Montblanc Unveils 'e-Strap' Band Accessory With iOS Integration for Analog Luxury Watches

[lincolntran]

I agree but your missing the main point. Apple is completely out of its element here in the fashion wearables market. The computer/smartphone/tablet space is very different and the jury is very much still out on Apple's ability to compete here. This Spring will be interesting.

With > $150 billions in cash, nothing is out of Apple reach. Heck, they can build their own cellular network, but a car manufacturer and make their own car to compete, buy a country and fund everything they can think of and still able to compete on whatever market they want to.

 

[Xtremjeepn]

There is an obvious divide in this conversation. Those that are watch people and those that aren't.

Let me try to clarify something for the non-watch people.

"Time keeping" has very significant historical connections to all sorts of things like auto racing, yacht racing, flight, military operations, diving, etc.

The "art" of time pieces is just that, art! It's mechanical jewelry. Often with a certain historical style or function.

"Watch guys" all have their own style. Just like one person may like leather shoes and another likes flip flops. I personally love big military or race inspired mechanical watches!

In 1927 the first "Quartz clock" was made. Since that moment you have been able to buy insanely cheap, nearly free, watches that tell better time than almost any "high end" watch.

So why didn't the availability of super cheap and more accurate watches kill the high end watch industry? It's simple! It's not really about the ability to tell time. It's about the story the watch tells, the style it represents. The art of the watch is about so much more than just telling time.

The Apple watch is a neat gadget, just like the calculator and T.V watch were in the 80s. But it's not going to stop a watch enthusiast from buying the art they desire. Ever notice that digitals are FAR less expensive than mechanical watches? Electronic picture frames haven't replaced all forms of wall art!

One thing almost every "Watch guy" has in common is that they have a "Daily driver" watch. It may change every few months/years. But even if they have $100k of watches in the closet they have that "one" that they put on the most for everyday activity. THAT is the watch this strap is intended for!!!

Keep in mind that some peoples "Daily driver" watch may be worth more than some peoples daily driver car.

 

[a0me]

But I thought the Swiss watch industry wasn't concerned about Watch (or any other smart watch for that matter)?

The e-Strap will equip watches from the Timewalker Urban Speed Collection, which range from $3,000 up to $6,000.
So not exactly the same demographic as the $400 Apple Watch.

 

[gyang333]

42mm or 44 mm? Dang it! I was hoping for a standard 22mm so I can use it with my Pebble. Then I can separate the functions of each device. Man that's one wide strap.

That's the case size of the TimeWalker watches. It's a standard 22mm strap at the lugs.

 

[69Mustang]

So, how long does the $300 dollar band, with crap screen and little functionality, last... decades... ? This is a defensive move, nothing really good or worth noting.

How long? I don't know but I would guess probably as long as a $349 smartwatch. Probably longer since there is less to go wrong from a software perspective, since as you say, there's less functionality. Complex software hasn't been Apple's strong suit lately.

Plus the actual watch will most likely last far, far longer... and the chances of walking into McDonalds and seeing the kid on fries wearing the exact same watch as you is lessened greatly. With the watch, chances are probably going to be high that you're both sporting the same watch as the cheerleader at the local high school. Wait, that sounded elitist and it wasn't intended to be.

 

[iolinux333]

I had zero interest in wearable before...but this changes everything. I might be one of the first in line to get one of these straps. Finally, I can have my cake and eat it too.

Agree. I also had zero interest in a smartwatch. This thing is brilliant. Amazing it took this long for someone to think of it. I also don't even wear a watch and haven't in more than a decade... this thing is making me reconsider.

 

[sshambles]

Am I the only person who thinks that this looks ugly as hell?

Nope. I'd rather something that looks good, than functions in an analog and digital way. Watches like these look bulky.

 

[kds1]

There is an obvious divide in this conversation. Those that are watch people and those that aren't.

Let me try to clarify something for the non-watch people.

