We’ve reviewed a number of E Ink watches from phosphor. There have also been several blinged out Phosphor Appear watches that Judie has reviewed and, more recently, the Phosphor Appear Rose Gold Crystal Watch with Clear Nylon Bracelet. I had a chance to review the Phosphor E Ink Digital Hour Clock Watch with Black Leather Band which, while far less shiny than the ones Judie reviewed, was a bit on the formal side. But what if you want the cool E Ink technology in a watch that is less formal than the one I reviewed and far more understated than the watches Judie reviewed? That’s where the phosphor World Time Sport comes into the picture. It is black. It is simple. It has a sporty rubber band. And it is under $100.
Here’s what phosphor has to say:
The new World Time Sport with E INK display debuts a state-of-the-art buttonless touch lens operation, allowing for a sleek, ultra-modern look, and the ability to change modes with simple finger swipe across the case. The new World Time Sport offers the ability to select from 24 time zones for one display mode, while optionally displaying a second time zone simultaneously . The dual time zone display can also be configured to simply display the time of day or both the date and time in either over-sized or conventional-sized segments. These unique capabilities are packaged in a sleek, ultra-thin, curved case only 9.3mm thick. Incredibly versatile, the new World Time Sport gives you an assortment of different functions and display modes.
The watch looks a bit reminiscent of the early offerings from Swatch. And while it is made from rubber and under $100 it actually feels substantial. Elana had this to say about it:
It looks, feels and seems that it is a more expensive watch than it is. The packaging adds to it. Just the boxing alone screams that this is a high quality product. And although it looks rather low-end and sporty at first, it doesn’t feel cheap at all.
Because EVERY part of the watch’s exterior is either rubber or plastic AND it is sealed, the watch is water-resistant to 3 atmospheres. I love that you can wear it and not worry about getting it wet!!
As for functionality, the watch can display the time in either 12 or 24 hour modes. And, using the two touch-enabled buttons, you can select one of the display modes. These include:
Time of Day and World Time
Time of Day and Calendar
Time of Day Large
Time of Day Small
World Time
Because the settings rely on the buttons — you either press, swipe (they are very clear that swiping needs to be done slowly) or double tap to get into the adjustments, I didn’t find it intuitive. Yes, for once I had to refer to the user manual. Once I did however it all made sense.
It is worth noting that the band is integrated into the watch and is not replaceable. Thankfully the watch is of high enough quality that I don’t expect the band to break any time soon.
In all, if you want the cool tech functionality of a E Ink watch but you also want a watch that is light, comfortable, sporty, waterproof AND under $100 this is really worth a look. On the other hand, in this age of watches being more decorative than functional — after all, who DOESN’T have their phone and hence a clock with them at all times — you might want something a bit more colorful and attention grabbing than this review sample. Good news then that the watch is also available in bright white and orange! Check out all the colors on the company website.
MSRP: $99
What I Like: Cool E Ink display; Water resistant to 3 ATM; Available in three colors; Under $100
What Needs Improvement: Watch band is not replaceable.