Galaxy Watch 9 Classic Confirmed Dead: Samsung Ends the Rotating Bezel After FCC and CMIIT Show No Classic Model

The evidence is now conclusive: Samsung is not launching a Galaxy Watch 9 Classic. No Classic model number has appeared in FCC or CMIIT regulatory databases, and the Galaxy Wearable app version 2.2.70 references only two watches — Galaxy Watch 9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2.

The End of the Rotating Bezel

The physical rotating bezel has been a defining Galaxy Watch Classic feature since the Galaxy Watch (2018). It let users navigate menus by turning the metal ring around the display — a tactile, screen-free interface that earned loyal fans. Samsung carried it through every Classic model from the original Galaxy Watch through the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic in 2025.

With no Watch 9 Classic, the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic becomes the final rotating-bezel Samsung watch. The Watch 9 will use Samsung's digital bezel — a touch-sensitive display rim that simulates rotation.

What the Galaxy Watch 9 Lineup Looks Like

• Galaxy Watch 9 (40mm/44mm): Exynos W1000, 2GB RAM, 32GB storage, One UI 9 Watch on Wear OS 7
• Galaxy Watch Ultra 2: Snapdragon Wear Elite, 800mAh battery, 3000-nit display, $699
• No Classic variant

What This Means for Buyers

If you loved the rotating bezel, the Galaxy Watch Ultra at $225 refurbished and remaining Galaxy Watch 8 Classic stock are your last chances. Samsung is clearly streamlining to two tiers — standard and Ultra — to simplify the lineup ahead of Galaxy Glasses. For the best smartwatches right now, the Apple Watch Series 11 at $299 and Apple Watch Ultra 3 at $640 are the top-performing options. Compare all smartwatches in our smartwatch guide.