CMF Watch Guide: Models, Features, and Which to Buy

CMF by Nothing builds budget-friendly wearables that strip away premium extras to focus on the basics. This guide compares Watch 1, Watch Pro 2, and Watch 3 Pro to help you decide which fits your wrist and wallet.

Models available: 3 (CMF Watch 1, Watch Pro 2, Watch 3 Pro) ·
Starting price (Watch 3 Pro): €99 ·
Battery life (Watch Pro 2): ~10 days ·
Sports modes supported (Pro 2): 120+ ·
Brand parent: Nothing Technology Limited

The core facts about each model are summarised below.

Is the CMF watch any good?

What users say about performance

Real-world feedback on CMF watches varies. On Reddit, some users call the device the worst tech product they’ve ever owned, citing software bugs and inconsistent step tracking. On the other hand, TechRadar (tech review site) notes that the Watch Pro 2 is one of the better cheap smartwatch options despite its limitations. The battery life of approximately 10 days is widely praised, though the Watch 3 Pro reportedly extends that to 13 days per charge according to Gagadget (specs comparison site).

What critics highlight

Reviewers consistently point out the trade-offs: you get a sturdy design and a vibrant display, but you lose features like built-in GPS and Wear OS app support. PhoneArena (smartphone news) describes the Watch Pro 2 as an anti-smartwatch smartwatch that deliberately omits distractions. The positive reviews for value are hard to ignore — at $69 for the Pro 2, few rivals offer the same feature density.

The implication: pricing and reviews show a clear trade-off between cost and polish, but for the price, most buyers get what they expect.

What does the CMF watch do?

Health monitoring features

Every CMF watch includes a heart-rate sensor and blood oxygen (SpO2) monitor. The Watch 3 Pro adds stress monitoring and an always-on display. Tech Advisor (tech buying advice) notes that the Watch 3 Pro keeps CMF’s budget-friendly positioning while making sensible upgrades like improved water resistance (5 ATM). Sleep tracking is available across all models, but accuracy has been questioned in community forums.

Sports and fitness tracking

The Watch Pro 2 supports over 120 sports modes, covering everything from running to yoga. The Watch 3 Pro adds a few more, but the core fitness experience remains similar. According to GSMArena (mobile tech news), the Watch 3 Pro delivers dependable tracking and a thoughtful software experience. None of the models include built-in GPS — they rely on connected phone GPS, which can be a dealbreaker for runners who want to leave their phone behind.

Smartphone connectivity

All CMF watches support Bluetooth calling and notification mirroring. You can answer calls, read messages, and control music playback directly from the watch. The proprietary operating system means no third-party apps, but the core communication features work reliably. TechRadar (tech review site) confirms that the Watch Pro 2 is one of the better cheap smartwatch options largely because it handles calls and notifications smoothly.

Who makes CMF watches?

CMF by Nothing brand history

CMF (which stands for Colour, Material, Finish) is a sub-brand of Nothing Technology Limited, a London-based consumer tech company founded by Carl Pei. Pei is known for co-founding OnePlus before starting Nothing in 2020. CMF’s mission is to produce affordable electronics with great design at accessible prices, as stated on the official Nothing website (official brand site).

Parent company: Nothing Technology Limited

Nothing itself launched the phone (1) in 2022 and quickly expanded into audio with the Nothing Ear lineup. CMF was introduced in 2023 as a separate brand targeting budget-conscious consumers. The watches leverage Nothing’s design language — transparent elements, minimalist interfaces — while keeping costs low. Wikipedia (online encyclopedia) confirms that CMF operates as a sub-brand with its own product line.

Which CMF watch is best?

CMF Watch 1 vs Watch Pro 2 vs Watch 3 Pro

Three models, three price points. The difference between them comes down to features you actually use. Here’s a side-by-side comparison:

3 models, one pattern: each step up adds battery life and display quality, but the core health tracking stays consistent.

Price and feature comparison

The Watch 3 Pro costs €99, while the Watch Pro 2 launched at €69 — a €30 gap that brings an always-on display, a larger battery, and stress monitoring. However, Tech Advisor (tech buying advice) points out that the Watch 3 Pro also removes a key feature found in earlier models: the rotating crown is gone, which some users miss for navigation. The Watch 1, meanwhile, is the entry-level option with basic fitness tracking and a lower-resolution LCD screen.

What this means: the Watch 3 Pro offers the most features for the extra cost, but the Pro 2 remains a strong value option.

Technical Specifications

6 key specs, one theme: CMF focuses on the essentials and skips premium frills like GPS and app stores.

The specs confirm that CMF prioritises affordability over premium components.

Is CMF a good watch brand?

Build quality and design

Nothing’s design philosophy — clean, slightly transparent, minimal — carries over to CMF watches. TechRadar (tech review site) calls the Watch 3 Pro an expensive-looking smartwatch for its class. The materials are mostly plastic, but the metal-like finishes and silicone straps give them a more premium feel than the price suggests. Some users have reported strap breakage after months of use, but overall build quality is considered good for the price.

Value for money

CMF watches compete directly with brands like Amazfit, Huawei, and Xiaomi in the budget segment. The positive reviews for affordability are consistent across major outlets: Wareable (wearable tech site) says the Watch 3 Pro offers strong value compared with mainstream smartwatch pricing. On the downside, software updates have been slow — a concern echoed by Android Faithful (community blog), which notes that the Pro 2 launched with several bugs that took months to patch.

The catch: while the hardware impresses for the price, software support lags behind competitors.

Confirmed facts

• CMF is a sub-brand of Nothing Technology – verified by Wikipedia (online encyclopedia)
• Watch Pro 2 battery life ~10 days per charge – TechRadar (tech review site)
• Watch 3 Pro price €99 – TechRadar (tech review site)
• 120+ sports modes on Pro models – PhoneArena (smartphone news)

The listed facts are backed by multiple sources, confirming CMF’s market positioning.

What’s unclear

• Long-term durability and software update policy – no official roadmap
• Exact battery life of Watch 1 – not disclosed by CMF
• User satisfaction consistency – mixed reviews on Reddit and forums
• Accuracy of heart rate and SpO2 monitoring across models – user reports vary

These open questions matter for buyers who plan to keep their watch for years.

Editor’s note

I bought the CMF Watch Pro 2 expecting a bargain and got a buggy mess. Step tracking is off by miles, and it disconnects from my phone randomly. Worst tech product I’ve ever owned.

— Reddit user, r/NOTHING (community forum)

The CMF Watch 3 Pro delivers a polished smartwatch experience with standout design, dependable tracking, and thoughtful software – all at a very competitive price.

— GSMArena (mobile tech news), November 2025

At $69, the CMF Watch Pro 2 is an anti-smartwatch that gives you just enough without overwhelming you.

— PhoneArena (smartphone news), February 2025

The pattern across these voices is clear: CMF watches hit a sweet spot for price-conscious buyers who prioritise battery life and design over ecosystem depth. But for users who demand consistent software and accurate sensors, the budget trade-off may sting.

For a detailed look at the latest model, check out this CMF Watch Pro 2 review covering its AMOLED display and battery life.

Frequently asked questions

For budget-conscious buyers, CMF watches offer a compelling package, but the lack of GPS and software promises may push some toward more established brands.