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A Timely Perspective: More From Basel | April 15, 2015 (0 comments)
Basel, Switzerland-- This year’s BaselWorld Fair in Switzerland brought us an array of new designs and concepts. However, most notable — and talked about — at the fair was the trend towards watches that integrated with smart technology. And while Apple brought the hype of a connected and intelligent watch to the public’s attention, their absence at the 2015 BaselWorld Fair symbolically tells us that the effect of the smart-watch on the horological industry is not clear cut.
This month some of the bigger smart watches on the market will finally be released for sale (the Apple Watch included), so we’ve dedicated this week to bringing to light the range of intelligent watches that will soon be hitting the market.
The big question is: how will the advent of the smart-watch effect the watch industry as a whole. Tech giants like Apple and Samsung have stuck to their prowess and have created very technical devices that, in addition to activity trackers and notifications, also tell time. In an age where people are becoming ever more connected, the threat of smart-watches flooding the watch industry has not gone unnoticed by the more traditional watch brands. (The concept of Smart watches infiltrating traditional watch making has been likened by many to the arrival of quartz watches on the market about 35 years ago, wherein the Swiss were caught off guard and the industry was nearly decimated.)
We can only speculate how this combination of mechanical functions and technological features will play out when it comes to traditional watches. One thing’s for sure, we’re experiencing a renaissance of sorts with the births of some very alternative watch gear. On the tech savvy side of things, you have the computer software companies producing products like the Apple Watch, as well as its counterparts the Pebble and the Moto 360. But what we’re seeing are symbiotic relationships, as watch brands partner with software specialist companies — each side working within their element and coming together with a conjoined timepiece.
The Moto 360
Earlier in this blog, we discussed the new Montblanc e-Strap with integrated activity technology built into an interchangeable strap on the Urban Speed watch. We also discussed Frederique Constant and Alpina partnering with the tech company Fullpower to create the Swiss Horological Smartwatch Platform. Essentially producing a fusion of an analog watch with updateable/replaceable technological connectivity, this platform is being offered to other Swiss brands and has already been embraced by the iconic Swiss Railway style brand Mondaine, in their newly revealed Helvetica watch.
Frederique Constant's smartwatch combines classic style and modern technology.
At BaselWorld 2015, TAG Heuer even made a ground-breaking announcement of its partnership with two of the most innovative technological corporations, Google and Intel, to create what it terms as the finest Smart watch possible. Though still in the developmental stages this is definitely something we look forward to uncovering as a clearer concept appears.
For the brands that choose to tackle the technical integration endeavor, we start to see a varying level of technological functions and connectivity. Breitling has released its B55 Connected, which runs off its in-house USB rechargeable SuperQuartz ™ movement and relies on smartphone connectivity for its indications and functions. As a concept model however, the B55 Connected, with its ultra-technical look even adorned with the universal blue wifi symbol, hasn’t begun production at this point.
In an age where confidential information is becoming harder and harder to keep secure, Bulgari’s new Diagono Magnesium (shown top of page) is able to keep your most sensitive material stored with military-level security. At this year’s BaselWorld, the brand released its concept, “vault on the wrist” watch, which is very unlike other technologically integrated timepieces on the current market.
Derived from a jeweler’s background with a security-driven mindset, the Swiss watchmaker Bulgari teamed up with the World Internet Security Company, WISeKey, to create an all-Swiss partnership. WISeKey, a Geneva based company, specializes in securing digital identities for individuals for everyday life. With over 12 years of experience and continuous innovation within its sector, this Swiss-cooperative couldn’t have been more fitting.
What has been specifically branded as something entirely different from the true smart watches that have been hitting the market, the Diagono Magnesium is more accurately represented as an intelligent luxury watch. Its 41mm diameter steel case and magnesium and PEEK polymer middle case give it a truly elegant look hiding the fact that this watch has any affiliation with technology. With the double engraved Bulgari logo around the ceramic bezel the affiliation with the timeless luxury brand is apparent. Textured with either an anthracite, brown, silver or blue lacquer dial and inner case (the same used on sports car engines) this is a tough timepiece and has a high resistance to scratches. True to its name, this looks, feels and is a self-winding sustainable traditional watch complete with a 42 hour power reserve.
As a 100% mechanical watch there is a cryptographic chip embedded into the watch. The chip stores all of your sensitive information (credit cards, loyalty cards, frequent flyer programs, confidential notes, and passwords) under a specified user ID. This decryption key can only be coded and opened via a near field communication (far different and more secure than bluetooth or wireless) pairing with its smartphone app compatible with any smartphone platform. In fact to ensure total security the watch must actually touch the phone in order for the two to sync. All of this information is then backed up in the cloud and is stored in military bunkers in the Swiss Alps. No joke!
There is a lot of excitement in this arena, and we will continue to bring a comprehensive look at the technical variations from different brands as they unveil their takes on the connected watch. While a watch is truly a work of art, if the more affordable brands want to keep up with the changing times we’ll be seeing a lot more technological integration to keep these traditional watchmakers competitive.