Polar plans to take wrist-based bio-sensing to the next level with the launch of its latest Vantage V3 sports and fitness smartwatch.

Dubbed Elixir, the suite of new technologies includes its fourth-generation optical heart rate sensor, a wrist electrocardiogram (ECG), the ability to monitor accurate blood oxygen levels and skin temperature sensing for more precise sleep quality readings.

Along with accurate heart-based readings throughout the day and, perhaps more importantly to some, when working out, the built-on ECG offers pro-level recovery insights, such as the Orthostatic Test.

This measures the heart’s electrical signals and allows the watch to make accurate suggestions on recovery status and readiness for the next workout or event. All of this health and wellness data is then projected onto a bright and slick 1.39-inch AMOLED touchscreen.

In order to compete with the likes of Garmin and Suunto, the Vantage V3 also delivers dual-frequency GPS, offline maps, and a new processor that makes swiping between menus and accessing data faster and smoother than ever.

Polar says its new Elixir suite of technology “lays the foundation for all future products” and gives arguably the most accurate performance insights of any Polar watch to date. 

“Along with algorithm refinements, the redesigned sensor structure minimises light leakage, dramatically reduces interference caused by arm movement, and improves power efficiency to provide 25 per cent more accuracy in many of the most popular sports, including running and cycling,” the company claims.

It brought in the Canadian Sport Institute to validate many of the technologies, which were apparently tested at altitude for accuracy and using International Organization for Standardization (ISO) protocols typically used during the development of medical devices.

Polar has kept the design minimalistic but stylish, with a new AMOLED touchscreen that has been expanded closer to the edges for a larger viewable area. This is shrouded in an aluminium bezel that features oversized buttons that are easily located and used with gloved hands.

For the first time in the Vantage V series, the new Polar Vantage V3 is fully compatible with standard 22mm wristbands, meaning no adapters are needed and personalising the timepiece is simple.

Can it go the distance? 

Battery life is impressive, with up to 61 hours in the training mode (GPS and wrist-based heart rate), up to 47 hours in the training mode (Dual- frequency and wrist-based heart rate), and up to 8 days in watch mode with continuous heart rate tracking. Moreover, the multiple power save options allow up to 140 hours of usage in training mode. Charging is taken care of by a standard USB-C cable. 

Offline topographic maps come preloaded onto the 32GB of internal storage for navigation in even the wildest spots, as well as turn-by-turn directions when linked to Komoot. 

There are 150 built-in sports profiles, including fitness assessment tools, like Running and Cycling Performance tests, which make it easy for users to estimate their VO2 max, power and heart rate zones.

The Polar Vantage V3 is available to pre-order now, with orders shipping later this month. It costs £519/ €599.90 and comes in three strap variants:  Night Black, Sky Blue, and Sunrise Apricot.