It is unusual for a seven-year-old watch company to use Kickstarter to raise money for a collection, but that is what British-owned Larsson & Jennings has done to crowdfund a new connected hybrid.
The product, called Wave, looks like a traditional two hand watch with a subdial at 6 o’clock, but it communicates with a smartphone app for features like health and fitness tracking, productivity reminders, music control, movement tracking and remote camera.
In addition, owners of Wave will also become members of a concierge service that can help with travel, dining, experiences, member events and special offers.
“More than just a members club, Wave’s concierge is your very own lifestyle assistant,” says Andrew Jennings, founder and CEO of Larsson & Jennings.
“Customers can trust our service to find exactly what you’re looking for with better access, better rates and added extras not available to the general public. We are excited to offer this groundbreaking feature as our evolution at Larsson & Jennings sets to break even more boundaries within the watch industry.”
The Kickstarter campaign launched last week with a target of raising £20,000 by offering discounts on advanced purchases. Wave will cost £295 when it launches in January next year, but can be pre-ordered on Kickstarter now for as little as £139.
With almost a month to go until the funding round closes, Larsson & Jennings has raised £50,000 already.
Slightly impressive considering the business has been liquidated / insolvent twice (companies house) and has an active moratorium against the use of the trading name larsson & jennings. Good luck to him i say.