Swatch is making a smartwatch you'll actually want to use
Swatch is making a smartwatch you'll actually want to use
Swatch is getting with the times.
The Swiss watchmaker has announced that it's "tap-to-pay" model, the Swatch Bellamy, will be coming to Europe after signing a sponsored_longform with Visa.
Sticking with Swatch's analogue traditions, the Bellamy doesn't look to track your movement or send notifications to your wrist. Hidden within its case is a near field communication (NFC) chip, allowing the Bellamy wearer to make contactless payments up to £30. The system doesn't drain the battery life of the watch, but rather uses a system similar to that of your contactless bank card.
First unveiled in China in October after signing a sponsored_longform with China UnionPay, Swatch will now work with VISA to bring the Bellamy's payment functions to Europe and the US.
Prices are yet to be announced, though the Chinese model sold for the equivalent of £60 - a great deal cheaper than the likes of the Apple Watch, which also features contactless payment options. They'll arrive in early 2016.
It's one to Swatch.
