Finally, Both worlds on one wrist: Mizuki's Story with Smartlet
For years, Mizuki faced a dilemma that many watch enthusiasts in Japan quietly share: a deep love for analog timepieces, and a genuine appreciation for the practical utility of smartwatches. Until recently, no product on the Japanese market offered a real bridge between the two.
"In Japan, there was simply no product that let you wear an analog watch and a smartwatch at the same time," she explains. "I love analog watches, but I love smartwatches too."
It is a tension that resonates far beyond Japan. The global wearables market increasingly divides watch lovers into two camps. Smartlet was built precisely to dissolve that divide.
From Sony Wena to Smartlet
Mizuki had been a loyal user of Sony's Wena, a smart wristband designed to attach to traditional watch straps. When Sony announced the end of its Wena service, she spent nearly two years searching for an alternative that would meet her expectations. That search led her to Smartlet.
"As soon as I found it, I transferred the payment and waited eagerly for it to arrive."
She is far from alone. As explored in our article on analog watches versus smartwatches, the question is no longer which camp you belong to. It is how to carry both, elegantly and without compromise.
First impressions: doubts quickly dissolved
Like many first-time users, Mizuki approached Smartlet with a degree of caution. She worried it might feel bulky on the wrist, or that daily use would cause scratches and surface damage.
"Before I started using it, I honestly thought it might get in the way, or that it might scratch. But none of that happened."
She even took an extra precaution early on, fitting an Apple Watch case over the module for added protection. It turned out to be entirely unnecessary. Despite typing at a computer every single day, the surface of her Smartlet Classic remained pristine.
"There are absolutely no scratches. It is in beautiful condition. That told me this product is very well engineered."
This durability is by design. The Classic is crafted in SS316L stainless steel, the same surgical-grade alloy used in high-end watchmaking, engineered to survive daily life without losing its finish. For those who want to go further, the Titanium version offers aerospace-grade Grade 2 titanium that is 40% lighter than steel and naturally hypoallergenic.
The joy of mixing and matching
What surprised Mizuki most was how much pleasure she found in the simple act of swapping watches while keeping the Smartlet module in place.
"Being able to use both an analog watch and a smartwatch is genuinely fun. I have several analog watches, and switching them in and out has become an enjoyable ritual. I change the watch depending on my mood, and use Smartlet to pay by credit card wherever I go."
This is precisely the freedom that Smartlet's patented dual-carrier system was designed to deliver. Any watch with a lug width between 18mm and 24mm connects via standard spring bars, with no tools required. Swapping takes three seconds. A full watch compatibility guide is available on the site to verify fit with your specific references before ordering.
Turning heads at the counter
Paying with a watch strap is not yet a common sight in Japan, and Mizuki's Smartlet regularly draws curious questions in cafes, hair salons, and shops.
"People always ask: what is that? I explain that it is a product called Smartlet, made by a French company, and that you can buy it on Qoo10. I always hope it becomes more widely available in Japan."
That curiosity is consistent with reactions reported by users around the world. As covered in our press coverage, Smartlet has attracted attention from watch media across Europe, North America, and Asia since its debut at CES 2026 and its Bronze Medal at Concours Lépine International Paris 2025. The combination of NFC payment capability, health tracking, and analog heritage in a single metal bracelet remains genuinely unexpected to most people who encounter it for the first time.
A product that has earned Its place
When asked about the current Smartlet lineup, Mizuki expressed genuine satisfaction with where the product stands today.
"The color options are good, and now there is titanium as well as stainless steel. Honestly, I am very satisfied as things are."
The collection currently comprises three distinct expressions: the Classic, crafted in SS316L steel for everyday elegance; the Shadow, for a darker, more assertive aesthetic; and the Titanium, for those who prioritize lightness and technical purity. All three share the same patented modular architecture and are compatible with the same range of analog watches and smartwatches.
Is Smartlet available in Japan?
Smartlet ships worldwide from smartlet.io. It is also available via Qoo10 in Japan, as Mizuki discovered.
What smartwatches are compatible with Smartlet?
Smartlet supports Apple Watch (all series), Samsung Galaxy Watch, Garmin, Fitbit Charge 5 and 6, Whoop, and more. See the full compatibility guide for details.
Will Smartlet scratch my smartwatch?
As Mizuki's experience confirms, daily use including computer work produces no scratches on the smartwatch. The modular connectors attach via standard spring-bar slots and require no modification to your watch.
Is Smartlet a good Sony Wena alternative?
Yes. Unlike Wena, Smartlet operates independently of any vendor servers, supports a broad range of analog watches from 18mm to 24mm lug width, and is compatible with multiple smartwatch platforms simultaneously. Read the full Sony Wena vs Smartlet comparison.
