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IWC gets into smartwatches
Richemont-owned brand IWC Schaffhausen is responding to the trend in wearable technology with the launch of a high-tech piece that attaches to the straps of existing models and adds digital functions to its watches.
Geneva--Richemont-owned brand IWC Schaffhausen is responding to the trend in wearable technology with the launch of a high-tech piece that attaches to the straps of existing models and adds digital functions to its watches.
Unlike many of the smartwatches that are already on the market, IWC Connect is not a standalone smartwatch. It was designed to be embedded into the straps of existing IWC watches to keep the two components separate, the company said.
It initially will roll out with the brand’s Big Pilot Watches. The brand declined to say at this time if it will be available to use with other IWC models in the future or how much it will cost.
With motion-sensing and Bluetooth capabilities, Connect will track the wearer’s activities as well as allow them to interact with other devices near it.
There is no screen on the IWC Connect. Instead, it will be connected to smartphone software that will allow it to link with other devices in its environment or specific devices that also are integrated in the software on the smartphone, according to a company spokesperson.
WATCH: Get a better look at the IWC Connect embedded in the strap of the Big Pilot.
“Seeing that many of our customers and brand ambassadors are wearing connected devices alongside their IWC watches, we chose to work with a like-minded digital technology company to develop an elegant, aesthetically complementary solution that eliminates the need to have additional devices on the opposing wrist to your IWC,” brand CEO Georges Kern said in a statement.
More details about the features of Connect as well as its launch date will be available in the coming months.
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