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Even though many people liked the look of the original ZenWatch, the design choices on the second generation are even better.
There's the addition of a crown and the subtraction of the awkward clasp on the strap. The crown and the buckle make the ZenWatch 2 look more like a luxury, almost analog watch in terms of styling. The crown also acts as a power and reset button.
The new ZenWatch has retained the rounded square shape, stainless steel finish and the bezel. Oh yes, there's still plenty of bezel. I didn't particularly like it the first time, and it looks like it's back to haunt me again – but it's not as dire this time.
Oddly, the bezels look more pleasing to the eye with this updated device. Maybe because it's part of a smaller, 45mm watch body. I also understand the need to ensure the watch face remains a certain size to maintain battery life, reduce pixelation and so forth.
At just at 60g, the ZenWatch 2 is noticeably lighter than its predecessor's 75g. The larger ZenWatch 2 also weighs less, at 70g. It's unlikely you'd notice, but with less surface area and less watch in general, the 45mm ZenWatch 2 doesn't look or feel as chunky as its predecessor.
The same leather bands are back and, again, they're interchangeable with 18 other straps of different colors and materials, thanks to the quick release mechanism. Without the clasp on the smaller watch, the bands are a lot easier to readjust.
There are also different strap sizes for the two watch sizes: 18mm for the 45mm ZenWatch 2 body and 22mm for the 49mm watch body.
All this makes for a welcome amount of customization for an overall, better looking ZenWatch.
Comfort
The smaller ZenWatch has enough notches for my tiny wrists to fit pretty well. The band isn't quite as comfy as the Moto 360, though, as it's not Horween leather. Just regular "genuine leather" for Asus.
The body of the watch also rests flat against my wrist. But because it's only a 45mm body, opposed to the 49mm, it sits comfortably.
There's no snagging on coats or awkwardly moving around because the watch is not snug enough. Frankly, this is just short of a miracle, considering how this issue plagued nearly all the wearables I used last year.
It was probably because none of them were created to fit people with small wrists. Now that there are size variations with the ZenWatch 2, it's far less clunky and awkward feeling.
