Review: Pininfarina Senso Hybrid Smart Watch – PMH01A-01

Pininfarina, renowned for its iconic car designs, has joined forces with Globics, specializing in hybrid and digital smartwatches, to introduce the Pininfarina Senso. Unlike traditional smartwatches, the Senso caters to individuals seeking the aesthetic appeal of an analog watch with the functionality of a smartwatch, including health and fitness tracking.Partnering with Globics, Pininfarina taps into the hybrid smartwatch market, offering consumers a blend of classic design and modern technology. While Withings dominates this niche, the Senso presents a compelling option with its sophisticated appearance and advanced features.

Globics, the manufacturer responsible for producing the Senso, specializes in creating hybrid and smartwatch platforms utilized by various brands, including Pininfarina. Although similarities between the Senso and Withings watches are evident, distinctive differences in hardware design distinguish them from each other. While both brands boast a 30-day battery life, 5ATM water resistance, and utilize connected GPS, the Senso’s hardware includes a unique PPG optical heart rate sensor design, featuring an additional LED beside the square sensor. Furthermore, the Senso only offers on-demand SpO2 readings, unlike several Withings models that can automatically conduct night readings. These hardware differentiations contribute to the Senso’s individual identity within the hybrid smartwatch market.

The Pininfarina Senso exudes luxury with its sleek 316L gunmetal grey PVD stainless steel case, measuring 44mm in diameter and 16mm in thickness. A brushed finish on the body, complemented by a polished fixed bezel, adds visual contrast and sophistication. The knurled crown and push buttons facilitate easy interaction with the watch’s functions.

The Senso’s textured dial seamlessly combines analog and digital elements, featuring silver baton-style hour markers and a luminous handset for easy time reading, even in low-light conditions. Adding to its functionality, the OLED sub-dial displays various functions, while a second sub-dial at 6 o’clock offers a 60-second display, enhancing both the visual appeal and utility of the watch. Complementing its premium design, the Senso is adorned with a genuine Italian leather strap in a rich brown hue, adding a touch of sophistication to its overall aesthetic. Secured with a stainless steel pin buckle clasp, the strap not only ensures a comfortable fit but also contributes to the watch’s elegant appeal.

With a water resistance rating of 50 meters, the Senso is suitable for swimming and daily wear, providing users with the flexibility to engage in various activities without worrying about damaging the device. Beneath the watch, the PPG heart rate sensor and charging contacts are strategically positioned to ensure accurate health tracking and convenient charging, enhancing the functionality and usability of the device.

Setting up the Senso is a seamless process facilitated by the companion app, which guides users through the pairing process and personalization steps. The intuitive interface of the app offers comprehensive insights into daily activity metrics, ensuring users have a clear overview of their health and fitness data. Additionally, the OLED display on the Senso provides quick access to essential information and features, enhancing the overall user experience.

Despite a slight delay in displaying the time when raising the wrist, likely implemented as a battery-saving measure, the Pininfarina Senso excels in offering a harmonious blend of style, functionality, and user-friendly design. This combination makes it an attractive choice for discerning consumers in search of a premium hybrid smartwatch experience.