It is called the Apple Watch and, after a long wait, was unveiled yesterday at the Flint Center in Cupertino, California, along with the new iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. From the watchmaking point of view, despite the alleged declarations of defiance to Swiss watchmaking, it is, as expected, an electronic multifunction that can interact with the iPhone by providing a new communication system (between watch and watch) and numerous additional functions through downloadable applications. The most interesting use is for fitness, with numerous functions already integrated and the possibility of detecting the user's heartbeat. The appearance is that of a normal digital watch with a crown, which is used to navigate through the various functions. However, it is always necessary to use the touch screen to then use the applications. There are three Apple Watch collections in the catalogue: Watch, Sport and Edition, the latter with an 18-carat yellow or rose gold case. All are equipped with interchangeable straps, with a discrete choice of models, all with a design that does not betray the Cupertino company's style. Accuracy is very high, with a deviation of no more than 50 thousandths of a second from the standard universal time. In tune with the iPhone, when on the move the watch sets itself to the local time zone. Available in two sizes - with 38- and 42-millimetre cases, the non-precious versions of the Apple Watch are made of special stainless steel and aluminium alloys. What is puzzling is the watch's non-independence from the iPhone, whose mobile network connection or wifi it has to exploit in order to be able to share and use applications such as maps, messaging or social networks. At the moment, the Apple Watch does not appear to be a real revolution or even a threat to Swiss watchmaking, but rather an interesting accessory for the iPhone. In general, it will be subsequent developments, with the creation of dedicated apps by software developers, that will determine its success or otherwise. We remain in anticipation. In the meantime, the watch is coming to the States in early 2015 and will be on sale for $349.
