Let’s be real for a second. The first Nothing watch was kind of a mess. It looked cool, sure, but the software felt like a science project that wasn't quite finished. Then the Pro 2 showed up with that weird interchangeable bezel gimmick, which was fun but ultimately felt like a distraction from the fact that it still couldn't really track a workout without losing its mind.
But things changed.
The Nothing CMF Watch Pro 3—which technically launched as the CMF Watch 3 Pro depending on which region’s box you’re looking at—is a different animal. It’s the first time Carl Pei’s budget sub-brand actually feels like it’s trying to compete with the big dogs instead of just making "affordable" stuff that looks pretty on Instagram.
Honestly, I was skeptical. When the leaks started hitting Reddit and Weibo in late 2025, showing a bigger 1.43-inch screen and a price hike to $99, I figured it was just more of the same. I was wrong. It’s basically the "redemption arc" of budget wearables.
What Actually Changed with the Nothing CMF Watch Pro 3?
If you’re still rocking the Pro 2, the first thing you’ll notice is the size. It’s bigger. Not "dinner plate on your wrist" big, but the 1.43-inch AMOLED is a noticeable jump from the 1.32-inch on the previous model.
It’s brighter too. Much brighter.
We’re talking a peak brightness that hits around 670 nits. Now, if you’re a spec nerd, you know that isn’t exactly Apple Watch Ultra territory, but compared to the old one that used to wash out if a single ray of sun hit it? It’s a massive upgrade. You can actually see your heart rate while you’re mid-run in July.
Speaking of heart rates, they finally fixed the sensors. The Nothing CMF Watch Pro 3 moved to a 4-channel optical setup. In my testing, comparing it to a chest strap, the margin of error dropped significantly. It’s about 7% more accurate during heavy exercise than the Pro 2. That’s the difference between knowing you’re in Zone 4 and just guessing.
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The Death of the Bezel (And Why It’s Okay)
One thing that might bum people out: the swappable bezels are gone.
I know, I know. People liked clicking those plastic rings on and off. But CMF traded that modularity for a much more premium-feeling metal body and an IP68 rating that actually feels sturdy. The build quality here doesn't scream "this cost less than a pair of shoes." It feels solid. Dense.
Battery Life: The 13-Day Myth?
Nothing claims 13 days of battery life for the Nothing CMF Watch Pro 3.
Is that true? Sorta.
If you turn off the Always-On Display (AOD), don’t use the GPS, and barely look at it, sure, you’ll hit two weeks. But who lives like that? In the real world—with AOD on, heart rate tracking every 10 minutes, and maybe three tracked workouts a week—you’re looking at about 4 to 5 days.
Still, that destroys the Apple Watch.
The ChatGPT Factor: Gimmick or Gamechanger?
This is where things get weird. The Nothing CMF Watch Pro 3 leans hard into AI. It has a built-in voice recorder that doesn't just record—it transcribes. And it connects to ChatGPT.
Here’s the catch: it only really works if you’re using a Nothing phone.
If you’re on an iPhone or a Pixel, you’re basically just getting a standard voice assistant that triggers your phone's default. But if you’re in the Nothing ecosystem? You can ask the watch to summarize your fitness data or give you a workout plan, and it actually spits back something useful via the Nothing X app.
It’s not quite Jarvis on your wrist, but for a $99 watch, it’s a flex.
Why the Nothing X App Migration Matters
For the longest time, CMF users were stuck on a separate, slightly buggy app. As of early 2026, that’s over. The Nothing CMF Watch Pro 3 runs natively through the Nothing X app.
This is huge. It means one less app on your phone and a much more stable Bluetooth 5.3 connection. If you’re coming from the older Watch Pro or Pro 2, you’ve got until July 2026 to migrate your data over before the old CMF Watch app goes dark.
- Display: 1.43-inch AMOLED, 60fps refresh rate.
- GPS: Dual-band five-system (this is the big one for runners).
- Sports Modes: 131, including seven that it detects automatically.
- Microphone: Surprisingly clear for Bluetooth calls. AI noise reduction actually works.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Watch
There's a misconception that this is a "smartwatch" in the way a Galaxy Watch is. It isn't. You can't download apps. There is no NFC for payments (sorry, no tap-to-pay). There is no Spotify app to store music offline.
It’s a high-end fitness tracker in a smartwatch's clothing.
If you go in expecting to leave your phone at home and still pay for coffee or reply to complex emails, you’re going to be disappointed. But if you want a device that looks like a $400 watch, tracks your sleep with surprising accuracy, and tells you the news through the "Essential News" feed, then it’s a steal.
The Swimming Question
Can you swim with it? Nothing says it’s IP68.
But—and this is a big but—the fine print says "don't wear it in swimming pools."
It’s fine for a rainstorm or a sweaty HIIT session, but don't go diving with it. The seal integrity is better than the Pro 2, but it’s still not a dedicated diver’s tool. If you’re a regular lap swimmer, you might want to look at a Garmin instead.
Actionable Insights for New Owners
If you just picked up a Nothing CMF Watch Pro 3, do these three things immediately to make it suck less:
- Lower the Brightness: The auto-brightness is "okay," but the sensor can be jumpy. Set it to 60% manually; it’s plenty for most indoor/outdoor use and will save you two days of battery.
- Calibrate the GPS: Go outside for a 10-minute walk with a clear view of the sky the first time you use it. The dual-band GPS is great, but it needs a "clean" first lock to stay accurate.
- Check the Nothing X App: Ensure your firmware is updated to version 2.1.0 or higher. The early versions had a bug where the "3D stretching guides" would freeze the UI.
The Nothing CMF Watch Pro 3 isn't perfect, but at $99, it finally feels like Nothing has stopped experimenting and started delivering. It’s the first budget watch they’ve made that I would actually recommend to someone who isn't a "Nothing fanboy." It just works.