Reward Watch Review: An Honest Opinion After 6 Months of Daily Wear
Why We Wrote This Review
There are hundreds of watch brands selling online in India today. Most of them promise premium quality and deliver plastic that starts peeling within weeks. When Reward entered the Indian market, we were curious but cautious. After wearing several Reward models daily for over six months, we are finally ready to share an honest, unfiltered opinion.
This is not a paid promotion or a spec sheet copy-pasted from the manufacturer. This is what we actually experienced — the good, the not-so-good, and everything in between.
First Impressions: Unboxing and Build
The first thing you notice about a Reward watch is the packaging. It arrives in a sturdy branded box with a cushion holder inside. It feels like you are opening something that costs a lot more than what you paid. The watch itself has a satisfying weight to it — not too heavy to feel like a brick on your wrist, but solid enough that it does not feel cheap.
The stainless-steel cases on most Reward models use 316L surgical-grade steel. We checked this by testing resistance to sweat and moisture over months. Not a single spot of corrosion or discolouration appeared, even on the Surat summer days where humidity crosses 80 percent.
The finishing is genuinely impressive at this price. Brushed and polished surfaces are clean with no rough edges, and the crown operates smoothly without any gritty feeling. The fold-over clasps on the bracelet models click firmly and have not loosened with daily use.
Accuracy and Movement
Every Reward watch we tested uses a Japanese quartz movement, either from Miyota or TMI (a Seiko subsidiary). After six months of tracking, the worst performer was off by about 12 seconds per month. The best was off by less than 5 seconds. For context, a typical Swiss quartz watch at ten times the price is accurate to about 10-15 seconds per month. So Reward is punching well above its weight here.
Battery life has not been an issue. All models we started testing six months ago are still running on their original batteries with no signs of slowing down. Manufacturer estimates suggest 2 to 3 years of battery life, which seems realistic based on our experience.
Dial and Crystal Quality
Reward uses mineral glass on most models and sapphire-coated mineral glass on their premium range. We deliberately wore the mineral glass models without babying them — bumping door frames, resting wrists on desks, the usual. After six months, only one model picked up a faint surface scratch that is invisible unless you catch it at a very specific angle.
The dials themselves are well executed. Sunburst finishes catch light beautifully, printed indices are crisp without any bleeding or misalignment, and the luminous material on hands and hour markers actually works in the dark, though it fades after about 30 minutes without light exposure.
Comfort and Daily Wearability
This is where Reward genuinely surprised us. Many affordable watches look decent in photos but feel terrible on the wrist. The bracelets pinch arm hair, the cases sit awkwardly, or the weight distribution is off. Reward seems to have paid attention to ergonomics.
The case thickness on most models sits between 10 mm and 12 mm, which slides easily under shirt cuffs. The bracelets have enough micro-adjustment in the clasp to dial in a comfortable fit, and the links are smooth enough that arm hair does not get caught. The leather strap models use genuine leather that softened nicely after the first two weeks.
We wore Reward watches during workouts, office hours, weekend outings, and even a few rainy bike rides. They handled everything without complaint.
Water Resistance: The Real Test
Most Reward models are rated at 30 metres of water resistance. Let us be clear: 30 metres does not mean you can dive 30 metres deep. It means the watch can handle splashes, rain, and hand-washing. We tested exactly that — washing hands, getting caught in rain, and accidentally wearing one in the shower twice. No moisture entered the case.
If you need a watch for swimming, you should look at NaviForce sport models rated at 50 metres or higher. But for everyday life, Reward's 30-metre rating holds up perfectly.
What Could Be Better
No product is perfect, and Reward is no exception. Here are the areas where we think they could improve:
Lume duration is decent but not exceptional. The luminous coating on hands and markers charges quickly in bright light but fades within 30 minutes in complete darkness. For reading time at 3 AM, you will need to press your phone flashlight against the dial for a few seconds first.
Bracelet adjustment requires a pin removal tool. Reward does include the tool in the box, which is a nice touch, but it would be even better if they offered quick-adjust clasps on their higher-end models.
No automatic movement option exists yet. Every Reward model is quartz. While quartz is more accurate and requires less maintenance, some watch enthusiasts prefer the sweeping seconds hand and mechanical charm of an automatic movement. This is a minor point for most buyers, but worth mentioning.
Is Reward Worth Buying?
After six months of real-world testing, the answer is a clear yes. At the price point of ₹1,999 to ₹4,999, Reward delivers build quality, accuracy, and design that genuinely competes with brands charging two to three times more. The watches look premium, feel comfortable, keep accurate time, and have survived daily wear without any functional issues.
If you are spending under ₹5,000 on a watch in India and want something that does not look or feel cheap, Reward should be at the top of your list. Browse the full range of Reward watches and see for yourself.
Where to Buy Original Reward Watches
The safest place to buy genuine Reward watches in India is directly from the official Reward watches collection at Reward NaviForce Store. Every watch comes with a warranty, branded packaging, and free shipping on orders above ₹1,999.