Swatch set to interrupt Apple Watch launch with a timely smartwatch release of its own
Swatch is set to rain on Apple’s parade by launching its own smartwatch product within weeks of the Apple Watch.
Nick Hayek, chief executive officer of Swatch
The Swiss watchmaking firm is set to clash with the Apple Watch’s release in April, where it will be in a good position to capture non-Apple users with its Android and Windows phone compatibility, while benefiting from the Apple-generated smartwatch buzz.
Nick Hayek, chief executive officer of Swatch, told Bloomberg: “Swatch will launch a new generation of its Swatch smartwatch in the next two to three months.
“Functions will include communication, mobile payments at stores such as Migros and Coop, and applications that works with Windows and Android - without having to be charged.”
Swatch will also utilise its many tech patents, such as extended life batteries, in the new line with the firm reporting it filed its record number of applications in 2014.
The Apple Watch is quickly becoming the envy of traditional Swiss watchmaking firms with Jean-Claude Biver, the chief executive of TAG Heuer, dubbing the Apple Watch an ‘incredible achievement’ last month.
