London – Fossil Group, the watch, jewellery and accessories manufacturer for
brands including Michael Kors and Kate Spade, is set to launch wearables
for eight brands in 40 countries this year.
The announcement was made during Baselworld with Fossil confirming that
it will launch 100 wearable products in 2016 for eight brands – Chaps,
Diesel, Emporio Armani, Fossil, Kate Spade New York, Michael Kors, Misfit
and Skagen.
The products will include display and non-display watches, as well as
trackers, and will be available in 40 countries and more than 20 languages
by Holiday 2016.
Fossil was quick to point out that the wearable offerings will vary from
brand to brand, but added that it will support the category with unique and
branded apps across all brands, three product categories, and two operating
systems as it aims to bring a “fashion-first focus and innovation” to the
wearables industry.
Fossil Group chief strategy and digital officer, Greg McKelvey, said:
“One of the distinct advantages of a fashion company over traditional
consumer electronics manufacturers is our product cycle. We demonstrate
remarkable speed to market, from development to launch, in order to meet
the retail industry’s seasonal new product deadlines.
“The industry has been slow to adapt to growing consumer desires for new
styles and options for wearables. With the diversity of major fashion
brands we offer, customers will be delighted with the sheer volume of
styles and options available when shopping for a wearable that fits their
personal style.”
This increase in wearable products follows the group’s acquisition of
wearable technology innovator Misfit in November 2015. Since then, the
company has increased capabilities for the development and production of
the technology supporting its wearables products.
Fossil also revealed that its wearable technology platform includes
proprietary power management technology that enables coin cell
battery-powered non-display watches and trackers to be deployed across the
entire Fossil Group brand portfolio. Without the need for daily, weekly or
even monthly charging, the new devices function much more like traditional
watches and lifestyle accessories than as typical consumer electronic
products that require daily maintenance.
Alongside its fashion portfolio, Fossil also revealed its slimmest
digital display smartwatch to date, the Q Wander, part of its Fossil Q line
of devices. Powered by Android Wear, the touchscreen smartwatch tracks
activity, connects to the wearer’s favourite apps, receives display
notifications, and has customisable faces to fit the wearer’s style. This
smartwatch tracks everything from daily steps to calories, and
notifications alert you of incoming calls and texts, as well as allowing
the wearer to listen to music or receive directions using the built-in
microphone and speaker.
Image: Fossil Q Wander