The Google Fitbit Air has sparked a creative trend among users who want to combine health tracking with traditional timekeeping. Because the Fitbit Air is a screenless, minimalist activity tracker, some owners are physically attaching analog watches to the device’s strap. This DIY modification allows users to maintain a holistic view of their health metrics while still being able to check the time on a familiar watch face.
Why are users modifying the Fitbit Air?
The Fitbit Air is designed as a streamlined, screenless tracker that focuses on core metrics like heart rate and smartphone connectivity. While this minimalist design makes it comfortable, it lacks a display for time. According to reports from Androidworld.nl, some users find this inconvenient, leading them to bridge the gap by integrating their favorite analog watches directly onto the Fitbit Air band.
How to attach an analog watch to your tracker
Modifying the setup is a straightforward process that utilizes the existing hardware of a standard wristwatch. To begin, remove the original strap from your analog watch while keeping the spring bars (the small metal pins) attached to the watch head. Next, detach the Fitbit Air band from the tracker module. Thread the Fitbit Air band through the space between the watch case and the spring bars. Once secured, you can wear the combined unit as a single accessory on your wrist.
Who is leading this trend?
The trend has reached even the highest levels of product criticism. Dan Seifert, a product critic at Google, has experimented with this approach using a Timex Marlin and an Instrmnt Field Watch. His experience highlights that while the process is functional, the fit can vary depending on the watch model. For instance, testing with the Timex Marlin revealed a small amount of visible space between the tracker and the watch, though the overall integration remained a success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this mod affect the Fitbit Air’s heart rate tracking?
No. Because the Fitbit Air “bean” remains in direct contact with your skin, heart rate and other biometric sensors continue to function as intended.
Can I use any watch for this modification?
It works best with watches that have a lug width of 19 millimeters or less. Larger watches may be difficult to thread the Fitbit Air band through.
Do I need special tools to perform this?
You typically only need a standard spring bar tool to remove the original watch strap, provided you keep the spring bars in place to hold the Fitbit band.
Have you tried customizing your wearable tech, or do you prefer the minimalist aesthetic of the standard Fitbit Air? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, or explore our latest guides on Google Health-compatible devices to see how the ecosystem is evolving.
