Sony Ericsson MBW-200 Bluetooth watch

Sony Ericsson first introduced a Bluetooth watch in 2007, and not much has changed in the new iteration, the MBW-200 Evening Classic. Available in three styles, the MBW-200 Bluetooth watch wirelessly synchronises with your mobile phone to alert you of incoming calls and messages.

The MBW-200 series aims to suit all styles and tastes, so it comes in three different versions — Evening Classic, Contemporary and Sparkling Allure. All three provide the same functions and features, but differ slightly in design. Our review model, the Evening Classic version, features a large, round face with a black, genuine leather band and brushed steel sides. At first glance there is no indication that this is an electronic device, so it can easily be worn without being connected to your mobile phone.

A new addition to the MBW-200 series is its rating as splash proof. According to Sony Ericsson, the watch can withstand light spray, perspiration, water vapour and rain drops. We tested it by splashing water on it in the kitchen sink, and it didn't skip a beat.

The MBW-200 Bluetooth watch provides almost identical functionality to the MBW-150 Classic Edition and the now discontinued MBW-100. Although watches are a matter of personal taste, we prefer the design of the MBW-100, which was the first model released.

An OLED display sites at the bottom of the face of the MBW-200 Bluetooth watch. A soft blue backlight notifies you when your phone rings, as well as when you receive an SMS or MMS message. If the caller's name is stored in your phonebook, the MBW-200 Bluetooth watch displays caller ID information; if not, then just the number is displayed.

A small message icon appears on the display when you receive an SMS or MMS, though you can't actually read your message on the watch — it would have been practical for the message to scroll across the display. Conveniently, the MBW-200 Bluetooth watch vibrates when notifications appear, although this function can be turned off in the main menu.

The MBW-200 also allows you to control music playback on your phone. Three buttons on the left side of the watch (previous, play/stop and next) handle music and pressing the top key three times displays track information on the display — though this function only works on selected Sony Ericsson phones.

Operation is fairly simple and easy. Two selection buttons adorn the right side of the watch; one scrolls through the menu items, the other selects them. Pressing the top selection button displays the date and a battery life indicator, but only for a few seconds — there is no way to permanently display this.

The MBW-200 Bluetooth watch is charged via AC power, though it should last about half a week before needing a recharge. An adapter is included in the sales package that connects to a regular Sony Ericsson charger.