Connected watch eSIM : All about eSIM-compatible smartwatches

An eSIM (for embedded SIM) is a dematerialized SIM card, directly integrated into the connected watch's hardware. Unlike a physical SIM card that is manually inserted into a smartphone, the eSIM is remotely programmable by a mobile operator, via a simple profile download.

In the case of an eSIM connected watch, this technology enables the watch to connect directly to the mobile network (4G/5G), without needing to be permanently linked to a smartphone via Bluetooth.

The watch thus becomes a autonomous device, capable of operating independently on the mobile network, just like a smartphone... but in wrist format.

There are two main categories of connected watches:

An eSIM watch therefore embeds a true secondary mobile line, often attached to your main package, enabling it to stay connected wherever there's a network.

The question is not so much whether eSIM is "better", but whether it is useful for your use. An eSIM watch doesn't just bring more functionality: it changes the relationship between you, your watch and your phone.

Where a classic watch remains a "remote screen" of the smartphone, an eSIM watch becomes an autonomous access point to the digital world. And this difference only makes sense in certain contexts.

This reduces the stress of "missing out on something important", while at the same time lightening the physical load.

This opens the door to "micro", fast, contextual uses, which sometimes replace the smartphone rather than simply complementing it.

Paradoxically, being more connected can make you **less distracted**: you filter notifications, only take your phone out when necessary, and avoid falling into endless scrolling.

The watch becomes a selective **door** rather than a permanent open door.

This gain in functional autonomy comes at the price of a physical constraint: a cellular connection consumes much more power than a simple Bluetooth link.

the greater the drop in autonomy.

Choosing an eSIMconnected watch is more than just choosing a design or a feature: it's above all choosing the software ecosystem that will define your day-to-day experience.

The ecosystem influences compatibility with your smartphone, fluidity of the interface, access to applications, management of integrated services (payment, voice assistant, health) and sometimes even overall autonomy.

Examples of alternative systems:

• HarmonyOS (Huawei): often offers solid autonomy and an experience focused on health and connectivity within the Huawei ecosystem.
• RTOS or lightweight OS from certain brands (Amazfit, Garmin, etc.): these systems don't seek to compete with watchOS or Wear OS in terms of applications, but they do offer much superior autonomy and highly optimized sports/outdoor tracking.
• Specific proprietary OS (some child- or safety-oriented connected models): adapted to specific uses, with simple interfaces and targeted functions.

Not all connected watches are eSIM compatible. The presence of an "LTE" or "Cellular" version is essential to be able to activate a mobile plan directly on the watch.

Here's an overview of the main eSIMcompatible models, sorted by manufacturer.

Today, Apple is the manufacturer with the widest and most homogeneous eSIM range, provided you use an iPhone.

At Apple, only the "Cellular" versions feature an eSIM. GPS-only versions do not.

Google offers a more limited range, but one that is well integrated into the Android ecosystem.

These models are optimized to work with recent Android smartphones, notably the Pixel.

Samsung is one of the most active players in the Wear OS LTE watch segment.

With Samsung, compatibility also depends on region and operator. Some LTE models may be sold without activation, depending on the country.

Xiaomi is beginning to position itself more seriously in mobile connectivity for watches.

Oppo offers several eSIM models, mainly in Asia and some European markets.

Huawei uses its own ecosystem (HarmonyOS) and offers good eSIM integration, especially in China and Europe.

TicWatch is a more specialized player, appreciated for its robust, performance-oriented watches.

To use a connected watch with eSIM, it is essential to use a compatible mobile operator, which provides the eSIM profile enabling the watch to connect to the 4G/5G network.

In France, not all operators yet offer specific services for connected watches. The situation today is as follows.

• Orange offers a dedicated option for connected watches, generally called *option* eSIM Watch or equivalent, allowing the watch to be associated with the main mobile plan.
• SFR also offers a specific option for connected watches (often called *option* Connected Watch), which allows the watch to be used autonomously while sharing the number or data of the main package.
• Free Mobile now also offers a solution for activating an eSIM on a connected watch, either as an option or as a secondary line attached to the main package.

Today, these three operators allow you to activate an eSIM directly on a compatible smartwatch, with varying terms and conditions depending on the model of watch and the plan you have.

Theinstallation of an eSIM on a connected watchis a simple procedure, carried out almost entirely from the smartphone associated with the watch. It involves downloading an eSIM profile supplied by the operator, then installing it on the watch via the manufacturer's application.

Here are the general steps to follow:

This code contains the information needed to associate the watch with the mobile network.

Without this initial connection, the eSIM cannot be installed.

At this point, the application suggests adding a new mobile package.

This usually takes a few minutes. Once completed, the watch displays a network indicator (4G/LTE), a sign that the mobile connection is active.

• The watch must be compatible with eSIM and LTE, otherwise the option will not be offered.
• The smartphone must be connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile) during installation.
• Some activations require the smartphone to be in the same country as the watch, and the operator to be supported locally.

A watch can look great on paper, but lose 50% of its appeal if it's not perfectly integrated with your phone.

The right model is the one that excels in your dominant use, not the one that promises "a bit of everything".

The "smarter" the watch, the more energy it consumes.

• 200/300 $ → simple eSIM models, sometimes more oriented towards sport or autonomy.
• 400/600 $ → good balance of features / comfort / connectivity.
• 700 $ and more → premium models, materials, screen, advanced integration.

Don't pay for features you'll never use.