When smartwatches first came onto the scene, watchmakers and enthusiasts alike scoffed at the idea of wearing what equated to a small computer on your wrist. It defied the fundamental pillars of the industry: exquisite craftsmanship, time-honoured tradition, innovative engineering. As technology has taken over our lives however, the connection between man and machine has grown ever closer, and that has extended to our wrists and a growing category of tech-enabled watches. Since Apple redefined the industry with its first smartwatch in 2015, luxury brands have slowly warmed up to the idea of integrating tech functionality into their wares, resulting in watches that combine the best of both worlds. Whether you’re an avid traveller or fitness junkie, these innovative timepieces can do everything from monitoring air pollution to mapping out your next 9-hole.
TAG Heuer Connected
High-performance meets technological innovation with the latest release from the Swiss luxury watchmaker. This limited edition blackout Connected timepiece features an ultra-light titanium case, ceramic bezel, steel crown and bezel, and rubber strap—a slick and sturdy addition to any wrist. From a tech standpoint, this is the watch for the active individual. On top of standard performance features like GPS and heart rate monitors, the Connected can also track your favourite cycling routes, help you run faster, and even map out over 39,000 golf courses through 2D/3D plans and satellite imagery to assist with your golf game. $2,350
Louis Vuitton Tambour Horizon
Travel and luxury are synonymous with Louis Vuitton, which originally carved out its reputation as a purveyor of fine travel goods when it was founded in 1854. Since then, the French maison has established itself as one of the most influential and recognizable luxury brands in the world, expanding into multiple categories, smartwatches being one of them. The Tambour Horizon builds on their rich history by offering a versatile range of style and tech features fitting for the avid traveller. Choose between a range of interchangeable straps and customizable faces to match your mood and the adventure you’ve embarked on for the day. The AMOLED touch screen lets you toggle between flight information, city guides, and even pollution levels to get the most out of your travel experience. $6,040
Frederique Constant Hybrid
While tech-enabled watches provide a host of additional benefits, they often don’t look or resemble the look of a classic watch that traditionalists and enthusiasts often pledge loyalty to. Perhaps that’s the point, but for those looking for the best of both worlds, Frederique Constant’s Hybrid collection offers an ideal fit. With the look and feel of a classic luxury timepiece, these smartwatches can also talk directly with your smartphone thanks to its inner workings. The tech-enabled anatomy tracks activity, sleep, fitness and more. $4,095
Montblanc Summit 2
The follow up to their original entry into the smartwatch category, Montblanc’s Summit 2 introduces a smaller 42mm case size with a spectrum of customizable options for case materials, finishes, and straps. The unisex timepiece also comes jam-packed with a host of tech features, including 8GB of storage, NFC-enabled contactless payment, heart rate and barometric sensors, and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 3100 (translation: very fast) processor. It’s the perfect travel companion for the individual with a busy itinerary. $1,285
Apple Watch Hermès Series 5
Sure, Apple isn’t considered a timepiece brand as much as it is a tech company. But ignoring them in a roundup of smartwatches would be an oversight of their influence on the category. In a partnership with iconic French fashion house Hermès, these watches marry the best of tech and luxury together. Featured in their Series 5 collection, the notable Della Cavalleria print often seen in Hermès’ scarf collections is featured prominently on the extra long calfskin straps that make up the Double Tour watch. Functionality-wise, you’ll find all the tech trappings of an Apple Series 5 watch, including GPS, optical and electrical heart sensors, always-on retina display, fitness trackers, and more. $1,880
