While the annual International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas is known for featuring attention-grabbing gadgets like innovative televisions, virtual reality headsets and drones, the wearable technology sector appeared to make its fair share of headlines during the 2015 event.
Industry commentators noted the increase in exhibition floor space dedicated to jewellery and watch technology along with the fact that the market had matured.
One article published by the technology news website Engadget stated that ”there are plenty more companies trying to get in on the action, but also those that make the devices are starting to move beyond just making technology for marathon runners”.
The report continued: “A big focus this year has been on making wearable technology much more attractive.”
The smartwatch and smart jewellery category has, to date, largely been dominated by technology companies such as Sony, Motorola, Google and now Apple, however, the huge exhibition this year indicated that this might not be the case going forward.
In good news for jewellery retailers, brands such as Guess Watches, Swarovski and Montblanc used the tradeshow as a launching pad for their own smart jewellery and watches.
Although these products are not currently available to retailers, it is seemingly a clear indication that the market is evolving.
Below is Jeweller’s compilation of some of the more stylish wearables showcased at this year’s CES, which was held from 6 to 9 January.
Guess Connect
Guess Watches has partnered with smartwatch developer Martian Watches to create a new timepiece called Guess Connect. The water-resistant smartwatch provides voice command functionality via Bluetooth while also allowing for hands-free and eyes-free notifications to the wrist. The device was named a CES 2015 Innovation Award Honoree and marks Guess Watches’ first entry into the smartwatch category.
“The marriage of this fashion powerhouse with a leading smartwatch developer may become the first fashion smartwatch to be distributed through both the worldwide fashion watch channel and the consumer electronic channel,” a company statement read.
A spokesperson for the brand’s local distributor, Designa Accessories, confirmed to Jeweller that the timepiece was expected to be available in Australia and New Zealand later this year.
Swarovski Shine
Swarovski unveiled its first wearable technology collection at CES. The Swarovski Shine range was developed in collaboration with Misfit, a wearable computing manufacturer. The offering centres on an “activity-tracking crystal” that can be worn in either bracelet, wristband or pendant form. It measures the wearer’s daily activities and sleep quality, while syncing wirelessly to a smartphone.
While the Swarovski and Misfit websites currently feature a clear-coloured and battery-run “activity-tracking crystal”, several reports indicate that a violet-coloured crystal will also be made available at a later date.
The collection is reportedly available for pre-order in the US, with shipments to China, Hong Kong and the US expected to begin by the end of March.
Montblanc e-Strap
Montblanc claims to be the first luxury brand to combine wearable technology with “fine watchmaking in the centuries-old Swiss horological tradition”.
Unlike most smartwatches where the face becomes a touchscreen, Montblanc’s version includes a traditional mechanical watch with the smart device built into an interchangeable e-Strap. The leather watchband connects to smart devices via Bluetooth and vibrates to alert the wearer of incoming calls, emails, text messages and social media updates. It also features an activity tracker.
The e-Strap is part of the brand’s Time Walker Urban Speed collection, and according to the Montblanc website, will be available in June 2015.
LookSee
The LookSee bracelet is said to merge technology and modern style with the added bonus of an “always on” low-power consumption display screen. This screen, called E Ink, allows for black, grey and white display options that can exhibit text, photos, clock faces, maps, QR codes and boarding passes.
The cuff bracelet connects via Bluetooth and has a rechargeable battery that reportedly lasts up to one year on a single 10-minute charge. The piece is available in three sizes.
Withings Activité Pop
French company Withings garnered attention at this year’s CES for its colourful activity and sleep tracking watch range, Activité Pop. Adopting Swiss style, the timepiece is available in three colours and has a PVD-coated case and silicone strap.
The watch features two dials – one shows the time while the sub-dial displays a progress percentage of specific activity goals. It also features sleep tracking, swim tracking, silent alarm, Bluetooth connectivity and an eight-month battery life.
BlueJewelz pendants
BlueJewelz showcased its pendant offering, which it dubs “smart jewellery for women”. The pendants resemble traditional jewellery pieces but are embedded with notification technology that connects wirelessly to a smartphone.
They keep the wearer in touch with messages, phone calls and emails, and also feature a lost phone notification. While there are currently two pendant designs in sterling silver, gold-plated silver or silver-tone base metal on offer, the BlueJewelz’s website stated that bracelets, necklaces and pins would be released in January 2015.
The collection is expected to be available online in the second quarter of 2015 as well as through “select retailers”.
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