Smartwatches are hardly new, but what has been missing from this emerging digital sector is a discernible level of luxury. A gold case for the Apple Watch here and a calfskin strap for Samsung’s Gear Watch there is all well and good, but no brand has crafted a truly high-end smartwatch – until now.
German luxury brand Montblanc are the first to master the balance between practicality and luxury with their first smartwatch, the Montblanc Summit. Combining fine watchmaking with Android Wear 2.0, this is one of the most advanced and powerful, not to mention beautiful, timepieces on the market.
But why does this mark a new era in luxury wearable tech for men? Before the Summit, smartwatches have seemingly been obsessed with progression, moving away from the classic look of wristwatches to create increasingly corner-less and futuristic designs. Essentially, they have moved away from what we want in a watch.
Montblanc has listened, however, and created a piece that is noticeable still a classic watch. With a vintage look that blends digital innovation with the traditions of fine watchmaking. It is a delicate art, to master the perfect alchemy between the design codes of traditional fine timekeeping, premium materials and state-of-the-art technology, but the German manufacturer has undoubtedly cracked it.
Another world first in smartwatches, the Summit’s display is covered by a slightly curved plate of sapphire glass to give the feeling of a real watch on the wrist. But, with a Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 2100 processor under that glass, this is much more than a simple watch – and can be used as a personal assistant, global translator, as well as heart rate monitor and personal stereo.
Notifications, messaging and navigation complete the enviable list of features – and with an all-day battery enclosed in the 46mm case, you’ll be covered during any eventuality.
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