The COROS Pace 4 already earned its spot as one of the best value running watches you can buy. Now COROS is giving it a visual upgrade with the new Black Crystal Edition, and honestly, it looks like something that belongs on a different price tier.
I just got done spending some time with the Black Crystal, and I think this is a little bit more than just a new colorway. Think of it as a Pace 4 Premium Edition. It has a new unique case design with an aluminum bezel and a redesigned band. The original Pace 4 is already one of my top picks when it comes to a budget-friendly sports watch. It offers a lot of features for the money. But now there's this, which adds a few premium touches.
So let's talk about what you actually get for that extra $30.
The Case: Same Shape, Better Materials
The main case is virtually the same as the original, though I would call it more of a true black versus the standard model. The biggest change goes along with the Black Crystal name where the lugs are actually kind of see-through now, and I think that is actually kind of cool.
The main case itself is not see-through, it is just the lugs. So it is not like you can see the internal components or anything like that, which would have been even cooler. But the lugs do sort of stand out from the case, especially at an angle. From straight on it is hard to tell a difference, but from an angle you can definitely notice that they are see-through.
COROS also added an aluminum bezel to this, so it should be a little bit more durable than the plastic bezel on the original. That also changes the look a little bit. The biggest visual difference I noticed is that the bezel has a satin finish to it where it makes it stand out a little bit more from the lugs as well.
The bezel is PVD coated for a little bit more durability when it comes to scratch resistance. PVD stands for physical vapor deposition, which is a chemical process where the material is actually applied at a molecular level. So it is actually bonded with the aluminum versus paint, which is just like a normal coating.
My only disappointment is that I wish the bezel actually went above the display with a raised edge to help protect the display a little bit more. This has the same ever so slightly curved glass that they introduced with the original Pace 4. It has a slight curvature to it which means screen protectors may not necessarily work since it is not completely flat. They call it a 2.5D display, basically in between 2D and 3D.
The Band: More Than Meets the Eye
The band is a little bit different too. This has the same dual tone material like the original, but with this particular version the edges are see-through just like the case. What is kind of interesting is that the pattern on the outside here looks like a texture, but this is actually a graphic. COROS said they actually silk screened this design on here and the design should be permanent. I've only had this for a little while so I cannot really attest to the durability of the design, nor the bezel for that matter, but I guess time will tell.
They also color matched the band hardware to the aluminum bezel, which is a nice touch. And they have a special watch face on here as well that has some translucent elements to it, basically completing the story.
The Weight Question
Not really much meaningful difference here at all. This is still a nice lightweight sports watch. Other than the materials and the look, this is exactly the same watch as the original Pace 4.
So Is It Worth It?
I think this watch actually does make a lot of sense because it kind of bridges the gap for someone who may want a little bit more premium look and feel, but does not necessarily want to spend over $400 for the Apex 4. The Apex 4 is a good watch and all, but many of us may not need everything that the Apex 4 has to offer. The Pace 4 may do everything that we need a watch to do, but we want a little bit more premium look and feel. I think this accomplishes that goal for the most part and really for not that much more money.
The elephant in the room though is the Pace Pro and where that sits now with this watch coming out. But that is a conversation for another day.
For existing Pace 4 owners, there is no reason to upgrade. The Black Crystal is strictly for new buyers or those who want a more refined look. For anyone in the market for a sub-$300 running watch, this edition is worth considering alongside the standard model, assuming the visual upgrades justify the $30 difference to you personally.
The COROS Pace 4 was already easy to recommend. The Black Crystal Edition makes it just a little more appealing if you care about aesthetics as much as performance.