Swiss watch manufacturer has announced plans to build an Android Wear-powered smartwatch. The company – part of luxury goods-maker LVMH Group is collaborating with Google and Intel in order to produce the device.
The high-end watch industry is dominated by Swiss companies, though Tag Heuer is the first to develop a Google-based device. Experts are seeing the decision as part of an attempt to take on Apple. The plans were unveiled at Switzerland’s Baselworld trade event.
LVMH’s Jean-Claude Biver said his firm decided to look beyond Switzerland after deciding to produce a smartwatch, telling the BBC: “There are two operating systems: one is Apple’s iOS, the other is Android Wear – who are we to invent another language at that level?”
Biver branded the idea of launching his own operating system “absurd”, saying that it would be “arrogant” to try and emulate Apple and Google. Speaking of the decision to work with Google rather than Apple, Biver said: “There is no doubt that we could eventually go to Apple, but why should we do a partnership with Apple, who is producing watches? On the one side they would be partners, on the other a competitor. Google is not producing watches, so the relationship is perfect.”
Intel said it was pleased to be working with LVMH, describing the Tag Heuer brand as “dynamic, disruptive and modern”.
Rival manufacturer Swatch recently announced plans to launch its own smartwatch, although said its device would be a simpler product than the Apple Watch.
