Possibly the biggest gathering of premium watch lovers from around the world, Baselworld 2017, which kicked off on March 23 and will run through March 30, saw Samsung reveal a concept smartwatch based on the Samsung Gear S3. But it’s not a wrist watch, as one might assume: it’s a traditional pocket watch design, the kind we normally see in old movies – remember Around the World in 80 Days?
Yup, Samsung is going retro with this concept pocket watch, but it’s actually a bigger deal that Samsung is now joining the fraternity of premium horologists like Rolex, Audemars Pigeut, Vacheron Constantin, Patek Philippe and other names that roll off your tongue like the equally expensive Almas Iranian Beluga caviar!
But why does Samsung want to enter the world of premium watches? Yvan Arpa, the designer that Samsung is collaborating with on the three models to be showcased at Baselworld 2017, and was involved in the original design process for Samsung Gear S3, offers a clue:
“Samsung’s presence at Baselworld demonstrates the evolving world of technology and horology. Samsung is committed to delivering quality craftsmanship in all of its products to reflect the heritage and evolution of the watch industry.”
That’s not a bad crowd to be in. By associating itself with the world’s most premium watch crafters, it is sending a strong message to its consumers that quality is paramount. In a way, it may help negate at least some of the negative impact that their 2016 Galaxy Note 7 had on the Samsung brand.
At Baselworld 2017, Samsung also rolled out a Value Pack for Gear S2 and Gear S3 customers, as well as two other concept watches based on Gear S3. One of these is actually a traditional watch with Swiss-made movement and detail, and another is a premium touched-up version of Gear S3. The third is the pocket watch concept design. Samsung also showcased several custom watch straps, and more color variants of Gear S3, which was launched recently.
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