Since the debut of the Apple Watch in 2014, a number of Swiss watchmaking companies have tossed their hats in the ring with a connected watch of their own design and conception, proving that connected watches and mechanical timepieces can co-exist
While all the smartwatches offer a range of functional applications, each is designed to appeal to specific audiences. Read on to find the one that suits your tastes, preferences and lifestyle.
Apple Watch Hermès Series 5
Best for: The discerning luxury fiend
When it comes to the Apple Watch Hermès, it’s all about the experience. The watch is packaged in the brand’s signature orange box, and the bands are kept protected in a microfibre pouch that comes in handy for travel. A bonus sports band – in orange, no less – is also included. You’ll also get to choose two custom watch faces: Hermès and Noir Hermès. The former brings in an array of options for typography, dial and colour whereas the latter is for those who prefer a minimalistic approach.
Samsung Galaxy Watch3
Best for: The health enthusiast
What happens when you prefer the rotating bezel, larger battery and screen display of the Galaxy Watch, but also require a greater fitness tracking experience of the Galaxy Watch Active? Well, Samsung’s latest Galaxy Watch3 might just be the answer to your woes. Apart from including Active2‘s running-coach feature, users now are able to receive real-time feedback on their pace and form, as well as flight and contact time which helps improve performance and reduce injury. Other health features like the FDA-cleared electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) and blood oxygen monitoring will be introduced soon upon approval, and will be rolled out via software updates later in the year.
Garmin MARQ Golfer
Best for: The seasoned golfer
As the name suggests, Garmin’s latest addition to its MARQ collection – the MARQ Golfer, is designed to be a trusted confidant by your side as you’re out on the greens. For starters, it has a comprehensive database with 41,000 full-colour CourseView maps of golf courses worldwide. Features such as PlaysLike Distance, Hazard View and a virtual caddie are also included to analyse critical factors like wind speed and course layout to ensure the very best golf performance.
Breitling Bentley Supersports B55
Best for: The adrenaline seeker
Limited to just 500 watches, the Bentley Supersports B55 is an extension of the Exospace B55 that’s adapted to the world of motor racing. Apart from the flyback chronograph, the watch comes with a lap timer and an electronic tachymeter. But that’s not all. It proffers three additional types of chronograph exclusive to this timepiece. The chrono rally function can record up to 30 stages, as well as intermediate times per stage. The chrono race function is designed for track races, enabling the user to record the split times per lap, as well as calculate average speed per lap.
Tag Heuer Connected Modular 45
Best for: The sportswatch enthusiast
Since its launch in 2015, Tag Heuer’s connected watch has evolved quite a bit. This second-generation model, Connected Modular 45, sports a number of unprecedented features. The smartwatch is conceived with Intel and Google but is designed, developed and assembled in Switzerland. It therefore comes with the coveted Swiss Made label. This unique device is interchangeable with a haute horlogerie mechanical module. No other connected watch allows you to do this. This watch is water resistant to 50m, comes with an in-built GPS and has an NFC sensor that pairs with Android Pay. Over 30 dials can be selected and customised, including landmark designs like the panda dial which draws on the brand’s rich heritage.
Louis Vuitton Tambour Horizon
Best for: The fashion-forward traveller
The Tambour Horizon offers unprecedented levels of customisation, both in its software as well as its hardware. Toggle between multiple iconic Louis Vuitton watch dials, one of which features the colourful stripes and initials personalisation option also found on its trunks and accessories. More than 30 straps can be paired with this watch, all of them easily interchangeable, thanks to a patented system. The 42mm case comes in brushed steel, black PVD and polished steel. Apart from the user-friendly GMT function, the Tambour Horizon is imbued with unique travel-savvy features such as My Flight, found on no other smartwatch. Louis Vuitton’s famous City Guides are now also available in the watch.
Montblanc Summit
Best for: The trendsetting luxury aficionado
Montblanc’s Summit looks like a haute horlogerie timepiece but is equipped with digital functions. It comes in a 46mm case reminiscent of the traditional Montblanc 1858 collection and has matching dial options to boot. Summit comes with in-built features like Google Assistant for hands-free information searches, directions, foreign language translations, setting reminders and even email dictation. Select from four designs: black PVD steel; bicolour steel with black PVD; satin-finished steel; and satinated grade 5 titanium. Dial options are digital representations of the 1858 collection; choose from the automatic with date, small second or chronograph.
Bulgari Diagono Magnesium Concept
Best for: The tech-savvy cosmopolite
The Diagono Magnesium Concept is unlike other smartwatches as it is not about bringing more digital functions to the wrist. Instead, it is designed to become your most trusted aide. Developed with WISeKey, a leading Swiss digital security and data storage company, the watch pairs with your NFC-enabled smartphone. It encrypts and stores your passwords and key codes in an underground military bunker in the Alps. This is made possible by the cryptographic chip and invisible antenna within the watch. In the event of loss or theft, the Bulgari Vault app will destroy all accessible data. Owners can restore their data using the encrypted backup, activated by the timepiece.
