Cadence in a running watch

Cadence is not only NOT an essential feature, it doesn't need to be a feature at all.

However, it might make it popular with a relatively large number of new-to-running people who think cadence is important for some reason, so honestly, from a marketing perspective his team may be on to something.

Total number of steps = also no.

Why can't you?  Not sure about other models but on the 310 you can put whatever it captures on the screen.  And a whole lot of rather pointless options.

To DanielG: You know as well as I that everyone wants a simple device that just does what they want... the problem is not everyone wants the same thing.

To the OP: I think you could sell a watch without cadence but I would expect it to show up as a negative in reviews and comparisons if it doesn't have it.  If the watch is cheaper than the competition then that shouldn't matter.

Additionally Garmin sells a seperate device to capture cadence for both the bike and run.  So you wouldn't need it without the upgrade.

If you are capturing cadence then capture the foot fall count while you are at it... not going to cost you anything to do it.

Cadence can tell a fairly interesting story. If you look at cadence during a long run where you were unable to maintain pace and slowed down a the end, it can be telling to see if the cadence lessened throughout the run. You can isolate the problem to one of stride length shortening and work on your muscular endurance at that point. Cadence is also interesting to note when running hills and comparing to HR. If you increase your cadence while running uphill, can you reduce your HR (correspondingly your effort). Or if you can increase your cadence and harness gravity running downhill can you make an increase in your speed? This kind of thing only really matters to folks who are really into data capture and its translation to running form. Most runners could care less what their cadence is.

All that said, I don't see why anybody would want to know how many steps they'd taken on a run.

Total number of steps = NO.

Cadence = YES.  One more additional data point to look at as you review your run.  I look at it on each ride I do.  Usually not during the ride but after.  Do it like Garmin and have it as an add on upgrade.  Meets the needs of both sides.