Samsung has launched the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, a smartwatch that combines style with functionality. Its unique "cushion" design, often referred to as a "squircle," is a blend of circular and square shapes, making it visually distinct. After three weeks of daily use, the focus shifted from its appearance to its performance, particularly in health tracking and usability for professionals.

At a recent dinner party, reactions to the watch varied. While some admired its look, others found it bulky. One mechanical watch collector was particularly intrigued by the rotating bezel, which adds a tactile element to navigation. Weighing 63.5 grams, the watch feels substantial, appealing to traditional watch enthusiasts, though it may feel heavy for those used to lighter fitness trackers.

The black stainless steel version enhances its premium feel, although a plastic accent strip on the side detracts from its luxury appeal. Despite this, the build quality is impressive, with the sapphire crystal display remaining scratch-free after extensive use, including swimming and workouts.

The rotating bezel, a much-anticipated feature, offers a satisfying mechanical feel. However, its novelty may wear off as users may find touchscreen navigation faster for most tasks. The watch also introduces a new Dynamic Lug system for bands, which is incompatible with previous Galaxy Watch bands, requiring users to purchase new ones.

Running on WearOS 6, the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic boasts an improved interface that groups notifications by app, making it easier to manage messages and alerts. The performance is powered by Samsung's 3nm Exynos W1000 processor, ensuring quick app launches and smooth navigation. Voice assistance has also improved with the new Google Gemini, allowing users to control various functions hands-free.

However, to access all features, users need three separate Samsung apps, which can be cumbersome, especially for those using non-Samsung devices. This fragmentation limits access to key health features like ECG readings and blood pressure monitoring.

In terms of health tracking, the watch performs well, with step counts and sleep tracking aligning closely with dedicated fitness devices. Automatic activity detection is effective, recognizing various workouts with minimal errors. The dual-band GPS provides accurate tracking even in urban settings, overcoming issues faced by previous models.

While the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic offers a range of innovative features, some experimental health metrics lack clear explanations, leaving users to decipher their meanings independently. Overall, the watch presents a compelling option for those seeking a blend of style and functionality in a smartwatch.