Kids' watches compared

Analogue learning watches are ideal for children aged roughly five to eight. They have a clear dial, often with colour-coded minutes and "past/to" aids that make telling the time easier. Older children often like digital watches with a stopwatch, alarm and backlight – handy for sports clubs and the walk to school.

Kids' smartwatches with a SIM card, GPS and SOS button promise parents more peace of mind. They can make calls, share their location and receive messages. But think carefully about whether your child needs one: many schools ban such devices in lessons, and constant tracking can strain the trust between parents and children.

In 2017 the Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur) classified kids' smartwatches with a listen-in function (often called a "baby monitor" or "monitor" function) as prohibited transmitting equipment. Parents are asked to disable such watches. So when buying, make sure no feature for secretly listening in on the surroundings is advertised. Reputable manufacturers do without it or have removed it for the German market.

Data protection is worth checking too: where is location data stored, and who has access to it? Prefer providers with an app in a language you understand and a transparent privacy policy.

Kids' watches have to withstand a lot. A soft silicone or fabric strap with a hook-and-loop or buckle fastening is easy for children to put on themselves. A plastic case is lighter than metal, and a mineral or plastic crystal breaks less often. Check the water resistance: 3 bar is enough for rain and hand-washing. 5 bar copes with a brief splash in the water if the manufacturer allows it; if the watch should stay on while swimming, 10 bar is the safe choice.

For pre-school children, a colourful, light analogue watch with a clear dial is enough. Primary school children who can already tell the time are often delighted with a digital watch with a stopwatch and light. A kids' smartwatch with a SIM usually only makes sense once the child is out and about alone – talk openly with your child beforehand about when and why you check their location.