After reading this, and many other articles, I ended up buying a Pebble Steel.
I am extremely happy with it. Much more than I ever expected.
I think what really, truly, makes the difference is that pebble isn't trying to replace your phone. I'm on the bus with a kid on my lap, my watch gives a light buzz, I glance down and see it's an annoying client.... no digging around for my phone. I just ignore it. I'm in the shower, get a call from an important client... I get out and answer it.
It has actually cut down on my phone usage. In the past, if I checked my email on the phone, I can't help but answer it. However, I've found myself being very selective now about answering stuff on my phone. Important things are often left until I get to an actual computer, semi-important things qualify to pull my phone out of my pocket, and unimportant things can get ignored.
That's just the basic notifications. No apps at all.
Beyond the notifications, the screen is a huge seller for me. Maybe people are desperate for color, but I need to have visibility. I am outside a lot and a Gear isn't going to do it for me. Half the time I can't seem phone's screen in the sun. The Pebble is very very clear. Even underwater.... I was swimming in the bay this morning... no problem. Middle of the night, a quick flick of the wrist lights it up.
Seriously. Maybe it seems cheesy to some people, but until there is a color screen that can last for a week and be visible in bright sunlight, I'm not changing.
Anyway, the Pebble Steel is a really nice watch. I'd say that it's key feature is that it enhances your smartphone experience rather than trying to replace it.