Huawei Watch Ultimate 2 Does Something VERY UNIQUE!
When it comes to exploring the great outdoors — the highest mountains or the deep blue sea — what you need is one of these. Because this watch not only has one of the most accurate GPS systems seen on any smartwatch, it also might be the first watch that allows you to communicate using sonar. I’ll explain that in more depth a little later on.
So, what’s actually upgraded? The Ultimate Watch 2 has several improvements on top of the sonar functionality, which is good, because you won’t catch me down there. There are far too many sharks. There are also a bunch of features designed for above-ground and even very, very high ground, some of which have carried over from the previous Ultimate Watch. What I’m going to do is focus on the upgrades in comparison.
Design
The body of the Ultimate Watch 2 is made from zirconium-based liquid metal, making it 8.7 times more corrosion-resistant than its predecessor. It also features a new ultra-hard coating that makes it 300% more wear-resistant than Gen 1. The glass is pure sapphire crystal, with a Mohs hardness rating of 9, just one below diamond. The bezel and rear of the watch are made from a durable nanocrystalline ceramic material, which is both skin-friendly and highly corrosion-resistant. It feels super soft against the skin.
The Ultimate Watch 2 is available in two distinct styles — the Classic Compass Black and the Ocean Blue model, which has been designed and inspired by the sea. Perfect for when you go diving — you’ll fit right in. The Ocean Blue version also includes both a fluoroelastomer strap and a titanium strap, and features blue and metallic tones instead of the black and red accents found on the Compass Black. Both models come with an elongated strap, designed to fit comfortably around a wetsuit for scuba diving.
Display
Now let’s talk about display upgrades — because there are some significant ones. The display on the Ultimate Watch 2 supports up to 3,000 nits of peak brightness, which is much higher than the original Ultimate Watch. It also features AMOLED LTPO 2.0 technology, meaning it’s super efficient and can slow down the refresh rate in always-on mode. This matters for several reasons. If it’s a bright, sunny day and you’re running, you need to check your stats without struggling to see the screen. A brighter display prevents distractions — and twisted ankles.
The bezels have been reduced by 18%, while the screen-to-body ratio has increased by 4%. Because this is an Ultimate Watch, it comes with exclusive themes, like the fire-themed face shown here, and a blue ocean version for the other model. These themes extend throughout the apps and interface. The black and red styling appears across the design — on the bezel, along the edge of the case, and under the rotating crown, which is clickable and lets you navigate the UI.
When it comes to watch face options, there are plenty. You can access them through the store (with both free and paid options) or choose from the pre-installed ones — everything from multifunctional and fitness-focused to classic minimalist designs. The Blue Core face is designed for the Ocean Blue version, and you can also add photos or short videos from your gallery as custom watch faces. Some of these faces were designed at the Milan Design Centre, where the team’s goal was to blend high-end fashion with cutting-edge technology. One example is the “Ink Dance” face — elegant and artistic. You can switch watch faces easily by swiping down and using the crown or touchscreen to browse.
Under the Sea
Now, let’s talk about diving and water resistance. The Ultimate Watch 2 has achieved the title of professional-grade diving tech, capable of surviving up to 150 meters underwater. It meets both ISO 6425 and EN 13319 diving certifications and holds an official 20 ATM water-resistance rating. At 30 meters or more, the internal technology mechanically seals the structure of the watch. It can then measure both internal and external pressure — a world first. In fact, this is the industry’s first smartwatch with audio and 100-meter dive capabilities. Now for the most unique feature — and maybe the most unique feature on any smartwatch — the ability to communicate underwater using sonar.
Traditionally, scuba divers rely on hand gestures for communication. But this technology introduces underwater comms powered by sound waves, or sonar. The effective distance for communication is up to 30 meters, and the watch can send SOS signals up to 60 meters. There’s a catch — underwater communication only works between Ultimate Watch 2 devices. But if you dive with friends or in a dive school, everyone wearing this watch can communicate under the sea. You can even set up custom quick messages and modes. One Ultimate Watch 2 can communicate with up to 50 additional watches underwater. My only concern? I might accidentally summon a big fish.
Above Ground
The watch features the Sunflower GPS system, one of the most advanced GPS setups available. Unlike many other smartwatches that only pick up signals when facing the sky, this one can maintain a GPS lock even when turned sideways. Accuracy has improved too — from a 10-meter radius on the previous model to 8 meters now. It supports five satellite positioning systems, more than most competitors.
For golfers, the watch can download over 1,600 golf courses worldwide via the app, complete with contour maps, distance, and elevation data — all visible on your wrist. It’s almost like cheating. It also includes driving range features that help improve your swing — a nice touch for golf enthusiasts.
X-Tap Technology and Health Features
Another standout feature is the new X-Tap Technology. This multi-sensing module houses three sensors — ECG, PPG, and blood pressure — located between the two buttons on the right side of the watch. Most smartwatches measure vitals through the wrist, which can reduce accuracy due to bones and ligaments. Measuring from the tip of the finger gives a far more precise reading. To use it, simply place your finger on the sensor — no app activation required. The X-Tap feature integrates with Huawei Health Glass, showing up to 11 vital stats, including heart rate, SpO₂, body temperature, and ECG.
This technology also powers the upgraded high-altitude monitoring feature, helping users identify risks of altitude sickness up to 4,500 meters, and even suggests breathing exercises to help you recover. The watch also includes fall detection, automatically alerting friends, family, or emergency services if needed. You can set it to contact personal contacts first before escalating to emergency responders. With eSIM support, you can make phone calls directly from the watch. The AI noise-cancellation algorithms for calls have also been improved. Finally, the battery life is exceptional. With regular use, it lasts up to 4.5 days on a single charge; with light use, up to 11 days — which is impressive for a watch packed with this much tech.
Final Thoughts
The Ultimate Watch 2 pushes smartwatch technology to new depths — literally. From underwater sonar communication to high-altitude health tracking and incredible GPS accuracy, this is more than just a smartwatch — it’s a companion for explorers. Whether you’re diving into the deep sea, climbing mountains, or perfecting your golf swing, the Ultimate Watch 2 is built to handle it all.
