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Those that desire the image of a classic, luxury watch, in- tertwined with the benefits of a smartwatch will certainly be enticed by Tag Heuer and oth - er established watchmakers. Most of these watches oper- ate on Google's new software, Android Wear 2.0. but appear inconspicuous as smartwatch - es. Unlike Apple, Google has collaborated with both tech companies and luxury watch brands to create exclusive smartwatches. Its new update offers the ability to run apps without needing a smartphone nearby, as well as customizable watch face combinations, ac - cess to Google Play Store, and an updated Google Fit. The new operating system also features GPS tracking, NFC for mobile payments, and new designs that strive to look like classic watches. Popular brands like Samsung, Sony, Nixon, LG, and Casio, have followed in suit with the operating system, featuring cutting-edge designs that emanate a clean, minimal - ist appearance. Tag Heuer's first line of smartwatches was met with fa- vorable reviews, and the com- pany came back with its sec- ond-generation launch earlier this year. Combining Tag Heu- er's signature craftsmanship with Google's sophisticated software system, the Modular 45 Smartwatch offers the best of both worlds; pay for your espresso with a swipe of your watch, scribble messages on the screen to send as texts, or ask Google about the nearest Korean barbeque restaurant, all by way of a refined, classy smartwatch that doesn't yell smartwatch. The '45' indicates the size of the watch body at 45 mm, with a titanium body and a sapphire crystal display that most other smartwatches haven't been able to replicate. Calfskin, ceramic or titanium straps, lugs set of diamonds or titanium with rose gold, black or titanium buckets –– con - sumers still have the ability to personalize through customi- zation of over 60 types of lux- ury straps, modules and lugs. Fashion-foward thinking has paved the way for top designer brands to seize an ideal oppor - tunity and create their own An- droid wear watches; including Gucci, Emporio Armani and Tommy Hilfiger. Louis Vuitton is the latest to join the ranks of the luxury smartwatch phe- nomenon with the debut of their new Tambour Horizon. The Horizon follows suit with most other smartwatches, but with less features –– it alerts you to email and texts, works as a pedometer, provides city guides, but like most does not contain a heart monitor. Its short list of features is a result of Louis Vuitton's fashion-first attitude, focusing on offering stylish straps and cases made from high-end materials that can't be found in the average smartwatch. "Look, the internet of things is really only going to get bigger," claims Louis Vuit - ton chief executive Michael Burke. "You can sit on the sidelines and watch, or dive in and participate and try to in- fluence where things go. We're diving in." The Tambour Horizon comes in a 1.2 inch AMOLED screen, with three choices of brushed steel, stainless steel and black steel, with a selection of over 60 different styles of premium Louis Vuitton straps. While its price is more demanding than the Apple Watch or other standard smartwatches, this is the result of designer products that put more emphasis on ap - pearance rather than function- ality. It seems that a compromise has been made for both the tech-savvy and fashionistas. In this era of wrist revolution, other luxury watch brands, in- cluding Rolex and Montblanc, are seizing the opportunity to create a new line of smart- watches that emanate their signature style and engineer- ing with smartwatch features. The success of these high end smartwatches is yet to be re- vealed, but with new innova- tions in both technology and style, it seems to have become a market favorite. In quite a lit- eral sense, only time will tell. Tag Heuer Connected Modular 45 VUE ON FASHION V U E N J . C O M 82

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