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Pre-SIHH 2015: The Montblanc TimeWalker Urban Speed e-Strap

 
 By: jrwong23 (aka watchthebin) : January 1st, 2015-07:37
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 lik...  

Aaah, that was it? A good friend of mine told me that something was interesting.

 
 By: amanico : January 1st, 2015-09:35
;) Not very fan of this kind of new techonology, to be honest, but I am sure the concept will find its fans! Best, Nicolas

Try it during SIHH and let us know if you can Nico :)

 
 By: jrwong23 (aka watchthebin) : January 2nd, 2015-08:41
Maybe you may like it more after trying it in the metal Cheers Robin

Ah that piece is likely a talking piece in SIHH 2015

 
 By: jrwong23 (aka watchthebin) : January 3rd, 2015-21:54
The Montblanc Heritage Spirit Orbis Terrarum! A piece on my radar for 2015 :) Cheers Robin

Quite innovative!

 
 By: Epilogue : January 1st, 2015-10:28
I'll only start thinking about this tech when it gets truly interesting with ECG trace, heart rate, blood O2 and various other physiological parametres. Still, a step in the right direction and it's great to see that tech and fine watches aren't mutually ... 

My pleasure. Agree with your thoughts

 
 By: jrwong23 (aka watchthebin) : January 2nd, 2015-08:44
I'm especially happy if wearable technology (and their convenience and features) can work along side out favorite watches :) I have faith that wearable technologies can only get better so pulse rate, etc can definitely be monitored at some point :) Then d... 

If you can't beat 'em...

 
 By: Tick Talk : January 1st, 2015-11:14
...join 'em. That IS pretty cool :-)

I'm keen to try it in the metal Dean

 
 By: jrwong23 (aka watchthebin) : January 2nd, 2015-08:45
I think it will be cool too! Cheers Robin

Mmmm..... makes me wonder if...

 
 By: chuck19 : January 1st, 2015-19:43
... it is the evolution towards smart watches (iwatch). Having an e-strap sort of bridges the gap between the convention watches and the iwatch. Quite smart of MB to introduce this.... if it fits like a nato.. might even consider it for one of my watches.... 

Let's continue to monitor the evolution :)

 
 By: jrwong23 (aka watchthebin) : January 2nd, 2015-08:48
I applaud Montblanc for being bold enough to start this e-Strap to compliment our luxury timepieces. It may well be the best of both worlds for us PuristS. We get to keep our lovely watches yet enjoy wearable technologies and their smart features. Yes the... 

I hear you

 
 By: Todd B. : January 2nd, 2015-12:48
I would think it's just a matter of time before several brands are trying to merge the two technologies and I have to applaud Montblanc for leading the charge. I will say though, I am torn at the same time. I love Apple and if you come to my house you wil... 

Good feedback Todd

 
 By: jrwong23 (aka watchthebin) : January 2nd, 2015-21:38
I also need to try and get used to a "merger" of the 2. A smart watch like the iWatch or samsung Gear that still needs the smartphone can indeed just be an interim technology. Montblanc's move to help us wear our luxury timepieces whilst enjoying this int... 

Smartwatch!

 
 By: patrick_y : January 2nd, 2015-02:32
So, this is how the Swiss watch industry is going to compete with the smart watch...

Not sure Patrick

 
 By: jrwong23 (aka watchthebin) : January 2nd, 2015-08:49
But Montblanc is the first to take on this challenge ! :) I'm impressed with their thinking to come up with a solution to allow us to both use our mechanical timepieces yet enjoy the convenience of wearable technology Cheers Robin

Fascinating idea and a quote from an old interview inside...

 
 By: MTF : January 2nd, 2015-14:31
Robin, Thanks for the preview of an interesting idea. I am keeping an open mind about this development as I can see myself using a hybrid mechanical and electronic display system. Here is an excerpt from an old interview with Mr Karl-Friedrich Scheufele o... 

Wow back in 2008!

 
 By: jrwong23 (aka watchthebin) : January 2nd, 2015-21:47
Thanks for sharing this MTF! Mr Karl-Friedrich Scheufele is quite a visionary! Impressive. Cheers Robin

Great idea...

 
 By: andrewluff : January 3rd, 2015-12:34
a way of keeping your mechanical watch but having a technology as well. Can't wait to see this and test it out at SIHH in a few weeks! Cheers Andrew

Let us know how you like the Montblanc e-Strap Andrew!

 
 By: jrwong23 (aka watchthebin) : January 3rd, 2015-21:50
Play with it at SIHH and tell us if you like it :) Cheers Robin

Will do Robin!

 
 By: andrewluff : January 4th, 2015-23:46
and will report back. Will you be over? Cheers Andrew

Finally!

 
 By: Jester : January 12th, 2015-18:06
I've long speculated that someone should make a 'smart' buckle for those who WANTS a nice watch AND the convenient nature of wearable electronic. This seems to be a very good attempt at that. I hope Montblanc do start selling this as stand alone product f... 

The e-Strap can be sold separately

 
 By: jrwong23 (aka watchthebin) : January 13th, 2015-06:17
And be used on other watches too from my understanding. Looking forward to see it in the metal! The more I read about this, the more I think it's a promising product and potentially a new "sub category" for luxury watches Cheers Robin

Robin, this is a good surprise!

 
 By: lhk1 : January 13th, 2015-03:43
You sure the e-strap does not have the "husband tracker" function? Regards Ling

Lol! That's a great idea Ling!

 
 By: jrwong23 (aka watchthebin) : January 13th, 2015-06:19
Spouse tracker! I think it's so important in a high tech gadget! :) Cheers Robin