Tag Heure, the swiss watch manufacturer, has teamed up with Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC) to create its first smartwatch in a move to challenge Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) which is all set to launch Apple Watch next month.
Tag Heure, the maker of luxurious watches and a subsidiary of LVMH, has been preparing for the launch of its new smartwatch at BASELWORLD, the world’s biggest watch fair. The company has collaborated with Intel Corporation (NASDAQ: INTL) to create a new generation of smart watches that are based on its traditional models. A digital version of its iconic Carrera watch will be unveiled tomorrow at BASELWORLD.
The new watch will differ from Apple Watch in several different ways. Most notably it will retain the traditional sporty look of its original Carrera watch. Jean-Claude Biver, Tag Heure’s Chief Executive, commented that the people will feel as if they are wearing a normal watch. Yet the watch will be able to track your location with its geolocation technology. It will tell you the distance you walked and altitude you are at; a feature that will attract sport lovers and joggers alike. The battery life will be more than Apple Watch, thus it can be worn overnight. Tag Heure has put up efforts to stay ahead of time.
This new product is expected to open up the smartwatch market to traditional luxury watchmakers. The competition will soon intensify. Yet the makers believe that would still be demand for traditional watches. Apple Watch cannot function fully with an iPhone its close proximity. The technology will thus become obsolete over the years whereas the luxury watches would last for years to come.
Tag Heure could not come up with the technology needed for this smartwatch. Thus they partnered with Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC). Intel, the giant in Silicon Valley, will supply the processor while other components such as casing, dial, crown and design will remain Swiss.
It remains to be seen how this new partnership will affect the smartwach market. But the launch of this new product is sure to send ripples in the smartwatch industry.
