Sams Group Australia CEO Steve Der Bedrossian explained that under the agreement, the supplier would handle the exclusive distribution of the Samsung smartwatch for jewellery retailers in Australia.
He added that the range, comprising the Gear S3 frontier and the Gear S3 classic, would officially launch at the Sydney International Jewellery Fair (IJF) this weekend.
The deal marks a significant change in strategy for Samsung, with Der Bedrossian stating that the company has, until now, limited supply of smartwatches to electronic and mobile phone retail stores.
“Because it’s such an amazing watch, Samsung’s head of marketing wants to see the product alongside other watches in jewellery stores,” Der Bedrossian said, adding that the launch in Australia coincided with a roll-out to other jewellery retailers in international markets.
“Samsung is starting to do this [distribution channel] globally; it’s all happening at the same time,” he explained.
Der Bedrossian said he began negotiations with the electronics company at Baselworld in March this year and was now pleased to have reached an agreement where both parties were satisfied.
Local opportunities
It’s arguable that smartwatches have gained little traction in local jewellery stores but Der Bedrossian was confident the Gear S3 would fill a gap in the market.
“The Gear S3 is the best smartwatch on the market and is not restricted as it connects both to Android and Apple,” he said. “It’s an awesome product made by an amazing brand – a very small investment, with a big return for retailers resulting from having a household name like Samsung in-store.”
The two models could be mistaken for traditional watches given their ‘Always on Display' feature; however, the difference is that the bezel, crown and crystal can be turned, pressed or tapped to read messages, respond to calls and access apps.
Der Bedrossian also pointed to the fact that wearers could customise the watch by downloading many different dials and was also compatible with standard 22mm watch bands as strong selling propositions.
He added that user-friendly countertop display units and staff training would be provided to stockists.
As previously reported by Jeweller, Samsung launched its first smartwatch, Galaxy Gear, in September 2013 after months of speculation.
While the release of Samsung’s Galaxy Gear followed other smartwatches developed by technology giants like Sony and Casio, it was reportedly the first of its kind to allow users to make calls without having to take phones out of their pockets. Wearers instead used the built-in speaker and microphone – a feature also included in the Gear S3.
Sams Group Australia launched in 1967 under the trading name Sams Watchmaker Jeweller. The supplier, which rebranded as Sams Group Australia in 2011, is well known for its Classique watch brand that uses Swiss components. The company also distributes RM Williams watches and jewellery as well as Pink Kimberley and Blush Pink Diamonds.
The IJF will take place at the International Convention Centre in Sydney from Saturday 26 August to Monday 28 August.
Gear S3
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