After introducing innovative yet luxurious designs like Heart Beat movement and Silicon escapement wheel, Switzerland-based watch manufacturing company Frederique Constant unveils its first Horological smartwatch in India. Riya Sharma checks it out
Did you know that analysing data with any gadget worn on your wrist is 95 per cent correctIJ If you have been analysing or keeping a check on your activities through your smartphone, that is kept in your bag for most of the time, then there are chances that the data you get is only 30-40 per cent correct.
After the popularity of smartphones in our country, smartwatches have also ventured into the Indian market. The latest addition is Frederique Constant’s Horological smartwatch. Ten years ago, the Switzerland-based watch manufacturing company introduced their producing and manufacturing movement which aimed to cater not only the elitist circle of connoisseurs, but also to those who want to enjoy Swiss luxury at a reasonable price. After ten years, they undertook another movement to model a watch that is smart and connected. “We believe that within 4-5 years, 30-40 per cent models of quartz model will be connected. So, we decided to be a pioneer and not a follower,” said William Besse, international sales manager of Frederique Constant.
He adds, “We knew how to do watches but when it came to connection, we needed an expert. Our aim was to partner with a firm that has foothold in the market and has a great value for their customers. Thus, we partnered with Fullpower who have an experience of 13 years in apps and data technology. We created the company, MMT (Manufacture Modules Technologies), a connected new movement with the DNA of our in-house production and assembling, our Swiss luxury experience with the innovation of a connected function at a lower cost.”
Aimed at providing luxury at an affordable price, the company with their Horological smartwatch did not want to create a product or a toy that is accessible as a touchpad. “We have kept our style and design intact as we wanted it to look like a real watch. It is not digital like other smartwatches but it offers unique features which act as user friendly and easy access,” said Besse.
When asked how is this smartwatch different from others, he explained, “It is Swiss-made watch and you won’t find many Swiss watches that are smart. Another feature is that it is a Horological smartwatch as we did not believe in creating a product or a toy that is completely digital.”
The watch, which is designed keeping the brand value of Frederique Constant, displays central hours and minute hands. The smart blue hand inside the dial points at the date during the day and at the moon while you sleep. There is also a small steel hand that shows the percentage of your activity.
As most of these watches have to be charged every 24 hours, this one has 2+ years of battery life.
It has a button (like a pusher) attached to it on the side which helps in bi-directional communication between your watch and smartphones or iPads. Once connected, it will transfer all your data to the watch and with the help of sensors and GPS; it will be able to track all your activities.
The smartwatch promises to show the correct time especially when you travel outside. For instance, if you travel to America, the moment you reach there the time and date of your phone, your smartwatch will automatically change.
Other striking feature of the watch is that it can guide you when you are unable to complete four set targets. We usually reminders on our phone, so if you wish to workout for two hours a day and you do only one, then it will inform you that you have been unsuccessful in completing your target. And can also refer you some tips to help in completion of your set target.
The smartwatch which has the platform MotionX, also has a sleep tracker monitoring system which can control your sleeping pattern. It will know when you are in deep sleep and when to wake you up.
The price range for this smartwatch is Rs70,000-80,000 in India and is available in five designs.
Talking about the market for smartwatches in India, Besse elaborated that people especially youngsters are keen to explore more in technology. He adds, “We have no experience in the Indian market and I think that is the beauty of being the first one. But I believe that people will really opt for technology that has luxurious design at an affordable price.”