The list of OEMs stepping up to partner with Google and make a watch or two designed around Android Wear 2.0 is slowly growing and the latest addition to that list is the well-known watch maker Movado. As the company has now announced its intention to release a new smartwatch collection, the Movado Connect. Movado will be revealing the first of the new collection to the public at the upcoming Baselworld jewelry trade show, which kicks off on March 23, with an expected release set for some time in fall of this year. Initially, there will be five different men’s styles available, all inspired by the Movado Museum dial, and all coming with customizable elements. In terms of price, the only confirmed details so far is that the collection will have a starting price of $495.
While Movado is not a complete stranger to the world of smartwatches, they are far more famous for their exploits in traditional watchmaking. The company’s previous forays into the smartwatch world were made alongside HP, rather than with Google’s direct blessing and collaboration. This means that the Movado Connect is very likely to be the first dedicated Android Wear 2.0 device that’s made to take advantage of all of the platform’s new features, while also putting fashion first. Powerful new features like dial controls, Android Pay, and Google Assistant will all be on board with the Movado Connect.
While Movado has not yet unveiled exactly what the design of the Movado Connect will be like, the company did say that it will be inspired by Movado’s Museum design. This design is a fairly simple one, with one-piece, all-round dials that also tie into the band hooks. The press release regarding the Movado Connect also states that the new smartwatch would sport some of these design elements. Previous Movado smartwatches, made in collaboration with HP, have a similar look. With five customizable styles slated to come out, it’s anybody’s guess as to how they will vary from the base design conventions pulled from the Museum lineup. Since NFC will be on board, and likely a decent processor and battery to accommodate Android Wear 2.0, the watch will likely be thicker than previous entries. A rotary dial will also likely be included, since that seems to be a key feature of Android Wear 2.0.