"Time keeping" has very significant historical connections to all sorts of things like auto racing, yacht racing, flight, military operations, diving, etc.

The "art" of time pieces is just that, art! It's mechanical jewelry. Often with a certain historical style or function.

"Watch guys" all have their own style. Just like one person may like leather shoes and another likes flip flops. I personally love big military or race inspired mechanical watches!

In 1927 the first "Quartz clock" was made. Since that moment you have been able to buy insanely cheap, nearly free, watches that tell better time than almost any "high end" watch.

So why didn't the availability of super cheap and more accurate watches kill the high end watch industry? It's simple! It's not really about the ability to tell time. It's about the story the watch tells, the style it represents. The art of the watch is about so much more than just telling time.

The Apple watch is a neat gadget, just like the calculator and T.V watch were in the 80s. But it's not going to stop a watch enthusiast from buying the art they desire. Ever notice that digitals are FAR less expensive than mechanical watches? Electronic picture frames haven't replaced all forms of wall art!

One thing almost every "Watch guy" has in common is that they have a "Daily driver" watch. It may change every few months/years. But even if they have $100k of watches in the closet they have that "one" that they put on the most for everyday activity. THAT is the watch this strap is intended for!!!

Keep in mind that some peoples "Daily driver" watch may be worth more than some peoples daily driver car.

Thank you

----------

The notification screen is on the back of the strap? How is that useful at all?

Youv'e obviously never known anyone who wore their watch on the inside of their wrist. My father wears his watch like that. You just flip your wrist the opposite way - in fact, it's actually a smoother and more natural motion. With this band you just flip your wrist in the direction of the data you want to access. Think beyond conformity.

 

[MH01]

But I thought the Swiss watch industry wasn't concerned about Watch (or any other smart watch for that matter)?

Your beginning to sound like a broken record with that comment on every Apple watch thread. How about they are not concerned about the Apple watch against their mechanical range, but are greedy and want a shot at the accessory markert the Apple watch is an accessory.....

And this is a clever way of keeping a proper watch and having the phone functions available on your wrist, this for me is already more appealing than the apple watch if Swiss makers make it available in the band.

----------

There is an obvious divide in this conversation. Those that are watch people and those that aren't.

Let me try to clarify something for the non-watch people.

"Time keeping" has very significant historical connections to all sorts of things like auto racing, yacht racing, flight, military operations, diving, etc.

The "art" of time pieces is just that, art! It's mechanical jewelry. Often with a certain historical style or function.

"Watch guys" all have their own style. Just like one person may like leather shoes and another likes flip flops. I personally love big military or race inspired mechanical watches!

In 1927 the first "Quartz clock" was made. Since that moment you have been able to buy insanely cheap, nearly free, watches that tell better time than almost any "high end" watch.

So why didn't the availability of super cheap and more accurate watches kill the high end watch industry? It's simple! It's not really about the ability to tell time. It's about the story the watch tells, the style it represents. The art of the watch is about so much more than just telling time.

The Apple watch is a neat gadget, just like the calculator and T.V watch were in the 80s. But it's not going to stop a watch enthusiast from buying the art they desire. Ever notice that digitals are FAR less expensive than mechanical watches? Electronic picture frames haven't replaced all forms of wall art!

One thing almost every "Watch guy" has in common is that they have a "Daily driver" watch. It may change every few months/years. But even if they have $100k of watches in the closet they have that "one" that they put on the most for everyday activity. THAT is the watch this strap is intended for!!!

Keep in mind that some peoples "Daily driver" watch may be worth more than some peoples daily driver car.

Excellent summary. And this is why the Swiss watch industry has nothing to worry about, another fad that will not replace true watches. I can relate to the daily driver, I've tried the Moto 360, and while its great looking , feels way too light and cheap compared to my daily driver, like a cheap toy, Apple watch will be similar. For some these new phone accessories will be great, hope they enjoy them, I may even find a time when I might use one, like gym etc

 

[quickcalibre]

Depending how good this is, yep, something I'd get.

