The Huawei Kids X1 and Kids X1 Pro, from OMR 84.900. A children's watch is a way to reach your child and know where they are without handing them a smartphone and everything that comes with one.

These take their own SIM line, so budget for a small data and voice plan from your operator alongside the watch.

What a kids' watch is for

The purpose is narrow and that is the point: your child can call you, you can call them, and you can see where the watch is. There is no browser, no social media and no app store.

For a primary-school child that is usually the right amount of technology. It answers the question a parent actually has - where are they and can I reach them - without introducing the questions a smartphone brings with it.

The X1 Pro sits above the standard X1 on specification; compare the two product pages for what Huawei publishes on each.

It needs its own SIM

A kids' watch calls and reports its location over a mobile network, so it needs a line of its own from Omantel, Ooredoo and Vodafone Oman. A basic prepaid plan with a small data allowance is enough - it is not streaming anything.

Ask your operator about the SIM format the watch takes before you go and buy one. Tell us which model you are buying and we will tell you what the watch requires.

Setting expectations with your child

Two things are worth agreeing before the watch goes on the wrist. First, that location sharing is on and why - a child who discovers it later feels differently about it than a child who was told. Second, when the watch stays on and when it comes off, because school policies on wearables vary.

Battery life on a kids' watch is shorter than on an adult fitness watch because the mobile radio and GPS are working. Build charging into the evening routine.

Water, drops and school life

Children's watches are built to be dropped, and water resistance ratings vary by model - check the product page for the specific figure, and note that a rating for splashes is not a rating for swimming.

Damage from drops and water is not covered under any manufacturer's warranty, here or anywhere. What is covered is a manufacturing defect.

Buying from Playphone

Every kids' watch listed here is sealed, brand new and 100% original, delivered free anywhere in Oman or collected from the Ruwi or Salalah store. If you are deciding between two kids' watchs, message us with what you actually use the device for and we will tell you which one fits - including when the cheaper one is the right answer.