

What Exactly is the CMF Watch Pro?
So, let’s clear up the confusion first. The CMF Watch Pro is the first smartwatch released by CMF by Nothing, a sub-brand focused on making great design and technology more accessible. Think of it as Nothing’s way of testing the waters and delivering core value without the higher price tag of its flagship products. The Watch Pro carries the minimalist design DNA of its parent company but carves its own identity with a focus on essential features and powerful performance. It’s designed for the everyday user who wants a reliable, stylish, and functional wearable without breaking the bank. For expert smart watches reviews on this site.
First Impressions: Design and Build Quality
Right out of the box, the CMF Watch Pro feels more premium than its price suggests. It features a sleek, rectangular aluminum alloy frame that feels sturdy and looks modern. The clean lines and minimalist aesthetic are pure Nothing. It’s lightweight and comfortable enough for all-day wear, from the office to the gym and even to bed for sleep tracking.
The watch comes in multiple colorways, including a striking metallic grey with a vibrant orange strap and a more understated dark grey. The silicone straps are soft and flexible, ensuring a snug but comfortable fit. The single crown button on the side adds to its simple yet functional design, allowing for easy navigation through the menus.
“When we designed the CMF Watch Pro, the goal was to distill the smartwatch experience to its essence,” says lead product designer, Marcus Holloway. “We focused on a fluid user interface, essential health tracking, and a build quality that feels reassuring. It’s about providing a thoughtful user experience every single day.”
A Display That Shines: The AMOLED Screen
One of the most impressive features of this “Nothing smart watch” is its display. The CMF Watch Pro boasts a large 1.96-inch AMOLED screen that is simply gorgeous. Here’s why it stands out:
- Vibrant Colors: The AMOLED technology delivers deep blacks and rich, punchy colors, making everything from watch faces to notifications look crisp and clear.
- Brightness: With a peak brightness of over 600 nits, the screen is easily readable even in direct sunlight. This is a feature often reserved for more expensive smartwatches.
- Smoothness: The 58Hz refresh rate provides a fluid and responsive experience when you’re swiping through apps and menus, a noticeable step up from the standard 30Hz on many budget watches.
- Always-On Display: The watch supports an always-on display, allowing you to glance at the time and key information without having to wake the screen, adding a layer of convenience to your day.
Core Features: What Can the CMF Watch Pro Do?
A smartwatch is only as good as its features, and the CMF Watch Pro packs a surprising number of them for its price bracket. It covers all the essential bases for health, fitness, and connectivity.
Comprehensive Health and Fitness Tracking
The CMF Watch Pro is a capable fitness companion, equipped with a suite of sensors to monitor your well-being around the clock.
- Heart Rate Monitoring: It offers 24/7 heart rate tracking, giving you insights into your resting heart rate and trends over time.
- Blood Oxygen Saturation (SpO2): You can measure your SpO2 levels on demand, which is a valuable metric for overall health and fitness.
- Sleep Tracking: The watch automatically tracks your sleep cycles (light, deep, REM) and provides a sleep score to help you improve your rest quality.
- Stress Monitoring: It uses heart rate variability (HRV) to estimate your stress levels and offers guided breathing exercises to help you relax.
- 110 Sports Modes: Whether you’re a runner, cyclist, swimmer, or yogi, there’s a mode for you. The watch can track a vast range of activities to provide detailed metrics for your workouts.
Built-in GPS for Accurate Tracking
One of the killer features of the CMF Watch Pro is its built-in, multi-system GPS. This means you can track your outdoor runs, walks, and bike rides with high accuracy without needing to carry your phone. It supports five satellite positioning systems (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, and Beidou), ensuring a quick and reliable signal lock. For runners and outdoor enthusiasts, this is a game-changing feature in a budget-friendly device.
Seamless Connectivity and Smart Features
The CMF Watch Pro keeps you connected to what matters most.
- Bluetooth Calling: Thanks to the built-in microphone and speaker, you can make and receive calls directly from your wrist. The AI-powered noise reduction technology ensures that your calls are crystal clear, even in noisy environments.
- Notifications: Get alerts for calls, texts, emails, and your favorite apps right on your wrist. You can read messages without pulling out your phone.
- Other Essentials: The watch also includes standard features like a timer, stopwatch, alarm, weather forecasts, find my phone, and music controls.
Battery Life: How Long Does It Last?
Battery life is a critical factor for any smartwatch, and the CMF Watch Pro delivers impressive results. CMF claims the 340mAh battery can last up to 13 days with typical usage. In my experience, with mixed usage including daily workouts with GPS, continuous heart rate monitoring, and receiving notifications, you can comfortably expect around 10 days on a single charge. If you use the always-on display, this will reduce, but it still outperforms many competitors. This longevity means you can wear it for over a week without worrying about finding a charger.
Software: The CMF Watch App
The user experience is managed through the CMF Watch app, available for both Android and iOS. The app provides a clean and intuitive interface where you can:
- View detailed health and workout data.
- Customize your watch face from a library of options.
- Adjust settings and notification preferences.
- Update the watch’s firmware.
The software is straightforward and functional, though it doesn’t have the third-party app ecosystem of something like Wear OS or watchOS. However, for a device focused on core essentials, the proprietary OS is fast, stable, and battery-efficient.
Is the Nothing Smart Watch (CMF Watch Pro) Right for You?
So, the big question remains: should you buy the CMF Watch Pro? This device hits a sweet spot in the market, making it an excellent choice for a specific type of user.
You should consider the CMF Watch Pro if:
- You are looking for your first smartwatch and want a great all-around experience without a hefty investment.
- You prioritize excellent display quality, long battery life, and a premium design.
- Built-in GPS and Bluetooth calling are important features for you.
- You appreciate a minimalist and clean user interface.
You might want to look elsewhere if:
- You need access to a third-party app store for apps like Spotify or Strava directly on your watch.
- You require advanced features like NFC for contactless payments.
- You are deeply embedded in an ecosystem like Apple or Samsung and want seamless integration with their premium features.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the CMF Watch Pro waterproof?
Yes, the CMF Watch Pro has an IP68 water and dust resistance rating. This means it’s protected from dust and can be submerged in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for 30 minutes. It’s safe for swimming and showering.
Does the CMF Watch Pro have NFC for payments?
No, the CMF Watch Pro does not include an NFC chip, so you cannot use it for contactless payments with services like Google Pay or Apple Pay.
Can I respond to messages on the CMF Watch Pro?
No, while you can receive and read notifications from messaging apps, the watch does not currently support responding with pre-set replies or a keyboard.
What phones are compatible with the CMF Watch Pro?
The CMF Watch Pro is compatible with both Android and iOS devices. You just need to download the CMF Watch app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
Does the CMF Watch Pro use Wear OS?
No, the CMF Watch Pro runs on its own proprietary real-time operating system (RTOS). This helps it achieve excellent battery life and a smooth user experience but means it does not have access to the Google Play Store for third-party apps.
Final Thoughts
The CMF Watch Pro is the “Nothing smart watch” we didn’t know we were waiting for. It successfully brings the Nothing ethos of clean design and value-packed technology to the wearable market. By focusing on the features that matter most—a stunning AMOLED display, reliable multi-system GPS, robust health tracking, and exceptional battery life—CMF has created a device that punches well above its weight. It proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a high-quality, functional, and stylish smartwatch. If you’re in the market for an affordable wearable that masters the essentials, the CMF Watch Pro should be at the very top of your list.
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