Comparison

WatchKeep vs Reference

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

WatchKeep

Features
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Keep your watch collection at its best. "I forgot about an overhaul for years." "I pulled it out and it had stopped." Your watches deserve better — let WatchKeep look after their service and running. ■ Automatic service intervals by movement Just pick automatic, manual, quartz or Spring Drive. WatchKeep estimates overhaul and battery-change timing and gently reminds you as it approaches. ■ Spot the ones that have stopped Automatics stop when the power reserve runs out. From the last day worn, see "Running" or "May have stopped" — a nudge to wind it and set the time. ■ Your collection, in photos Photograph each watch and the subject is cut out automatically. Your personal collection lined up beautifully. ■ Three-stage service reminders Ahead of time (7 days, 1 day) → on the day → and gently every day after until it's checked. Never miss a service. ■ Tips for watch lovers From magnetism and water resistance to not changing the date at night and lug widths — 24 tips and a mascot make caring for your collection more fun. ■ Widget support See watches due for service and their status at a glance on your Home Screen. [Free] â€ĸ Register up to 3 watches â€ĸ Service reminders [Premium] â€ĸ Unlimited watches â€ĸ Group by winder, safe or case â€ĸ Service log (type, shop, cost) â€ĸ No ads One-time $20 or $1.49/week (no free trial). Subscriptions auto-renew and are billed to your Apple ID unless canceled at least 24 hours before the period ends. Cancel anytime in Settings. Service intervals and power reserves are general guides based on the movement. Adjust to your actual watch. ■ LINKS â€ĸ Support: https://tsuzukit.com/contact/ â€ĸ Terms of Service: https://tsuzukit.com/legal/terms-of-service.html â€ĸ Privacy Policy: https://tsuzukit.com/legal/privacy-policy.html

About

Reference

Features
Read full description

Identify watches from a photo and keep the ones you spot in your own collection. The app interface is currently available in English. SPOT A WATCH Take a photo or choose one from your library. Reference helps identify the brand, model and, when the details support it, the reference number. Successful identifications are saved to your private collection. You can review the result and correct it afterward. BUILD YOUR COLLECTION Keep watches you have spotted alongside the ones you own. Return to the photographs, references and background that made each watch interesting. Your collection is private. MAKE EVERY DISCOVERY COUNT Work toward achievements for your discoveries, favorite watchmakers and collecting habits. Choose the badges you want to show on your profile. Eligible camera captures count toward spotting achievements. KEEP A WEAR HISTORY Log the watches you own and see what you actually wear. Your private wear history stays separate from the wrist checks you choose to share. JOIN THE CONVERSATION Post a wrist check, follow collectors, appreciate a watch and leave a comment. Public posts are moderated. Report and block controls are available in the app. REFERENCE PRO Get the monthly identification and watch-image allowances shown in the app, monthly wear summaries, and private purchase, service and value records. Five introductory identifications, manual collection entries, basic wear history and community participation are available without Pro. Reference helps with identification; it does not authenticate watches. Similar models may need another photograph or more information. Generated watch portraits can differ from the original. Private values are records you enter, not appraisals. Optional subscriptions renew automatically unless cancelled through your Apple account. The store shows the current price and billing period before purchase. Deleting your Reference account does not cancel a subscription. Privacy: https://getreference.app/en/privacy Terms: https://getreference.app/en/terms Apple standard EULA: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

WatchKeep3 screens
Reference4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: Reference at none against WatchKeep's shown. Reference also leads on update cadence (every 2 days vs every 3 months). On price, in-app purchases, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price ¡ Rating ¡ Positive reviews ¡ Number of ratings ¡ Update frequency ¡ Ads ¡ In-app purchases ¡ Monetization ¡ Best chart rank ¡ Devices ¡ Requires iOS

CostPrice ¡ In-app purchases ¡ Ads ¡ Monetization

Both are free to download. WatchKeep sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per 7 days and Reference sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

WatchKeep ships an update every 3 months, Reference every 2 days. Both last shipped on October 31, 2026.

Scorecard2 real differences ¡ 4 level
WatchKeep versus Reference: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterWatchKeepReference
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsEvery 2 days — better
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesYes
DevicesiPhoneiPhone
Requires iOS17.016.4 — better
Further details — not scored
Size7 MB77 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperRyo TsudukihashiH1TCH AI LLC

In-app purchases

2 purchases

WatchKeep

Subscriptions1
  • Weekly Premium$0.997 Days
One-time1
  • Lifetime Premium$19.99
2 purchases

Reference

Subscriptions2
  • Reference Pro$5.991 Month
  • Reference Pro$49.991 Year

Questions

Is WatchKeep free?
WatchKeep is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Reference free?
Reference is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do WatchKeep or Reference have ads?
WatchKeep shows ads; Reference does not.
Which is updated more often, WatchKeep or Reference?
WatchKeep ships an update every 3 months, and Reference every 2 days. Most recently, WatchKeep was updated on October 31, 2026 and Reference on October 31, 2026.

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