This year there’s a new player in town causing quite a stir: Samsung.  The tech leader is first with a significant presence at the show. It’s a historical milestone and a sign of change that the traditional watch industry must embrace.

For the past 500 years the Swiss have been focused on honing the craft of watchmaking. They have been dominant and really focused on competing against themselves. Other than a brief interim with the Quartz watch, the industry over the last thirty years has not made any drastic changes and rather focused on small refinements.  Now we are seeing a new era, that is requiring the industry to re-think the definition of “the watch”. Is the watch simply a timepiece, a masterpiece in design and a feat in craftsmanship? Or in todays connected age, should it offer its user the ability to do so much more?

Younger generations are less focused on traditional watches and are shifting the demand. They are looking to the lifestyle benefits of smartwatches. And at first these watches weren’t considered serious by the industry, but now they are taking notice – and many realizing there is a place for both tradition and innovation.

We are in very interesting times in the watch industry, where the two spheres of artistry and technology are moving closer together. Technology has shifted from being an industry associated purely for gamers and coders, to one that affects everyone – no matter profession or hobby. As the worlds of horology and technology converge, fresh ideas and prospects can be created, that both traditional watchmakers and newcomers can mutually benefit from.  The link between traditional watches and smartwatches is becoming stronger as technology and lifestyle become intertwined – and the Gear S3 is a perfect example of this. The Gear S3 speaks both languages: design that can easily be mistaken for a classic Swiss timepiece and technology such as GPS and music streaming enhancing various lifestyles of all users.

That’s why I am thrilled to collaborate with Samsung and to be with them here at Baselworld. It’s been an exciting journey to collaborate with a company that is committed to delivering a product that draws on craftsmanship and blends it with innovation. To me it’s just one part of how the industry can, and really must adapt.  If you stick to the same thing, the industry will be left behind.
A watch creates a sense of a tribe, a community, a badge, an identity – it’s about the emotional connection.

I think that feeling can come from a classic timepiece or smartwatch. That’s the beauty of a watch collection – there is room for both. And as tradition and digital innovation continue to marry, the watch industry has a fantastic opportunity to evolve and progress towards a smart future.

Samsung held a press event at Baselworld 2017 in Switzerland with 50 global media. (From left to right): Moderator Anish Bhatt; Younghee Lee, Executive Vice President of Mobile Communications Business, Samsung Electronics; Artist and Industrial Designer Arik Levy, and Watch Designer Yvan Arpa.

Samsung’s Baselworld 2017 press event panel poses for photos. (From left to right): Moderator Anish Bhatt; Younghee Lee, Executive Vice President of Mobile Communications Business, Samsung Electronics; Artist and Industrial Designer Arik Levy, and Watch Designer Yvan Arpa.

Samsung’s Galaxy Studio at Baselworld 2017 displays its latest smartwatch, the Samsung Gear S3, as well as concept watches and other innovative variations of the device.

Samsung press event participants examine the selection of products displayed in the Samsung Galaxy Studio.

A participant observes different variations of the Samsung Gear S3 in the Samsung Galaxy Studio at Baselworld 2017.

A participant examines a selection of Gear S3 concept watches, which combine the smartwatch’s aesthetic with Swiss-made movements and detail.

A visitor to Samsung’s Galaxy Studio at Baselworld 2017 gets up close and personal with the hybrid pocket watch version of the Gear S3, the third concept watch developed by esteemed luxury watch designer Yvan Arpa.

A participant examines the Gear S3’s wide selection of available straps, which allow wearers to customize the smartwatch to suit their personal style.

New custom watch straps, additional color variations of Gear S3, and exciting concept designs will be on display, in addition to the Gear smartwatch line with a focus on Samsung’s recently launched Gear S3. Inspired by the art of watchmaking, the Gear S3 combines the meticulous details and premium design elements found on a traditional watch with the smart technology innovations demanded in a smartwatch. The user benefits match the quality design – from water resistance and military-level durability, to a built-in speaker for calls, voice messaging and music streaming and standalone GPS to track fitness activities. The Gear S3 is designed to complement any watch collection and draws from the luxury timepieces on display at Baselworld.

“We understand that a watch is more than just a time keeper, it caters to personal style and interests. The Gear S3 takes convenience, style and innovation to the next level, while retaining a commitment to quality craftsmanship,” said Younghee Lee, Executive Vice President of Global Marketing, Mobile Communications Business at Samsung Electronics. “The Gear S3 is more than just a smartwatch, it is a beautifully designed watch that puts a timeless spin on the smartwatch category, crafted for both watch aficionados and tech enthusiasts.”

Switzerland-based luxury watch designer, Yvan Arpa, will join Samsung at Baselworld to showcase three concept watches based on the Gear S3. The three concepts include a watch which may look like the Gear S3 at first glance, but is a traditional watch with Swiss-made movement and detail; an updated take on the Gear S3, taking premium finishes up a notch; and finally, a hybrid pocket concept watch version of the Gear S3. The partnership is a testament to Samsung’s ongoing focus to push traditional boundaries and deliver meaningful innovations.

“Samsung’s presence at Baselworld demonstrates the evolving world of technology and horology,” said watch designer, Yvan Arpa who was involved in the original design process of the Samsung Gear S3. “Samsung is committed to delivering quality craftsmanship in all of its products to reflect the heritage and evolution of the watch industry.”

In connection with Samsung’s presence at Baselworld, the company will also start rolling out a Value Pack during Baselworld 2017 for Gear S2 and Gear S3 customers. The update delivers even more content and lets users get more done with partner apps from top brands including Spotify and NEST. In addition, the update improves features like the Alti/Barometer, Reminder capabilities, and S Health.

Since Samsung premiered its first wearable device with the Galaxy Gear smartwatch in 2013, it has upheld its leadership position in the wearable space and continues to push boundaries by expanding its portfolio of diverse and innovative solutions that bring technology, services and convenience together. Samsung also offers various watch faces and straps for the Gear S2 and Gear S3, providing users with easy and stylish ways to customize their smartwatches for any lifestyle or daily activities.

As the world of technology and watches continues to evolve, Samsung will hold a press conference on March, 23, 2017. Located at the Samsung booth, it will feature Samsung Mobile’s Executive Vice President Younghee Lee, along with industrial designer Arik Levy and acclaimed watch designer and Gear S3 collaborator, Yvan Arpa.

Samsung with renowned watch designer, Yvan Arpa, displayed three concept watches based on the Gear S3 at Baselword 2017.

This concept has the aesthetic of the Gear S3, but features a Swiss-made movement and detail.

This concept is an updated approach to the Gear S3, with the same innovative technology and a fresh take on the design of the bezel and shape.

This concept, a hybrid pocket watch, really blends the world of traditional timepieces with today’s leading smartwatch technology.

(From left) A hybrid pocket watch, a watch that resembles the Gear S3 but features a Swiss-made movement, updated takes on the Gear S3 with new designs and finishes, and another Gear S3 featuring a Swiss-made movement.

New color variations of the smartwatch that also showcase new materials and finishes.