Apple reportedly working with Swatch, other watchmakers to roll out multiple 'iWatch' devices
As rumors of Apple's anticipated entry into the smartwatch sector mount, a report on Wednesday claims Cupertino has been collaborating with Swatch and other major traditional watchmakers to release a range of branded products that appeal to a wider swath of buyers.
According to an anonymous source, Apple has been trying to curry support from within the watch industry on possible partnership deals to release a "family" of smartwatch products that suit a variety of styles "from geek to chic," reports VentureBeat.
The publication says Apple may be working with multiple watch companies -- the source said "he would be shocked" if Timex was not a partner -- though Swatch is thought to be a lock. Details of the partnerships are scarce, though the source claims watchmakers may be working with Apple on branded devices that support expected "iWatch" functions like health and fitness tracking.
Swatch, along with Suunto and Fossil, previously produced watches using Microsoft's now defunct Smart Personal Object Technology (SPOT) platform, what can be considered a first-foray into the smartwatch world.
For Apple, a partnership with an established watchmaker would bring technical and design know-how from players in a well-established industry. Swatch Group, for example, has 19 labels under its umbrella, including Breguet, Omega and Harry Winston, among others.
One of the big stumbling blocks for current smartwatches is style. Tech companies not versed in watch design, like Samsung, LG and Motorola, are trying their hand at what amounts to jewelry; or a fashion statement for "normal" consumers. They have, for the most part, failed.
Breaking into and attempting to shake up a centuries-old industry without knowing what works and what doesn't is a fool's errand. To that end, Apple has reportedly been reaching out to Swiss watchmakers and poaching horology experts, including a former TAG Heuer sales director.
If true, Wednesday's news is an abrupt about-face for Swatch's CEO Nick Hayek, Jr., who last year said an Apple smartwatch would not be "the next revolution" in tech. Replacing an iPhone with an "interactive terminal on your wrist" is a difficult proposition since space for an adequate display is limited, Hayek said.
According to an anonymous source, Apple has been trying to curry support from within the watch industry on possible partnership deals to release a "family" of smartwatch products that suit a variety of styles "from geek to chic," reports VentureBeat.
The publication says Apple may be working with multiple watch companies -- the source said "he would be shocked" if Timex was not a partner -- though Swatch is thought to be a lock. Details of the partnerships are scarce, though the source claims watchmakers may be working with Apple on branded devices that support expected "iWatch" functions like health and fitness tracking.
Swatch, along with Suunto and Fossil, previously produced watches using Microsoft's now defunct Smart Personal Object Technology (SPOT) platform, what can be considered a first-foray into the smartwatch world.
For Apple, a partnership with an established watchmaker would bring technical and design know-how from players in a well-established industry. Swatch Group, for example, has 19 labels under its umbrella, including Breguet, Omega and Harry Winston, among others.
One of the big stumbling blocks for current smartwatches is style. Tech companies not versed in watch design, like Samsung, LG and Motorola, are trying their hand at what amounts to jewelry; or a fashion statement for "normal" consumers. They have, for the most part, failed.
Breaking into and attempting to shake up a centuries-old industry without knowing what works and what doesn't is a fool's errand. To that end, Apple has reportedly been reaching out to Swiss watchmakers and poaching horology experts, including a former TAG Heuer sales director.
If true, Wednesday's news is an abrupt about-face for Swatch's CEO Nick Hayek, Jr., who last year said an Apple smartwatch would not be "the next revolution" in tech. Replacing an iPhone with an "interactive terminal on your wrist" is a difficult proposition since space for an adequate display is limited, Hayek said.
Comments
Rolex unless something happened overnight is privately held (it's a Swiss thing). They are not a Swatch Subsidiary/brand
(not that I'd care, but my watch collection consists of 3 Rolexes my dad gave me... He being an US Air Force guy, Rolex was officer bling in the 50's ;-)
From Wikipedia.... these are the Swatch Family of watches
Prestige and Luxury Range
High Range
Middle Range
Basic Range
Private label
This would make a lot of sense.
I agree - widespread release of a variety of styles and price levels. Maybe even co-branded? "The Swatch iTime with Apple Technology!"
That sounds like a very defensive answer. I don't think anyone is expecting the watch to replace our phones.
Huh. I had been expecting a finished product, but this almost makes me wonder if the recent patent about a separate in-band sensor component points to more of a partnership type announcement where the product is actually something more like CarPlay. Traditional watch makers simply need to include the sensor component in the band and have a watch face that's at least so big and contains a layer that's normally transparent (so you can see whatever mechanical watch face the traditional watch maker designed) but becomes opaque when there's iWatch UI to display, such as when a notification comes in.
I think I'd prefer a finished product designed by Apple after they sought and considered input from traditional watch makers though. Rumors like this just point out that we really don't have a clear idea of what the finished product will look like I suppose.
The thought had also crossed my mind that it'll be a return to the square iPod Nano but as an incremental improvement and Apple's simply tapping watchmakers for the band (which would still fit with the in-band sensor module idea - a "made for iWatch" certification). Guess we'll see in the fall.
Sounds like... then Apple showed him what they had and he changed his tune.
Swatch? That is sooooo 1986. What's next, they'll create a Pro version, designed by Keith Haring? Hey, if Michael Jackson can still release a new album...
the Swatch line, yes. Swatch Group... Omega, Harry Winston, Longines, Rado, Tissot...
Keep in mind that the watch guys have all the best outlets for the goods. You wanna sell watches, better go where the rich people buy watches. I'm sure the sports versions have their own locations, etc. but I don't think Radio Shack will hanging these on hooks for their regular customers.
But how would a hybrid model work?
Good thing they didn't.
I can't think of much marketable names at this moment. I just feel its silly to name it a "watch" or "time" when it will clearly do a lot more than that.
here's a few ideas: iWrist, iPal, iPort, iLette. I'm sure you guys and Apple can think of way better names.
I would like to see a customizable home screen that displays the hour on the top of the screen and give the main space up for news, weather, photos or anything you desire(yes, even just the time).
They are most likely part of the deal. This will be awesome.
Swatch? That is sooooo 1986. What's next, they'll create a Pro version, designed by Keith Haring? Hey, if Michael Jackson can still release a new album...
You should go back and take a look. I wear my $150 Swatches far more often than I do my Baume & Mercier.... seriously.
Sounds like Hayek knows as much about wearable tech as Apple knows about watches.
I'll bet he changes his tune if his company is involved.
the Swatch line, yes. Swatch Group... Omega, Harry Winston, Longines, Rado, Tissot...
Would that mean the iWatch would have no numbers or letters on the display?
If Apple brings out a watch and it's successful then I'd say the company will have smooth sailing for another 3 to 4 years.
This, imo, would prove once and for all that Cook is able to do a Steve.