Screenshot from Bulgari video for its Diagono E Magnesium
From the beginning of the wearable conversation, horology experts surmised that the most logical approach would be a combination of analog function alongside technological touchpoints.
This year at Baselworld 2016 March 2016, the industry?s most prestigious fair held annually in Basel, Switzerland, watchmakers across the sector introduced forward-looking pieces that took advantage of new tech without jeopardizing horological know-how. Overwhelmingly, these wearables pair functionality with design to ensure that a brand?s core consumers are not alienated, while also increasing attractiveness among those who do not typically sport a timepiece.
?The watches category is currently in a down cycle, mainly because there is nothing new or exciting in the category,? said Donnie Pacheco, principal at Clean Channel Consulting, Inc., Seattle. ?Due to this lack of an overriding trend, brands are turning to wearables,? he said. ?While sales of wearables may not be as expected, there is nothing else to drive sales and there is fear of missing out on a potential trend.
?There is also the memory of what the introduction of Japanese quartz watches did to the industry. No brand wants to be left behind if wearables is the path forward, and is ignored or dismissed, in the way Japanese quartz watches were when first introduced.?
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From designer labels such as Chanel to fine Swiss watchmakers Breguet, horologists across the sp...