Montblanc introduces wearable technology to fine watchmaking

Smart wearable technology has become one of the most talked about topics in the watch world. In early 2015 Montblanc launched its TimeWalker Urban Speed e-Strap and became the first luxury brand to combine wearable technology with fine watchmaking.

The Montblanc TimeWalker Urban Speed e-Strap

The Maison introduces the TimeWalker Urban Speed e-Strap, marrying a highly functional e-Strap with contemporary TimeWalker timepieces. The e-Strap is an interchangeable strap, with an integrated technology device that offers an activity tracker, smart notifications, remote controls and Find-Me functions. It connects, via Bluetooth Low Energy, to selected Android and iOS smartphones. For the first time, an owner will be able to wear a mechanical timepiece with highly useful digital functionality.

The e-Strap device has an inbuilt touch screen, which displays information and allows the user to navigate through the functionalities. Depending on usage, the device needs to be recharged every five days using a standard micro-USB cable.

Montblanc TimeWalker Urban Speed Chronograph e-Strap - Front 113827_CROPPED

The Leather e-Strap

The wristband is made from Montblanc’s signature Extreme woven leather. Created by the Montblanc Pelleteria in Florence, the durable leather is textured and impregnated with a treatment that does not only coat the surface of the wristband, but also bonds with it and increases its structural strength. This technique produces a high-performance leather, delivering abrasion resistance, water repellence and heat-, water- and fire-resistance. The woven finish matches perfectly with the sporty yet elegant appearance of the timepiece.

Montblanc TimeWalker Urban Speed Chronograph e-Strap - Back 113827_CROPPED

The e-Strap device functions

– Smart notifications: signaled by vibrations from the smartphone the user can preview e-dates and check reminders of important upcoming meetings.

– Activity tracker: monitors the wearer’s physical activity over time and keeps track of his personal daily goals. It measures the number of steps taken per day, calories burnt and distance travelled. The user can view his progress per week and month. The e-Strap will remind the wearer to stay active through unobtrusive vibration alerts and show daily progress at a glance.

– Remote controls: allow users to take pictures with the smartphone by triggering the shutter, making for better and easier selfies and group shots. Music can also be remotely steered from the e-Strap.

 

– Find-Me function: allows you to search for the watch or phone within a range of 30 metres by tapping on the e-Strap to find the smartphone or by using the smartphone application to find the watch.

The e-Strap is compatible with Samsung Galaxy S4, S5, Note 3, Note 4, selected Android devices running Android 4.3 and upwards as well as Apple iPhone 4S, 5, 5C, 6 and 6 plus.

For further information, please visit www.montblanc.com

Arrnott Olssen

Editor Rogue Homme