Swatch Group has confirmed that it will defend its turf against technology companies like Apple and Samsung in the battle for wearable smart watches.
In a statement following the release of its 2014 financial results, the company’s chief executive Nick Hayek revealed it will introduce its first smart watch within months, making it likely the trade will get its first glimpse of the product at Baselworld.
The release date could see Apple and Swatch launch within days or weeks of each other. The Apple Watch is expected in April.
“Swatch will launch a new generation of its Swatch smart watch in the next two to three months,” Hayek said.
“Functions will include communication, mobile payments at stores such as Migros and Coop, and applications that work with Windows and Android – without having to be charged,” he added.
The promise that Swatch’s smart watch will not need to be charged overnight – currently the case with power hungry models from the mobile phone world – suggests that the Swiss company wants the smart watch battle to be fought on a traditional timepiece playing field.
Android watches from Samsung, Sony and LG last a few days between charges, while Apple is only promising one day in the details it has released so far.
