Montblanc introduces wearable technology to fine watchmaking
Wearable technology has been a hot topic, especially since 2014. There had been lots of discussions on the Apple iWatch and even before that, the Samsung Gears and not to forget technologies like the Google Glass. One thing is certain: there is potential for wearable technology to be more widely used in our daily lives. Closer to our hearts must be smart watches and how their interaction with other smart devices, especially smartphones and (EVEN MORE IMPORTANT TO US) wrist watches, will affect how we use these wearable technologies.
In January 2015 during SIHH 2015, Montblanc will be the first luxury brand to combine wearable technology with fine watchmaking in the centuries old Swiss horological tradition. Personally, I'm keen to see the new e-Strap in the metal and try it out with my Android and iPhone devices. Very interesting to see and experience how I can still keep my beloved luxury watch on my wrist as my timekeeper and lifestyle companion yet enjoy the convenience and smart features of wearable technology offered by Montblanc.
The Maison introduces the TimeWalker Urban Speed e-Strap, marrying a highly functional e-Strap with contemporary TimeWalker timepieces. The e-Strap is an interchangeable strap, with an integrated technology device that offers an activity tracker, smart notifications, remote controls and Find-Me functions. It connects, via Bluetooth Low Energy, to selected Android and iOS smartphones. For the first time, an owner will be able to wear a mechanical timepiece with highly useful digital functionality.
Montblanc continues to underline the technicity, performance and avant-garde appeal of this watch line, its dynamic appeal is further highlighted by the use of contemporary material mixes featuring red design elements on a pure black background.
This collection extension contains three new models including a chronograph and a UTC. I had shared Montblanc's press release on our SIHH 2015 forum on the Timewalker Urban Speed Chronograph and Mike will be sharing his initial thoughts on this novelty soon.
To read the press release of the Timewalker Urban Speed Chronograph, click on the link below:
The e-Strap device - a new offering from Montblanc
The e-Strap device offers a variety of functionality. Info below is provided by Montblanc HQ:
Smart notifications, signaled by vibrations provide an alert of incoming communication without the need to look at the smartphone. It enables the preview of e-mails by topic and sender, read text messages, see incoming calls and status updates of social media feeds or reminders of important upcoming meetings, all on the wrist.
The activity tracker is a simple tool to monitor the wearer´s physical activity over time and keep track of his personal daily goals. To do so, it measures the number of steps taken per day, calories burnt and the distance travelled. The accompanying smartphone application enables the of progress per week and month. The e-Strap will remind the wearer to stay active through unobtrusive vibration alerts and show at a glance the daily progress.
The remote controls are useful for controlling the smartphone with the e-Strap. The camera remote enables the taking of pictures with the smartphone by triggering the shutter with a tap on the e-Strap thus allowing better and easier selfies or group shots.
Playing, pausing, and skipping music on the smartphone can be also remotely steered with the music control function of the e-Strap.
Additionally, the Find-Me function allows searching for the watch or phone within a range of up to 30 meters, either by tapping on the e-Strap to find the smartphone or by using the smartphone application to find the watch.
The e-Strap device has an inbuilt touch screen display, readable in daylight, to display the information and navigate through the functionalities. The technical device is encapsulated in a stainless steel case with rubber protection and can be easily fixed and adjusted with the pass-through strap.
Depending on usage, the device needs to be recharged every 5 days using a standard micro-USB cable. The e-Strap is compatible with Samsung Galaxy S4, S5, Note 3, Note 4, selected Android Devices running Android 4.3 and upwards as well as Apple iPhone 4S, 5, 5C, 5S, 6 and 6 plus.
The Leather e-Strap
The TimeWalker collection e-Strap is equipped with a pass-through strap made of the innovative Montblanc Extreme Leather. The Extreme leather wristband created by the Montblanc Pelleteria in Florence, perfectly matches with the timepiece: markedly technical while retaining a sporty yet elegant appearance.
Due to its innovative manufacturing process, the upper surface of the leather wristband has a characteristic carbon appearance. In a long and meticulous process, the leather is textured and simultaneously impregnated with an innovative treatment that does not only coat the surface of the wristband, but also bonds with it and increases its structural strength. This innovative technique produces a high-performance and innovative leather, delivering abrasion resistance, water repellence and heat wear-, water- and fire-resistant.
The e-Strap device can be easily fixed and adjusted with the pass-through to all strap sizes 20/22mm.
Three new timepieces for the Timewalker collection
We will share more info on the three new Timewalkers Urban Speed models, starting with the Timewalker Urban Speed Chronograph. For now, we know Montblanc will also introduce a UTC and a three hands Timewalker (with hours, mins, seconds and date).
Some info from Montblanc HQ are provided below:
The expressive design of the 42 or 43-millimetre case, which combines clean lines with architectural shapes, made the Montblanc TimeWalker family of Montblanc timepieces instantly recognizable right from the outset. Blending sporty elegance and masculinity, the Montblanc TimeWalker carries its unique aesthetics and features the signature skeletonised horns, a narrow bezel, a large dial with Arabic numerals in a distinctive, clearly contoured typography, and the characteristic lancet-shaped hands.
Instantly, the “cold grey” micro-blasted steel case or the black DLC ( Diamond like carbon) coating, witness to its dynamic spirit and technical elegance.
This sporty elegance continues on the dial, making use of its black background
to accentuate the white numerals and dynamic red second hands common to all three
models.
The window in the case back offers a clear view of the automatic mechanical calibre which guarantees reliability and precision. All calibres of the TimeWalker Urban Speed e-Strap program are manufactured in accord with all the rules that govern the art of Swiss fine watchmaking. They oscillate at a steady pace of 28,800 semi-oscillations per hour (4 Hz).
