Update: Our Skagen Falster 3 review is now LIVE. Check that out for our full verdict.
After last giving us a smartwatch in late 2018, Skagen has pulled back the curtain on the Falster 3 at CES 2020.
The third iteration in the series, the Falster 3 has, like previous models, been produced with the help of the Fossil Group, updating the Wear OS smartwatch with the latest Gen 5 features.
The headline act of those additions is the speaker, which we've also seen arrive on Emporio Armani Smartwatch 3, Diesel On Axiel and Michael Kors Lexington 2 watches over the current launch cycle.
This allows for sound alerts, responses from Google Assistant, music playback and also the ability to answer calls when tethered to a smartphone.
It's also the first Skagen watch to feature Qualcomm's latest processor, the Snapdragon Wear 3100 chip. Primarily, this helps the smartwatch consume power more efficiently - and have the ability to switch between certain power modes.
So, again, as with other models, the Falster 3 will bring the Fossil Group's proprietary battery saving modes. There's even double the storage over the older model and a beefier 1GB of RAM, which should keep things slick.
Aside from all the tech upgrades, the look is very much the same - and that's not necessarily a bad thing. The 42mm case and speaker are swim-proof up to 30 metres, and the new silicon-mesh strap means exercising with the device is a bit easier than before, when only metal or leather bands were available.
Skagen has also collaborated with Norwegian DJ Kygo in order to produce some new watch faces, which will be available on all three color variations.
However, as we say, it's very much the same proposition to the last generation in terms of looks, and will be pretty much identical to the Wear OS experience we've grown accustomed to through other watches.
That means you'll find pre-installed apps such as Spotify, Cardiogram and Noonlight, as well as access to the rest of the Google Play Store, Google Assistant and Google Pay support, GPS and heart tracking for workouts.
The Falster 3 is available now from from skagen.com.
How we test
Conor moved to Wareable Media Group in 2017, initially covering all the latest developments in smartwatches, fitness trackers, and VR. He made a name for himself writing about trying out translation earbuds on a first date and cycling with a wearable airbag, as well as covering the industry’s latest releases.
Following a stint as Reviews Editor at Pocket-lint, Conor returned to Wareable Media Group in 2022 as Editor-at-Large. Conor has become a wearables expert, and helps people get more from their wearable tech, via Wareable's considerable how-to-based guides.
He has also contributed to British GQ, Wired, Metro, The Independent, and The Mirror.