The success of the TAG Heuer Connected watch – which sold out its first UK delivery on pre-orders alone – has prompted new conversations about how the mechanical watch industry can meet the challenges of the increasingly popular smart watch.
Although both TAG Heuer and Alpina have created smart watches with the sensibilities of the Swiss watch industry, there remains a significant gap between the two industries. The smart watch is, after all, still an electronic gadget which for many simply does not bear the same cachet as a good mechanical watch. Indeed, when TAG Heuer designed their Connected watch, their first aim was to ensure that it would never look like a smart watch.
But for those who want the appeal of their favourite luxury timepiece but also the convenience of connected functions, a new device might offer a solution.
The Chronos is a clever device that has been designed to add smart watch functions – notifications, control over the music and camera on your phone, and more – to any existing watch. For those who are tempted by the smart watch, but not yet ready to give up their favourite Bremont, Breitling or Omega it may be the ideal compromise. It comes in the form of a small disc which fits beneath your watch providing notifications in the form of vibrations or flashing lights. Naturally, this does raise the profile of your watch somewhat, but the height of the disc has been kept to less than 3mm to reduce the visual impact. In terms of smart watch functionality, the Chronos device only offers basic functions. It does not, of course, offer a display and doesn’t allow you to compose messages, but it does provide customisable notifications and activity tracking functions. It is currently available to connect to iPhones – a plus for those who can’t make use of the TAG Heuer Connected’s Android connection – but the makers state that Android functionality is coming soon.
The Chronos does not contain any magnets which might adversely affect the movement of your timepiece; it connects to the caseback using microsuction, and should be easy to remove without any adverse affects. This connective technology does mean that it may not attach well to timepieces with decorative casebacks, however. It’s charged by direct contact rather than induction, so can be safely left on your watch to recharge.
It has also been designed to fit most watches discreetly; any timepiece with a diameter of at least 31mm should conceal the Chronos disc neatly.
Overall, this device appears to provide exactly what it promises; a practical bridge between the functions of the smart watch and the aesthetics and craftsmanship of the traditional timepiece.
For those who remain committed to the luxury watch, Banks Lyon offer an extensive range of exquisite timepieces from Alpina to Omega watches – for more information, contact us on 01524 381020 or visit us in our Lancaster store. You can also keep up to date with our news on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.