 

[maxxim1412]

Very interesting accessory!

 

[Col4bin]

With > $150 billions in cash, nothing is out of Apple reach. Heck, they can build their own cellular network, but a car manufacturer and make their own car to compete, buy a country and fund everything they can think of and still able to compete on whatever market they want to.

No doubt Apple has the funds to fully support their own R&D/manufacturing/sales, and could try and enter any forum of product market opportunity, it's just Apple's ability to successfully compete against long-standing brands in these realms where Apple might be a little out of their element (be it fashion wearables, televisions, automobiles, or whatever else may come), that's in question.

 

[Macist]

If you really want iOS-linked crap on your wrist this is much better than iWatch, which is far too cheesy and geeky to compete with nice jewellery.

 

[2457282]

i am very familiar with mont blanc pens, but am surprised to see that they make watches. Still, this seems a smart way to extend their products and trying to retain their target audience.

 

[Piggie]

With > $150 billions in cash, nothing is out of Apple reach. Heck, they can build their own cellular network, but a car manufacturer and make their own car to compete, buy a country and fund everything they can think of and still able to compete on whatever market they want to.

And yet they still have to rely on other companies to R&D and manufacture parts for them.

Money does not = The ability to be the best.
Apple is a very VERY narrow company, it's very inexperienced in many things.

Well they did have a bash at a games console once.

Where is Apples games console now? To blow the Xbox one and PS4 away?

I guess you will say "well it's not something they want to make"

Where is the amazing new Apple TV, or actual TV ?

I guess you will say "well it's not something they want to make"

Where is the Apple computer millions want that can be upgraded like a PC?

I guess you will say "well it's not something that they want to make"

And so it goes on.

 

[campdogg]

"It will have a 0.9 inch monochromatic OLED touchscreen display with a 128x36 pixel resolution."

36 pixels tall?

 

[kds1]

I've tried the Moto 360, and while its great looking , feels way too light and cheap compared to my daily driver, like a cheap toy, Apple watch will be similar. For some these new phone accessories will be great, hope they enjoy them, I may even find a time when I might use one, like gym etc

I'd wait until you've actually put on one your wrist before making such a statement.

 

[kdarling]

Agree. I also had zero interest in a smartwatch. This thing is brilliant. Amazing it took this long for someone to think of it. I also don't even wear a watch and haven't in more than a decade... this thing is making me reconsider.

Over the past year on this forum, I have several times suggested a smart watchband as being a path for expensive wristwatches to add functionality.

So if I could think of it, they could too. It just makes sense, as the most important part... the watch... does not have to change, while the separate smart band can be updated whenever the owner wishes, as technology advances.

What I think would be really cool is if one day, the entire band could be covered in multi-color digital paper. That way, it could display different backgrounds (black leather, brown alligator, colors, etc) to suit your daily needs. Kind of like the FES watch which uses Sony e-ink displays, only in color.

 

[chuloo]

Cool idea, but 250 Euros is a bit too expensive.

 

[driphone]

How about something like Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso? If they can fit both analog and digital in a practical case thickness.

 

[iolinux333]

Over the past year on this forum, I have several times suggested a smart watchband as being a path for expensive wristwatches to add functionality.

So if I could think of it, they could too. It just makes sense, as the most important part... the watch... does not have to change, while the separate smart band can be updated whenever the owner wishes, as technology advances.

What I think would be really cool is if one day, the entire band could be covered in multi-color digital paper. That way, it could display different backgrounds (black leather, brown alligator, colors, etc) to suit your daily needs. Kind of like the FES watch which uses Sony e-ink displays, only in color.

View attachment 522921

Yeah somebody noticed, a sociologist I believe, some years ago, that when it's time for an invention to appear, several hundred, sometimes several thousand people all have the same idea for a new invention at the exact same time. Which is why the idea of patents is actually stupid and hinders innovation. The founding fathers had a long debate when putting together the Constitution about whether there should be patent protection, and weren't sure whether there would be more or less invention with patent and copywrite, but finally decided that a limited patent of short time duration (I think 7 years originally?) was worth a try. It turns out we would actually have far more invention and creativity in the world if there was ZERO IP protection, but the oligopoly spends lots of money even indoctrinating little kids to make people continue to believe the lie and keep themselves rolling in dough.

