Motorola has announced its first smartwatch collaboration with Polar, the Finnish fitness technology pioneer with nearly 50 years of experience in wearable sports tracking. The moto watch, powered by Polar’s science-based tracking tools, launches globally starting January 22, 2026, with prices beginning at €99 in Europe and comparable pricing in other markets. This partnership marks Motorola’s renewed push into the wellness wearables market with an affordable device that combines fitness accuracy with everyday connectivity.
What’s New
The moto watch represents the first hardware collaboration between Motorola and Polar, integrating the latter’s professional-grade fitness algorithms into a consumer smartwatch. Polar, best known for creating the world’s first wireless heart rate monitor in 1982, brings decades of sports science expertise to the device.
Motorola officially confirmed the partnership as part of its “lifestyle-tech strategy” during the CES 2026 announcement. The watch will roll out to select countries across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, Asia-Pacific, and North America in the coming weeks. In the United States, the moto watch debuts on motorola.com on January 22 in PANTONE Volcanic Ash color.
European buyers can choose a premium pack with two straps for €149, while the base model starts at €99. UK pricing begins at £89.99, with metal and silicone strap variants available for £129.99.
Polar-Powered Fitness Features
The moto watch delivers several Polar-exclusive tracking capabilities that distinguish it from basic fitness wearables:
- Smart Calories breaks down energy expenditure during workouts and shows which energy sources the body is utilizing for post-session nutrition planning
- Activity Score measures workout intensity against personalized daily Activity Goals, with step tracking, distance measurement, and Inactivity Alerts for prolonged sitting
- Nightly Recharge™ provides overnight recovery measurements showing how the body responds to stress, with detailed breakdowns of light, deep, and REM sleep stages
- Continuous heart rate monitoring tracks cardiovascular recovery from exercise and other stress factors throughout the day
- Dual-frequency GPS offers runners more reliable distance, pace, and performance data compared to single-band systems
Users can also set customized reminders for hydration, medication, and other health goals directly on the watch.
Hardware Specifications
The moto watch features a 47mm round face with an aluminum frame, stainless steel crown, and Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection. It weighs 35 grams and supports third-party 22mm watch bands alongside Motorola’s Pantone-curated silicone and metal options.
Key technical specs include:
- Up to 13 days of battery life in standard mode, or 7 days with always-on display
- IP68 water resistance with 1 ATM rating for underwater protection
- Built-in microphone and speaker system for hands-free calls
- Audio notification alerts for staying connected
- OLED display (exact resolution not yet disclosed)
The device appears to support Android phones exclusively, though official compatibility details have not been fully released.
Why This Partnership Matters
Polar has pioneered wearable fitness technology since filing its first heart rate monitoring patent in 1977. The company introduced the world’s first wireless heart rate monitor in 1982 and has maintained a reputation for accuracy in professional sports and training environments. By integrating Polar’s algorithms, Motorola gains access to recovery metrics and training insights typically found in premium fitness watches priced $400-$700.
“We are able to create a device that blends style with wellness,” said Eric Chouhmat, Executive Vice President of Global Sales at Polar. “Our performance tracking capabilities help users measure lifestyle impacts, assess physical conditions and recognize patterns.”
The moto watch positions itself against budget competitors like the Fitbit Charge 6 ($150) and COROS Pace 3 ($200), while offering features closer to mid-range devices. However, it lacks high-end capabilities such as Google Gemini integration and advanced display brightness seen in premium models.
Comparison to Competing Fitness Watches
| Feature | Moto Watch | Fitbit Charge 6 | COROS Pace 3 | Polar Vantage V3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | €99 / £89.99 | $150 | $200 | $700 |
| Battery Life | 13 days | 7 days | 24 days | 12 days |
| GPS | Dual-band | Single-band | Multi-system | Multi-system |
| Weight | 35g | 37g | 30g | 57g |
| Water Rating | IP68 + 1ATM | 5ATM | 5ATM | 10ATM |
What’s Next
Motorola will begin global rollout in late January 2026, with availability varying by region. The company has not yet disclosed plans for additional color options beyond Volcanic Ash for the US market, though European buyers will have access to multiple Pantone-curated band choices at launch.
Future software updates and expanded Polar integration features remain unannounced. Motorola has confirmed that detailed screen specifications and full Android compatibility requirements will be released closer to the February European launch.
The partnership signals Motorola’s intent to compete in the budget fitness wearable segment, though pricing and feature comparisons suggest the moto watch targets everyday wellness tracking rather than professional athletic performance.
Featured Snippet Boxes
What makes the Polar partnership different from standard smartwatch fitness tracking?
Polar has nearly 50 years of experience creating science-based fitness tools, including the world’s first wireless heart rate monitor. The moto watch uses Polar’s proprietary algorithms for recovery insights, sleep stage analysis, and training load measurements typically found in professional sports watches. This provides more detailed cardiovascular and recovery data than generic smartwatch sensors.
Can the moto watch be used for swimming?
The moto watch has IP68 water resistance and 1 ATM rating, which protects against splashes and brief water immersion. However, 1 ATM is not rated for swimming or sustained underwater use. Competing fitness watches like the Fitbit Charge 6 offer 5 ATM ratings for swim tracking.
Does the moto watch work with iPhone?
Motorola has not officially confirmed iPhone compatibility. Available information suggests the moto watch is designed for Android phones, but full compatibility details will be released before the February 2026 European launch. US buyers should check motorola.com on January 22 for confirmed device support.
How does the €99 price compare to other fitness smartwatches?
At €99 (£89.99), the moto watch costs significantly less than competing devices with Polar tracking technology. The Polar Vantage V3, which uses similar fitness algorithms, retails for $700. Budget alternatives like the COROS Pace 3 ($200) and Fitbit Charge 6 ($150) offer comparable battery life but lack Polar’s professional-grade recovery insights.
