So you’re headed to the airport and you’re running a little late. You know what they say about airport waiting – waste of time!
When you finally get to the ticket counter, you check in your three giant suitcases and head to the gate. On the way to your seat, you pass the magazine stand and decide to pick up a copy of Popular Mechanics. As you’re flipping through the pages, you see an article about a new type of watch – the speedway watch.
You hadn’t even heard of a speedway watch, but now you want one!
What is a speedway watch, you ask?
It’s a hybrid watch designed for people who want to spend more time outdoors. The watch features a band made of durable yet flexible material that is both comfortable and convenient to wear. When used in conjunction with a bracelet, the band allows the wearer to comfortably wear the watch all day long while taking advantage of all the functions offered. When the watch is not being worn, it can be stored in the included metal travel case.
Judging by the look of surprise on your face as you read the article, we assume that you’re not entirely familiar with the concept of hybrid watches. Let’s explore how they work together – the blend of functionality and fashion – and why they’re becoming so popular.
Hybrid Functionality Meets Classic Fashion
The basic form of a hybrid watch has been around for some time, appearing in styles like the Patek Philippe Hybrid Watch (seen below). The concept behind hybrid watches is to have a device that does double duty: it can serve as a watch and as a phone. More and more companies are creating hybrid pieces that have the look and feel of a classic timepiece with the added functionality of a smartphone.
The advantage of a hybrid watch is that you get the best of both worlds. The watch is a symbol of sophistication and durability, while the smartphone has all the modern conveniences. For example, you can send texts, make calls, and access the internet while staying fully connected to the world around you. The disadvantage is that you have to carry both a device and a bag whenever you leave the house. It’s not exactly practical to bring a heavy smartphone with you wherever you go.
Watchmakers Take Note
While many high-end watch manufacturers have created hybrid pieces, it wasn’t until relatively recently that the functional watch movement started gaining steam. Interested in creating hybrid watches? Here are a few watch brands that you might want to try.
Patek Philippe Hybrid Watch
One of the most popular luxury manufacturers with a focus on hybrid watches is actually the Swiss company, Patek Philippe. The brand recently launched a new generation of hybrid watches, making them even more attractive as a status symbol. One of the distinguishing factors of these pieces is the way they look – they feature stunning, high-quality metal detailing and luxurious fabrics. The designer company, Piaget, also joined forces with Patek Philippe to create a limited-edition 18k rose-gold hybrid watch.
The Patek Philippe hybrid watch is definitely a head turner – not only does it have the classic look of a luxury timepiece, but it also serves as a phone. For instance, if you press the small button on the side, a slider extends out from the case to let you make and receive calls. Moreover, you can also use the watch to send texts and emails, as well as access the internet via a connected device. It’s the best of both worlds!
Rolex Submariner Hybrid Watch
Another classic hybrid watch manufacturer is Rolex. As the name suggests, Rolex is known for its watch designs that are durable and reliable. The company has been around for more than a century and is considered one of the most prestigious watch manufacturers. It has also been a leader in creating hybrid watches and is continuing that tradition with their Submariner Hybrid Watch. This is a modified version of the standard Submariner design, created with the functional aspect in mind. It has the appearance of a classic timepiece with a sub-dial on the front that displays time in a quick and easy-to-read manner. This sub dial can also be used to check the weather and set the time in areas where you don’t have access to a clock. Moreover, the watch is connected to the internet and can be used to access a number of websites through its own special browser.
Mikimoto
A third brand that you might want to check out is Mikimoto. Mikimoto is a luxury watch brand that has been around for more than a century and is known for its elaborate coral watches. These watches are extremely expensive and are the product of years of organic material growth. Mikimoto is also known for its brilliant use of metals in combination with organic materials – an excellent example being the metal bracelet made of tortoise shell and rhodium. The company also unveiled a new series of coral watches in 2019, which were inspired by ocean currents and the natural cycles of life.
Vacheron Constantin
The fourth brand that we’d like to mention is the classic French luxury brand, Vacheron Constantin. The company first began creating luxury watches in 1899 and acquired a royal warrant from Queen Victoria in 1902. Since then, they’ve continued to develop and refine their designs, creating some of the most luxurious and complicated timepieces in the industry. These watches feature a mix of metal, leather, and organic materials – like wood and ivory. Not only does the brand put a lot of thought into the look and feel of their watches, but they also source the best quality materials from all over the world. Their craftsmen use traditional methods to make high-quality pieces of art.
Tag Heuer
Another brand that has been around for over a century is the Swiss-based Tag Heuer. The company is known for its luxury sporty watches and first introduced a hybrid watch in 1954; however, it was in the 1990s that they really started to focus on the hybrid aspect, creating many interesting hybrid designs in the process.
In today’s world, a luxury watch is essentially a status symbol. It’s not only about showing off the design or talking about how sophisticated you are – it’s about demonstrating your wealth and power. It’s the perfect accessory for any collection and as we mentioned earlier, many manufacturers have created limited-edition pieces to satiate the need for something unique. At the end of the day, it’s all about style, substance, and functionality.