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Creators of posh timepieces aren’t exactly known for changing a time-tested formula when it comes to watchmaking, but Emporio Armani decided to team up with Fossil to tap into the budding smartwatch market. Apparently, the two luxury brands realized that a growing segment of the wealthy elite is also interested in connected devices. Thus, the EA Connected Watch was born, which is said to have a battery life that can last for up to six months.
Fossil was way ahead of the curve when it came to smartwatch technology than everyone else, Ars Technica reports, with its experiments on wearables years before. However, it wasn’t until it acquired the brand “Misfit” that it really started getting serious in providing customers with connected devices.
As a result, practically every brand under Fossil is now offering hybrid watches. These are basically a mix of luxury analog watches and connected wearables. The EA Connected watch is a great example of this since it has many of the features expected of wearables, including step-tracking, counting calories, distance measurements, and it even has a second time-zone.
That last bit was apparently added due to popular request, The Verge reports, with Fossil and Emporio Armani asking customers what they wanted from their smartwatch. The majority voted to have more options in terms of time-zones and the brands obliged.
Perhaps the most attractive aspect of the EA Connected unit, as well as all of the hybrid watches under Fossil, is their coin-cell battery. These batteries allow for continued use for up to six months before they need to be replaced. Now, this is bad news for those who like to recharge their watches, but not having to plug their wearables every day to use them might just be a boon to most.
Engadget also notes Fossil’s enthusiasm to devote so much resource into building its line of connected devices. This might just be a response to the growing trend of trying to maintain the geeky appeal of wearables and the poised charm of luxury timepieces.
