The Apple Watch Just Got a Huge New Competitor

1 minute read
Swatch Apple Watch Smartwatch
The logo of Swiss watchmaker Swatch is seen on the door of a Swatch watches shop in Strasbourg on March 12, 2009.Vincent Kessler—Reuters
By Jack Linshi

Swiss watchmaker Swatch Group, the world’s largest watch company, is planning on taking on the Apple Watch.

Swatch plans to release its own smartwatch within the next three months, which means its launch may be around the time of Apple Watch’s April debut, CEO Nick Hayek told Bloomberg on Thursday. Unlike the Apple Watch, Swatch’s smartwatch won’t have to be charged, Hayek said. Swatch’s gadget will also use near-field communication — the technology Apple uses for Apple Pay — and will work with Windows and Android software.

Swatch previously entered the smartwatch market in 2004, when it partnered with Microsoft and MSN to release a device called Paparazzi.

See How the Apple Watch Might Look if Reimagined by Fashion's Top Designers

An artist's concept of an Apple Watch by Chanel.
An artist's concept of an Apple Watch by Chanel.Finz Lo—Highsnobiety
An artist's concept of an Apple Watch by Alexander Wang.
An artist's concept of an Apple Watch by Alexander Wang.Finz Lo—Highsnobiety
An artist's concept of an Apple Watch by Maison Martin Margiela.
An artist's concept of an Apple Watch by Maison Martin Margiela.Finz Lo—Highsnobiety
An artist's concept of an Apple Watch by Givenchy .
An artist's concept of an Apple Watch by Givenchy.Finz Lo—Highsnobiety
An artist's concept of an Apple Watch by Louis Vuitton.
An artist's concept of an Apple Watch by Louis Vuitton.Finz Lo—Highsnobiety

[Bloomberg]

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