Each year, the world’s leading watch and jewelry brands gather in the city of Basel, Switzerland, for the Baselworld Watch and Jewellery Show. The annual trade show is usually highlighted by unveiling of exclusive and limited-edition models that attract discerning consumers with exquisite craftsmanship and excellence in traditional analog horology.
But this year, almost every new product reveal was overshadowed by the presence of two unlikely brads, Google and Intel, which partnered with TAG Heuer to create an upcoming smartwatch. Interestingly, the powerhouse trio simply announced the collaboration and had nothing else to show for it—no details, expected features, design plans—but still managed to steal the show and get everybody buzzing. In fact, the yet-to-exist connected watch is already being hailed by some outlets as one of the best smartwatches of Baselworld 2015. We’ll see if they’re right when the piece launches by the end of the year.
The good news for smartwatch followers is that the elite, sometimes reclusive, often traditionalist luxury timepiece makers are finally embracing modern technology and are coming out with models with smart features. Are smartwatches the future of the watch industry? Maybe not entirely, but they’re definitely part of that future.
Bulgari’s bid is the Diagono Magnesium, an “intelligent watch concept” that focuses on security. The tech is expected to be used for smartphone activation, door and electronic lock unlocking, and alarm systems. With enabled near field communication, the piece will also allow contactless payments.
Meanwhile, Breitling’s rugged B55 Connected is an aviator watch that integrates a variety of aviation features and functions, including alarms, time zones, chronographs and an electronic tachometer. Made for the modern pilot (or aviation enthusiast), the watch will reportedly cost $8,000.
With a brushed matte steel case, white dial, sapphire crystal and soft leather strap, the Mondaine Helvetica No1 Smart is a beautiful timepiece that the brand categorizes as a “horological smartwatch.” The only indication of its connectedness is the sub-dial at the six-o’clock position, which is an analog representation of the digital fitness- and activity-tracking data also found on a connected phone or tablet.
Similarly designed are the Horological Smartwatches from Frederique Constant and Alpina. Just like the Mondaine, these two are actually luxury activity trackers in analog form and not full-featured smart wearable devices.