While your full blown smartwatches tend to get more press, there are a growing number of companies who are manufacturing hybrid watches. NOWA is one such company and has launched a Kickstarter to complete production of their first hybrid watch — the Shaper by NOWA.
The result of a collaboration with artist Eric Gizard, the NOWA watch features automatic time zone changing, activity tracking, sleep tracking, call alerts, camera control, and more. With a thin, refined look, this hybrid watch is just 9.75mm thick and targeted to those who want a great looking watch with minimal smartwatch features.
“Smartwatches are too complicated,” says Eric Gizard, an interior designer and artist from Paris. “I just need a slim watch that makes a fashion statement and automatically sets time when I’m travelling… and nothing else.”
Design features of the NOWA watch include:
- 316L Stainless Steel Case: two refined finishes – brushed and sanded
- Flat Bezel: luxury touch with highly polished finish
- Mineral Glass: anti-scratch Sapphire coating
- Light Indicator: Circle of Light for intelligent features
- Control Pusher: classic crown style
- Solid Metal Indices: intentional minimalism
- Full Grain Italian Leather: comfortable Nubuke lining
- Swiss Parts Movement: smartphone-controlled hands
- Thin Leather Loop: with coated edges that match the strap color
- Stainless Steel Clasp: perfectly matches the case finish
Shaper by NOWA is currently up for grabs on Kickstarter at a price of $99USD for one or $190USD for two — half price off the retail price of $199-$229USD. Four options are currently available including Classic Black, Classic Brown, Dessus Chics, and Trilling.
NOWA is at the final production stage and is hoping to raise $35,000 by April 22nd to complete production of the watch. The project will only be funded if it reaches its goal, which is currently sitting at just under 10% funded (at the time of this article) — not bad for a project that just launched a few hours ago.
What do you think about the NOWA watch and hybrid watches in general? Will you be backing Shaper by NOWA? Let us know in the comments below or on Google+, Twitter, or Facebook.
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