The ‘Hybrid Manufacture’ watch blends technology with mechanical movement, resulting in a unique smartwatch which offers up some features of a more commonly known smartwatch, such as notifications and sleep tracking, in a timepiece that Frederique Constant is calling a “world’s first” achievement. By world’s first, Constant is referring to the fact that this would be the first hybrid smartwatch that uses mechanical movement and not quartz movement with smart features. That set this watch apart from the competition and potentially gives it a leg up in the market of consumers it’s trying to position itself in front of.
With the Hybrid Manufacture you won’t see things like a touchscreen display or apps, but you will get the above-mentioned sleep tracking, notifications for incoming messages and the like, as well as step tracking, and a second time zone you can swap to if you have the need to do so. The watch will also let you obtain tips on coaching on staying fit and reaching your goals, though it is worth noting that all of this happens in the smartphone companion app which needs to be installed on the device you would have the watch connected to. That said this is no different from any other hybrid watch or fitness tracker which makes use of an app for the bulk of the more robust functions.
Since this is a hybrid mechanical smartwatch you don’t have to worry about things like battery life, for the most part, at least in the sense that you aren’t going to be plugging it in. it will come in three available style options, all of which will be stainless steel cases and one of which is a Rose Gold color. Cost-wise the Hybrid Manufacture will start at a price of $3,495, but the Rose Gold option should you prefer it will cost $3,795. While this may not be equipped with all of the smarts you’ll see in something like the LG Watch Sport or Gear S3, it is water-resistant so you can wear it out and not have to worry about getting caught in the rain or accidentally spilling something on it. There is no exact date for release but the watches should be available for purchase sometime in May or June.
