Montblanc e-Strap fitted to Timewalker Urban Speed analogue
Credit: Montblanc/Pocket-lint
Smartwatches have achieved a degree of popularity, but remain far from universal. There are a number of reasons for this, including:
• preference for the appearance of an analogue watch
• dislike of the high-tech appearance of many smartwatches
• sentimental attachment to an existing watch
A solution that has occurred to a few is a "smart band". I.e. a band for a conventional watch with “smarts” built into the band itself, or the clasp.
Mondillian smart-band failed to get funding on IndieGoGo:
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/modillian-smart-strap-make-your-watch-smart
Kairos T-band Smartwatch achieved funding on IndieGoGo – with options of a band for an existing watch or a smart band complete with analogue watch. Only adjustment of the band is by once-only cutting, after which no further adjustment is possible. A deal breaker for some.
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/kairos-t-band-smartwatch-best-of-analog-digital
Montblanc, well known watch manufacturer, is developing an e-Strap for its Timewalker Urban Speed range, or separately, although it will be towards the top of the smart watch price range at around €250.
http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/132167-montblanc-e-strap-lets-you-upgrade-your-current-watch-to-make-it-smart
http://www.geek.com/mobile/montblanc-e-strap-turns-any-watch-into-a-smartwatch-1612706/
http://www.cnet.com/news/e-strap-puts-a-smartwatch-strap-on-a-dumbwatch/ / Geneva watch trade show SIHH 2015 watch luxury goods maker smartwatch market smart wearables Montblanc Timewalker Urban Speed collection timepieces optional strap e-Strapproduct reference 113827 first smart connected wearable established luxury company high-end leather strap carbon fiber texture Extreme Montblanc Leather produced Florence Italy electronic module DLC diamond like carbon coated steel grey gray steel colour color size options technology consumers want mechanical watch choice dilemma. strap smart wearable device 2015 Montblanc Timewalker Urban Speed watches available for purchase separately crowd-funded project e-Strap option NATO-style designed connects 42mm 43mm wide lug space sizes 22mm wide iPhone iOS Android /
