Yes, Motorola makes smartwatches under the Moto Watch brand
Motorola manufactures smartwatches sold under the Moto Watch name. The company has released several models over the past few years, including the Moto Watch 100, Moto Watch 70, and earlier versions like the Moto 360. These watches run Google's Wear OS operating system, which means they work with both Android phones and iPhones, though Android integration is deeper.
Motorola's smartwatches sit in the mid-range price bracket — typically between $200 and $350 for current models. They compete directly with watches from Samsung, Garmin, and Fossil, offering similar features like heart rate monitoring, GPS, and water resistance without the premium price tag of Apple Watch or the sports-focused depth of Garmin's lineup.
The availability of Motorola smartwatches varies by region and retailer. In the United States, you can find them through Best Buy, Amazon, and Motorola's own website. Older models may be harder to locate as Motorola phases in newer versions, so checking multiple retailers is worth your time if you're looking for a specific generation.
Key Takeaways
- Motorola's current smartwatch line is called Moto Watch, with models like the Moto Watch 100 and Moto Watch 70 available now.
- All Motorola smartwatches run Wear OS, which works with Android and iPhone but offers more features on Android devices.
- Motorola smartwatches typically cost between $200 and $350, positioning them as mid-range options compared to premium brands.
- Battery life on Motorola watches ranges from one to three days depending on the model and how heavily you use features like GPS.
- You can purchase Motorola smartwatches through Best Buy, Amazon, and Motorola's website, though older models may require searching multiple retailers.
Moto Watch 100 vs. Moto Watch 70: The current lineup
The Moto Watch 100 is Motorola's flagship smartwatch. It has a 1.3-inch AMOLED display, built-in GPS, heart rate monitoring, and water resistance to 50 meters. The watch lasts about two days on a single charge with typical use. It supports voice commands through Google Assistant and can receive notifications, control music, and track workouts.
The Moto Watch 70 is the more affordable option, priced roughly $100 lower than the Watch 100. It uses an LCD display instead of AMOLED, which affects brightness and color richness but extends battery life to around three days. The Watch 70 still includes GPS, heart rate monitoring, and water resistance, making it a solid choice if you prioritize battery life over display quality.
Both watches track steps, calories, sleep, and multiple workout types. Neither has built-in cellular connectivity, so they rely on your phone's connection for calls and messages. If you need to leave your phone behind during runs, the GPS on both models will still record your route, but you won't receive notifications until you reconnect.
How Motorola smartwatches compare to other brands
Motorola's main advantage is price. A Moto Watch 100 costs roughly $100 less than a comparable Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 or Apple Watch Series 9, while offering similar core features like GPS, heart rate monitoring, and app support. If you're budget-conscious and don't need brand-specific features, Motorola delivers solid value.
Samsung Galaxy Watches integrate more deeply with Samsung phones and offer more health tracking features out of the box. Apple Watch is the only choice if you use an iPhone and want full smartwatch functionality — Motorola watches work with iPhone but lose features like calling and some notification types. Garmin watches are built for serious athletes and offer superior battery life, sometimes lasting a week or more, but cost more and have fewer everyday smartwatch features.
Motorola's weakness is software updates. The company has been slower than Samsung or Google to push Wear OS updates to its watches, which can leave your device on an older version for months. If regular updates matter to you, Samsung and Google's own Pixel Watch typically move faster.
Battery life and charging on Moto Watch models
The Moto Watch 100 lasts roughly two days with normal use — checking notifications, tracking workouts, and using the display regularly. If you turn off GPS and limit screen-on time, you might stretch it to three days. Heavy GPS use during long workouts drains the battery faster, sometimes dropping it to a single day if you're running with GPS active for hours.
The Moto Watch 70 lasts longer, typically three days with moderate use, because its LCD display consumes less power than the Watch 100's AMOLED screen. The tradeoff is that the LCD display is dimmer and less colorful, which some users find harder to read in bright sunlight.
Both watches charge via a proprietary magnetic dock that connects to a USB cable. Charging from empty to full takes about an hour. Unlike some smartwatches, Motorola doesn't offer wireless charging, so you'll need to keep the dock with you when traveling.
Wear OS and app compatibility on Motorola watches
Motorola smartwatches run Wear OS, Google's smartwatch operating system. This means you can read apps from the Google Play Store for Wear OS, including fitness trackers, weather apps, music players, and productivity tools. The selection is smaller than smartphone app stores but covers most common needs.
On Android phones, Motorola watches integrate deeply — you can reply to messages with voice or preset responses, control your phone's music, and receive all notification types. On iPhones, the watch receives notifications and can show calendar events, but you can't reply to messages or make calls directly from the watch.
Google Assistant works on Motorola watches, letting you set reminders, check weather, and control smart home devices by voice. The microphone and speaker are built in, so you can speak commands without pulling out your phone. Response times are usually quick, though complex requests may take a few seconds.
Water resistance and durability
Moto Watch 100 and Moto Watch 70 both have 5 ATM water resistance, which means they can handle splashes, brief immersion, and swimming in shallow water. You can wear them in the shower and while swimming laps in a pool. They are not rated for diving or high-pressure water activities like water skiing.
The watch cases are made of stainless steel or aluminum depending on the model, and the bands are typically silicone or leather. Silicone bands are more durable for daily wear and workouts, while leather bands look more formal but require more care. Both types are replaceable if they wear out.
Motorola doesn't publish detailed durability specs beyond water resistance, so real-world longevity depends on how you use the watch. Users report that the screens hold up well to scratches, and the bands last one to two years with regular wear before showing signs of degradation.
Where to buy Motorola smartwatches and what to expect
You can purchase Motorola smartwatches through Best Buy, Amazon, Motorola's official website, and some carrier stores. Prices are usually consistent across retailers, though Amazon occasionally runs sales. Motorola's website sometimes offers bundle deals that include extra bands or accessories.
Most retailers offer standard return windows of 14 to 30 days, so you have time to test the watch and return it if it doesn't meet your needs. Motorola provides a one-year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship, but not accidental damage or normal wear.
Older models like the Moto 360 may still be available through third-party sellers on Amazon or eBay, but prices can be higher than new models and warranty coverage is uncertain. Sticking with current models through authorized retailers gives you better protection and access to the latest software.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a Motorola smartwatch with my iPhone?
Yes, Motorola smartwatches work with iPhones, but with limitations. You'll receive notifications and calendar alerts, but you can't reply to messages, make calls, or use Siri from the watch. Android users get full functionality. If iPhone integration is important, Apple Watch is the better choice.
How long does a Moto Watch battery last?
The Moto Watch 100 lasts about two days with normal use, while the Moto Watch 70 lasts around three days. Heavy GPS use during workouts shortens battery life significantly. Both watches charge fully in roughly one hour using the included magnetic dock.
What's the difference between Moto Watch 100 and Moto Watch 70?
The Watch 100 has an AMOLED display that's brighter and more colorful, while the Watch 70 uses an LCD display and lasts longer on a charge. Both include GPS, heart rate monitoring, and water resistance. Choose the Watch 100 if display quality matters; choose the Watch 70 if battery life is your priority.
Do Motorola smartwatches get software updates?
Yes, but Motorola is slower than some competitors. Updates to Wear OS are released periodically, but they may take months to reach your watch after Google releases them. Samsung and Google's Pixel Watch typically receive updates faster.
Can I swim with a Motorola smartwatch?
Yes, both the Moto Watch 100 and Moto Watch 70 have 5 ATM water resistance, which covers swimming in pools and shallow water. They are not suitable for diving or water sports involving high pressure or submersion beyond a few meters.