The Future of Watches, Brought to You by the Future In Free Market

In a prior article on the Instagram Camera, I said that the potential legions of fans that the prototype would draw should probably take to Kickstarter.com, in a mob like fashion, to make that invention a reality. I meant that somewhat jokingly. Well, in just a short time fund raising on that very site, tech developer Eric Migicovsky, along with his “dream team”, and their invention The Pebble Watch have pretty much guaranteed that no one will be making jokes about Kickstarter ever again.

The Pebble watch, which raised an almost unfathomable $2.5 million in just three days on Kickstarter, is a smart watch that works with iPhone and Android devices. It’s essentially an evolution of the inPulse smart watch, also designed by Eric Migicovsky and Co., which worked with Blackberry devices. The Pebble takes certain apps and functions of your smart phone, like controlling your music playlists or providing a heads up when you receive a text message or phone call, and transfers them to the face of the watch. It has an e-ink display, is waterproof, scratchproof, keeps its’ charge for seven days, and even functions with an app developer program.

I’ve got to confess. As nice as all of that sounded, I wasn’t  particularly impressed with the device at first. Or at least I didn’t understand how a “smart watch” could garner so much interest and cash in such a short time. But to truly appreciate the Pebble’s uses, you have to see the video that accompanies the product on Kickstarter.

 

No this isn’t a world changing device. That would be the smartphone. Instead this is a rare device that realizes that if you can’t beat the smartphone, you could do worse for yourself than to become its’ best friend. The Pebble is practically designed for joggers and bicyclists, as it allows you to do things like view your distance traveled, control your music, and manage incoming messages and calls without ever once having to break your motion. Even for pedestrians or drivers, the Pebble’s benefits of being able to access some of the most practical apps of your phone, without having to reach for it, actually brings your phone back  to being a convenience and not a burden. Not to mention this finally makes the modern watch more than just jewelry, and also brings us one step closer to the sci-fi staple all purpose “wrist computer” (think Fallout’s Pip Boy device).

But really, the Pebble itself isn’t the story here. That belongs to Kickstarter. The idea of a program that could essentially allow consumers to choose the products they really want, without designers having to wade through the machine of corporate funding or personal loans for a project, was merely a vague notion whose successes have been treated as exceptions and novelty stories. But the Pebble has managed to raise over $10 million so far through Kickstarter  (10,169% of  its original goal), which is such an absurd figure that the developers are now pleading with people to stop contributing money as they have too much of it and can no longer meet demand.

Whatever success the Pebble watch has from here on out will be tied directly to Kickstarter. As word of the sites potential spreads, only time will tell if its’ bazaar of ideas will change certain foundations of commerce. But considering many people will be telling that time on their new Pebble watches, my guess is it’s got a pretty good shot.

  

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New Sport Watches from Phosphor

Watches always make great gifts, and these new sport watches from Phosphor offer a great option. The styling is aggressive and unique so they might be a great option for someone on your holiday shopping list.

In support of its debut, Bullz-Eye is giving our readers a chance to win one of these awesome watches in each color. Click here to enter the contest.

Sleek, modern and tech-savvy, the new World Time Sport is the latest E Ink watch from Phosphor’s successful World Time line. Debuting a state-of-the-art buttonless touch operation that allows you to change modes with a simple finger swipe across the case, the World Time Sport also features a high-contrast display that is easily read in direct sunlight. It also offers the ability to select from 24 time zones from one display mode, while optionally displaying a second time zone simultaneously.

Initially available in three colored versions – black, white and orange – the World Time Sport also features a lightweight, flexible silicone band and durable plastic case.

Check out our Holiday Gift Guide for more great ideas.

  

Kenneth Cole’s new Automatic collection of watches

Watches always make a great gift for Father’s Day, so check out the new Automatic collection of watches from Kenneth Cole.

They sent us the KC 1631 model to check out and we loved it. The Automatics are truly unique as they offer exposed gears on both sides of the watch. Our model had a black band and a large face that highlighted the skeleton dials so it definitely grabs attention. Yet it’s stylish without being gaudy. The watches also feature a self-wind function that automatically powers your watch by the motion of your body. No batteries are required.

These watches make a great gift for the dad who appreciates style and also wants something new. The Automatics are unlike anything else in his collection. This applies to you as well. Watches make great accessories, and having something unique yet elegant will give you a great option for everyday use and also nights on the town.

Check out our Father’s Day Gift Guide for more great gift ideas, including more watches and plenty of gadgets.

  

Get noticed with the new Phosphor Appear watch

Watches of course serve a utilitarian function, but for many of us a watch is also a fashion statement. Some men prefer traditional watches, while others prefer something more stylish. Then there are those who look for watches to compliment their wardrobe for a particular occasion. You might wear a classic watch at the office, but turn to something bolder when hitting the town.

Phosphor sent us their new Appear watch, and as you can see above it has a unique and aggressive design. Their new line of Phosphor Appear watches smartly display the time on miniature-sized rotors adorned with Swarovski crystals that revolve to reveal numerical time using Micro-Magnetic Mechanical DigitalTM (M3D) technology. For a more dramatic look, the time can be completely hidden behind crystals, until the button is pushed to reveal the colored, time-displaying crystals.

This is a watch that helps you get noticed, and it will be a great conversation starter with women. Many dating experts recommend wearing an accessory that can spark a conversation, and the Appear definitely fits the bill.

The Appear line offers two men’s style choices with black leather bands – one with a stainless steel face frame and one with a black face frame starting at $199. Both versions are striking yet also elegant with the black band. It may not fit every occasion, but this watch will likely be a great addition to your collection. It will also make a great gift for the right dad on Father’s Day.

  

New TouchScreen Watches from Kenneth Cole

Kenneth Cole recently launched its new touch screen watch series and they were kind enough to send us one to check out just in time for Father’s Day. We were impressed with the design and functionality and thought it would be a great gift for the dad who’s interested in more stylish accessories but is also comfortable with new innovations like touch screen technology.

This new touch screen watch is the first of its kind in the fashion-forward watch category. This innovative feature bridges fashion and technology so the user can use the watch’s tools with the touch of a finger. The watches take advantage of the kind of touch screen technology available on smartphones and music players.

As you can see from the photo above, the watches mix have a modern, sleek design you would expect from Kenneth Cole, maintaining the brand’s signature, classic look with a stainless steel round case paired with a silicon strap. Don’t be put off by the bright display. The digital information only brightens up when you want to see better, and the effect is not that extreme. In its normal state the digital display is very muted so it doesn’t distract from the elegant design.

The watch functionality includes 32-City world time and an alarm, stopwatch and light up screen. It’s easy to use so it’s practical for everyday use and for more formal setting, and it’s perfect for the dads who want to feel younger. At a suggested retail ranging from $125 to $175, it also won’t break the bank.