 

[IJ Reilly]

In 1927 the first "Quartz clock" was made. Since that moment you have been able to buy insanely cheap, nearly free, watches that tell better time than almost any "high end" watch.

Since that moment? No, not really. The first quartz digital watches appeared during the 1970s. They were big, heavy, and expensive. Not to mention, a pain in the neck to use, and ugly to boot. Practical, throwaway-priced quartz watches appeared in the 1980s. Before then, if you wanted a cheap watch you bought a wind-up Timex.

I think most of us already understood the differences between people who buy watches mainly as jewelry and those who have more prosaic needs. Apple is trying to find a sweet spot between the two camps. I'm not saying they've done it. About that we will know in a few months. The point is nobody can say one way or another now, based on what we currently know about the Apple Watch, which isn't much.

 

[Keirasplace]

Now this is what will threaten Apple's plans for a ridiculously priced $1,000 Apple Watch. Other than a very small segment of Apple's core demo, why spend that kind of money on a kitchy gadget that will outdate itself within a year or so? If I were able to pony up that kind of cash for a new watch, I'd much rather spend it on a true luxury brand that subtlety incorporates smart watch functionality, as opposed to Apple's unproven product. (I love Apple, too, but sorry, they cannot compete in the fashion wearables market and especially at that price point.)

Right... The fact that band offers 1/10 of what the Apple watch offers is not going to threaten anything.

----------

Over the past year on this forum, I have several times suggested a smart watchband as being a path for expensive wristwatches to add functionality.

So if I could think of it, they could too. It just makes sense, as the most important part... the watch... does not have to change, while the separate smart band can be updated whenever the owner wishes, as technology advances.

What I think would be really cool is if one day, the entire band could be covered in multi-color digital paper. That way, it could display different backgrounds (black leather, brown alligator, colors, etc) to suit your daily needs. Kind of like the FES watch which uses Sony e-ink displays, only in color.

View attachment 522921

If they could, they would... The problem is with current tech your band/watch would be more expensive than the Apple Watch and probably last less time (and be much much less durable too). Funny how some people are all into something that's barely better than a fitness band and of a quality seemingly a lot less than the watch it is attached too.

BTW, those are massively ugly watches!!!

----------

I'd wait until you've actually put on one your wrist before making such a statement.

þeople that have ACTUALLY HANDLED IT, including those in the watch industry, say the build of the Apple Watch is unlike any other smart watch.

 

[IJ Reilly]

Over the past year on this forum, I have several times suggested a smart watchband as being a path for expensive wristwatches to add functionality.

So if I could think of it, they could too. It just makes sense, as the most important part... the watch... does not have to change, while the separate smart band can be updated whenever the owner wishes, as technology advances.

What I think would be really cool is if one day, the entire band could be covered in multi-color digital paper. That way, it could display different backgrounds (black leather, brown alligator, colors, etc) to suit your daily needs. Kind of like the FES watch which uses Sony e-ink displays, only in color.

View attachment 522921

Not sure I see changing band colors as a kind of functionality, except perhaps for people who wear watches mainly as decoration (though this is perhaps what you mean). The other issue is the variety of band widths and attachment methods a manufacturer of this product would have to support. It seems relatively impractical. That said, I suspect that Apple is leaving the door open for functional bands. One of the few things we know for sure about the Apple Watch is that the band attachment is modular, allowing bands to be readily swapped. The possibilities of that innovation seem relatively limitless.

 

[Ciclismo]

But I thought the Swiss watch industry wasn't concerned about Watch (or any other smart watch for that matter)?

Mont Blanc is a German company based in Hamburg, about 700km north of Switzerland.