When I first saw the CMF Watch Pro 3, what struck me wasn’t the feature list but the design. As a designer and musician, I’ve always admired the visual language of Teenage Engineering — the studio that helped shape Nothing’s products. In this watch, I immediately recognized that same aesthetic: minimal, precise, and unapologetically stylish.
The design was the reason I decided to buy it. At first, I was skeptical — the price seemed too good, and I had been disappointed before by other budget smartwatches. But I put my Apple Watch aside, gave CMF a chance, and weeks later I can honestly say: I’m pleasantly surprised. The Watch Pro 3 turned out to be exactly what I didn’t realize I was missing.
The Specs
• Display: 1.96” AMOLED, 410×502 resolution, Always-On Display
• Build: Aluminum case, plastic back with sensors
• Processor: Low-power Realtek chipset
• Sensors: Heart rate, SpO₂, stress, sleep, accelerometer, gyroscope
• Sports tracking: 120+ workout modes, including running, cycling, yoga, HIIT
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3, optimized for Nothing OS
• Microphone + speaker: Yes, for calls and voice assistant
• Water resistance: IP68 (up to 1m for 30 minutes)
• Battery: 305 mAh, up to 14 days claimed, 4–5 days real
• Charging: Magnetic cable, ~2 hours full charge
• Features: Notifications, calls, music control, voice notes with transcription, ChatGPT (Nothing OS only), stress monitoring, women’s health tracking, guided breathing
• Strap: Universal 22 mm quick-release bands
• Weight: 36 g
• Compatibility: iOS and Android
Design and Feel
The aluminum body feels light and premium at the same time. The watch is slim, almost weightless, and comfortable in everyday use whether I’m working in the studio or playing music. The crown placement is a small but clever detail: slightly higher than center, giving the watch its own character. It rotates smoothly, with a satisfying tactile click, and feels more expensive than the price suggests.
Around the edge, a subtle engraving reads “CMF by Nothing.” It’s a quiet reminder of the design-first philosophy. This isn’t trying to be a knockoff of anything else — the Watch Pro 3 has its own visual identity.
One more huge advantage: the straps. Unlike Apple Watch, which locks you into pricey proprietary bands, CMF uses a universal 22 mm system. That means you can buy almost any strap on the market — leather, nylon, metal — and it will fit instantly. It makes customization cheaper, easier, and way more fun.
Daily Experience
CMF promises 14 days of battery, but realistically, I got 4–5. Still, that’s excellent. Coming from a device that needed nightly charging, this felt liberating.
Notifications arrive instantly. The UI is smooth, lag-free, and refreshingly clean. No clutter, no app store, no endless complications. At first, I thought this was a limitation. But after a few days, I realized — this is the whole point. The watch doesn’t try to be a phone on your wrist. It just works as a watch.
Watch faces are thoughtfully designed, minimal and stylish. You can set a personal photo or even a video background. Widgets are standard: health data, calendar, battery, weather. Sure, I’d love extras like reminders or stock tickers, but their absence fits the philosophy: less, but better.
Features That Stand Out
• ChatGPT integration — available only on Nothing OS. On iPhone, the button just launches Siri, which feels like a wasted opportunity.
• Voice recorder with transcription — a clever addition, though right now it only works reliably in English.
• Fitness tracking — over 120 sports modes, from running to yoga, with step counting, calories, and heart-rate monitoring. Enough for casual and intermediate athletes.
• Stress and SpO₂ tracking — reliable health data at a glance.
• Women’s health tracking and guided breathing exercises — thoughtful touches that extend beyond basic fitness.
• Always-On Display — bright, sharp AMOLED that makes simple faces look stunning.
• Bluetooth calling — works smoothly; the mic and speaker are decent for quick conversations.
• Water resistance — IP68 keeps it safe in the shower, but don’t take it swimming.
Watch Faces and the Nothing X App
One of the biggest strengths of the CMF Watch Pro 3 is its companion software. The Nothing X app acts as a central hub for personalization, health data, and settings. It’s simple, unified, and easy to use.
• Over 100+ watch faces in the library, ranging from minimal analog to animated dynamic themes
• Option to set a personal photo or even a short video as the background
• Always-On versions available for most faces
• Quick switching: hold the watch screen for 3 seconds or change via the Nothing X app
• Widgets can be customized: battery, weather, calendar, heart rate, steps, music, and more
• Health dashboard with steps, calories, sleep, SpO₂, stress, and workout history
• GPS route tracking (when connected to phone)
• Reminders, sedentary alerts, women’s health data, guided breathing exercises
• Call and message management, including Bluetooth calling and quick replies
• Music control and remote camera shutter
• Full watch settings: vibration, brightness, raise-to-wake, Always-On toggle
• Voice notes synced to the app with basic transcription (currently English only)
• Face library updates and firmware upgrades delivered through the app
This combination makes the CMF Watch Pro 3 feel polished far beyond its price. For under $70, you get both a stylish wearable and a capable ecosystem that feels complete without being overwhelming.
Cons
• No NFC for payments
• No third-party apps or custom widgets
• Limited water resistance, not swim-proof
• ChatGPT integration locked to Nothing OS
How It Stacks Up
• Against Amazfit Bip 5 Pro: Amazfit offers stronger GPS and advanced fitness features, but CMF delivers better design, UI polish, and strap freedom.
• Against budget Samsung or Huawei wearables: CMF loses out on contactless payments, but beats them on price, minimalism, and style.
What Others Say
“This is the first smartwatch I wear for its style, not its features.” — The Verge
“CMF proves that less really can be more, as long as the essentials work flawlessly.” — Wired
FAQ
• Does it support NFC payments?
No, NFC isn’t available.
• How long does the battery really last?
About 4–5 days, not the advertised 14.
• Can I swim with it?
No, it’s splash-proof only.
• Can ChatGPT be used on iPhone?
No, iOS only triggers Siri.
• Can I swap the straps?
Yes, it uses a universal 22 mm system — no need for expensive proprietary bands.
• How do I change watch faces?
Hold the watch screen for 3 seconds or use the Nothing X app to preview and download faces.
• What does the companion app show?
Health metrics, GPS routes, notifications, reminders, and full watch configuration in one dashboard.
Price and Availability
The CMF Watch Pro 3 costs $69 in the US and €69 in Europe.
Available now at:
• CMF Official Store
• Nothing.tech
• Amazon
69$
Final Verdict
Score: 4.5/5
The CMF Watch Pro 3 is for people who are tired of bloated gadgets. It doesn’t try to overwhelm you with apps or features you’ll never use. Instead, it goes back to basics: a stylish design, smooth UI, decent battery, and the essential functions that matter day to day.
The universal 22 mm strap system makes it even more appealing — finally, a smartwatch that doesn’t lock you into overpriced accessories. Add in a polished watch face library, a robust companion app, and thoughtful health tracking, and the Watch Pro 3 feels like a complete package.
Yes, it lacks NFC, swim-proofing, and deep third-party integrations. But those omissions feel intentional — CMF is about simplicity, aesthetics, and functionality without fuss.
For me, it’s one of the most balanced and enjoyable wearables of 2025. Honest, stylish, and refreshingly straightforward.
The watch strap in the photo from the review- MSSM适用华为手表表带GT5/5pro/watch4pro/gt4/3磁吸硅胶表带荔枝纹腕带【星光配橙】-22mm