All TimeWalker Urban Speed e-Strap models will be available in markets in June 2015 with or without the e-Strap device.
TimeWalker Urban Speed e-Strap with e-Strap device (all prices German RSP incl. 19% VAT)
Timewalker Urban Speed automatic e-Strap, 42mm – 2.990 euros
Timewalker Urban Speed UTC e-Strap– 3.990 euros
Timewalker Urban Speed chronograph e-Strap – 4.690 euros
E-Strap, compatible with iPhone 4S, Galaxy Note 3, Galaxy S4 and upwards – 350 euros
Montblanc e-Strap
Functions
Remote Control |
Activity Tracker measuring steps, calories burnt and distance with detailed analysis of personal progress within the App Smart Notifications for Text Messages, E-Mails, Incoming Calls, Calendar Events, Activity Reminder and Social Feeds Play/Skip Music Remote Camera Trigger Find-Me Function Silent Mode |
Display |
Capacitive 0.9” monochrome OLED-Touch-Display with 128 x 36 Pixel Resolution |
Power |
Rechargeable lithium-ion battery for up to 5 days of continuous usage and micro-USB cable for charging of the Device |
Connectivity |
Bluetooth Low Energy |
Feedback |
Haptic vibration motor |
Compatibility |
All TimeWalker watches 42/43mm |
Supported Devices |
Samsung Galaxy S4, S5, Note 3 and Note 4and selected Android smartphones with Version 4.3 and upwards iPhone 4S, 5, 5C, 5S, 6, 6 plus running iOS7 and upwards |
Resistance |
Splash proof, dust and shock resistant |
Color |
Black |
Sensor |
Accelerometer |
Operating temperature |
-10°C to 40°C (14°F to 104°F) |
Warranty |
2 Year limited Montblanc warranty |
Size of e-Strap device |
Width: 14.2 mm Height: 9.0 mm Length: 40.0 mm |
Montblanc TimeWalker Urban Speed Chronograph e-Strap
Movement Calibre MB 25.07
Type of movement Mechanical movement with automatic winding mechanism and chronograph function
No. of rubies 25
Power reserve Approx. 46 hours
Balance Flat hoop
Frequency 28,800 A/h (4 Hz)
Hairspring Flat
Displays Hours and minutes from the center
Small seconds at “9 o’clock”
Chronograph’s elapsed-seconds hand from the dial’s center
Counter for 30 elapsed minutes at “12 o’clock”
Counter for 12 elapsed hours at “6 o’clock”
Date in a window at “4 o’clock”
Habillage
Case Micro-blasted stainless steel with black ceramic bezel
Crystal Scratch-resistant, domed and antireflective sapphire crystal
Back Micro-blasted stainless steel back with inset pane of sapphire crystal
Dimensions Diameter=43 mm ; Height=14.4 mm
Watertightness 3 bar
Crown Micro-blasted stainless steel fluted crown with Montblanc emblem
Dial Black with Superluminova-coated numerals and indexes,
Anthracite luminescent hour-hand, minute-hand and small second-hand,
red chronograph-hand
Wristband Nato Extreme leather, composite material of cowhide with grey stitching, cowhide in carbon-look texture and specially treated for greater strength with high-technology device integrated
Montblanc TimeWalker Urban Speed UTC e-Strap
Movement Calibre MB 24.05
Type of movement Mechanical movement with automatic winding mechanism and second time zone
No. of rubies 21
Power reserve Approx. 42 hours
Balance Flat hoop
Frequency 28,800 A/h (4 Hz)
Hairspring Flat
Displays Hours, minutes and seconds from the centre
Second time zone from the centre
Day & Night indication on the flange
Date in a window at “3 o’clock”
Habillage
Case Stainless steel with black DLC coating
Crystal Scratch-resistant, domed and antireflective sapphire crystal
Back Micro-blasted stainless steel back with inset pane of sapphire crystal
Dimensions Diameter=42 mm ; Height=11 mm
Watertightness 3 bar
Crown Stainless steel with black DLC coating fluted crown with Montblanc emblem
Dial Black with Superluminova-coated numerals and indexes,
Anthracite luminescent hour-hand, minute-hand and second time zone hand,
Red second-hand
Wristband Nato Extreme leather, composite material of cowhide with grey stitching, cowhide in carbon-look texture and specially treated for greater strength with high-technology device integrated
Montblanc TimeWalker Urban Speed Date Automatic e-Strap
Movement Calibre MB 24.09
Type of movement Mechanical movement with automatic winding mechanism
No. of rubies 25
Power reserve Approx. 42 hours
Balance Flat hoop
Frequency 28,800 A/h (4 Hz)
Hairspring Flat
Displays Hours, minutes and seconds from the center
Date in a window at “3 o’clock”
Habillage
Case Polished stainless steel
Crystal Scratch-resistant, domed and antireflective sapphire crystal
Back Stainless steel back with inset pane of sapphire crystal
Dimensions Diameter=42 mm ; Height=11.2 mm
Watertightness 3 bar
Crown Stainless steel crown with Montblanc emblem
Dial Black with Superluminova-coated numerals and indexes,
Anthracite luminescent hour-hand, minute-hand
Red second-hand
Wristband Nato Extreme leather, composite material of cowhide with grey stitching, cowhide in carbon-look texture and specially treated for greater strength with high-technology device integrated
Let us know what you think! More details will follow soon.
Cheers
robin
This message has been edited by jrwong23 on 2015-01-01 07:40:30 This message has been edited by AnthonyTsai on 2015-01-01 09:39:35