Editor's Pick, Time

6 high-tech watches you need

 
6 high-tech watches you need

What does a classic watch look like to a technophile? It has to be accurate at telling time, of course, and be seamlessly integrated with cutting-edge technology.

 

Breitling Exospace B55 Yachting

While the 2016 Exospace B55 version was chock-full of pilot-friendly functions and even came with a Bluetooth connection to the wearer’s smartphone, the new Exospace B55 Yachting model (powered by the Breitling Exospace B55) has been developed with yachting professionals and regatta competitors in mind. Fitted with Breitling’s SuperQuartz movement that is 10 times more accurate than standard quartz, the watch includes a chronograph with analog and digital displays. And get this: the battery life is 10 years. The countdown timer, a crucial feature of regatta-timing watches, can be resynced if a judge stops and restarts the countdown to the start of a regatta at ease. Besides the plentiful functions, the 46mm titanium watch (it is 15.25mm thick with a convex sapphire anti-reflective crystal and a solid screwed case-back) is also pretty good looking on the wrist. The blue TwinPro rubber strap with a folding clasp adds a pop of vibrancy to the overall look.

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Tag Heuer Connected Modular 41

If you want a smartwatch that is completely Swiss Made and incorporates an ingenious modular concept, this is it. Created in collaboration with Intel and Google, the Tag Heuer Connected Modular 41 shows off a number of improvements made to the previous 45mm version: its AMOLED 390×390 screen offers 326 ppi resolution and enhanced brightness with the maximum of 350 nits. Its storage capacity has also been upped to 8GB and RAM memory to 1GB, making it exceptionally smooth under any usage conditions. As if that were not enough, boosting all the functionalities of the Connected Modular 45, the Connected Modular 41 is water resistant to 50 metres and features GPS, an NFC sensor enabling contactless payment via Android Pay and numerous infinitely customisable TAG Heuer dials. Available at Tag Heuer boutiques and on their website, the Tag Heuer Connected Modular 41 comes in seven standard models with customisable straps and lugs too.

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Montblanc Summit 2

This second iteration of Montblanc’s Summit smartwatch has a considerably smaller 42mm case in comparison to the original 46mm. Outfitted with advanced technologies on the market, Summit 2 is the first luxury smartwatch to include Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon Wear 3100 chipset for enhanced performance, improved battery life and supposedly lasts for a weeklong time-only mode. The Summit 2 is equipped by Google’s Wear OS, meaning it is compatible with both iOS and Android smartphones. The Running Coach app, powered by the Firstbeat analytics engine, lets runners track fitness levels (based on VO2max), as well as specify goals and get personalised training plans. You can create a staggering 70,000 unique looks with the different case finishes – black DLC steel, stainless steel, bicolour steel and titanium – can be combined with strap options including calfskin, Milanese steel, rubber sport and nylon.

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Casio PRO TREK WSD-F30

Last year, Casio released the WSD-F20, which won the hearts of all outdoor enthusiasts with its GPS and map functionality. Casio’s latest watch in the series, the WSD-F30, is packed with a range of functions that dazzle. For example, the Extend Mode ensures power management such as the use of offline colour maps and GPS for up to three days on a single charge. The amazingly improved dual-layer monochrome and colour display doesn’t just show time, but also atmospheric pressure/altitude and compass bearing. 3.9mm narrower and 0.4mm thinner than its predecessor, the more compact aesthetic of the watch not only looks good on a delicate wrist. Furthermore, the WSD-F30 comes with a nano-treated bezel for a more luxurious feel and a more flexible watchband for greater adjustability and fit.

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Hublot Big Bang Referee 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia

Last year, FIFA expressed a request for a customised watch for the referees, and Hublot brought it to life. Featuring an analogue mode dial with the same aesthetic as that of automatic models, it showcases all the characteristics of the emblematic Big Bang: its architecture cut out of the lightness of titanium, its bezel decorated with six H-shaped screws, and its Kevlar insert. The differences are twofold: the 49mm case size and the first Hublot motor to be driven by technology associated to digital intelligence. With greater flexibility and versatility, the watch – which is available in analogue and digital versions – offers 32 dials inspired by the flags of the participating countries and two neutral dials. In addition to a sponge strap sporting the 2018 FIFA World Cup emblem and a lined black strap, you can also ask for one in the colours of your favourite country.

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Frederique Constant Hybrid Manufacture

Designed with traditional watchmaking philosophies and streamlined with modern-day techniques, the watch epitomises the perfect marriage between fine mechanical watchmaking and smartwatch specs. The unique technology of this watch comes in three parts. First, the manufacturing. The Hybrid Manufacture FC-750 is in-house developed, in-house produced and in-house assembled – and so is the electronic part of the calibre. A unique anti-magnetic shield case is created to eliminate the negative magnetic effects of having the mechanical and electronical components in a movement. Second, the smartwatch functionality. This means you get an activity tracker, sleep monitor, worldtimer, battery indicator and dynamic coach (which provides suggestion based on your health goals). Third, the calibre analytics. The watch self-analyses the oscillations of the movement at 4am every day, taking into account possible rate, amplitude and beat error. If an issue occurs, the wearer is informed through the App and Cloud.

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