Form, Function and Everything in Between: Hybrid Watches

There are two main directions in the world of watches today. One is going in the direction of carefully-crafted watches with many complications that transform watchmaking into a true and downright exceptional artform: year after year, household names as well as new-established brands race each other out in impressive designs, techniques and complications that leave audiences bouche bée. These items are made for the centuries and are veritable jewels that can become personal style staples and souvenirs. The other direction is represented by smartwatches. While classic haute horologie is striving to see how many exceptional complications you can put in a watch, the makers of smartwatches are trying to see how many applications they can put in a watch and still make it relevant. The world of smartwatches is definitely dedicated to a younger crowd with an urban mindset. Establishing business details in an e-mail is not something many CEOs want to do on a two-inch screen.

This is why, a new part of the industry has emerged, which is still quite small, but nevertheless quite noteworthy. And that is the segment of hybrid watches. One might have heard of a hybrid car, but a hybrid watch is still a new thing. The novel aspect of these watches has drawn many people. Some brands have even taken it to crowdfunding platforms to see if there is a true interest in it. And apparently there is. NOWA Watch is an example of such a brand. They started out on Kickstarter and are now selling their watches (which are designed in Paris), worldwide.

So what makes a hybrid watch interesting? Hybrid watches, such as the ones developed by NOWA are remarkable in that they combine the design of a classic, rather minimal watch with just a few, but useful features of a smartwatch. Thus, the watch does not look like a digital watch (and it does not have a digital display), but it can be used for more than just time telling. For example, by connecting it to your phone, the watch with adjust automatically to a new time zone when you travel. This definitely makes it great for business travelers, especially for those changing time zones all the time. Someone traveling a lot between Western, Central and Eastern Europe could really benefit a lot from such a watch.

Another interesting feature is the tracking and recording the wearer's activity (steps, distance and calories burned), which is useful for those who want to check their numbers without scratching their head in front of their watch.

And last, but not least, the watches proposed by NOWA notify you of incoming calls by flashing a discreet light on the dial. The call can be rejected by a short press on the crown. They do not do it for e-mails or messages. While this may not be a very sought-for feature, two others make up for it. One, the fact that pushing on the watch's crown will make it ring if the phone is in Bluetooth range - great for those who misplace their phone often and secondly, the fact that the watch can be used to take photos with your phone from a distance, a feature that many cool DSLR cameras have.

In terms of style, the watches are minimal, which means that they can be matched to almost any outfit and transition easily from day to night. You can even exchange their straps and make sure that you are evening-ready if you are attending a fancy dinner. Watches with simple designs are practical because they are appropriate with most types of outfits (from suits to polo shirt and pants combos) and go in most contexts, from traveling and having fun to working in the office. A hybrid watch, by its very nature, walks the fine line between being casual and dressy, which is why it is most likely best to skip it in very formal contexts (think black tie) or very sporty ones (think bungee jumping).

In conclusion, a hybrid watch can be "the best of both worlds" for those who want both the classic design of a minimal watch and the main functionalities of a smartwatch. If you are on the lookout for a smartwatch, but still enjoy the appearance of a classic watch, such a timepiece might be just the right thing for you.

Fraquoh and Franchomme

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