Montblanc Summit Takes Smartwatches to New Heights

　　While the example of luxury watchmakers creating smartwatches is far from a new phenomenon, there has never been one specifically catering to the Chinese market – until now.

　　Having first made its debut in London back in March, the Montblanc Summit has now hit Chinese shores, featuring an array of apps intended to appeal to Chinese consumers.

　　Modelled after a classic wristwatch, the Montblanc Summit bears the vintage-inspired case of the manufacture’s 1858 collection, replete with a pusher that resembles a winding crown.

　　Notably, it is fitted with a curved sapphire crystal glass touch-screen – a first for smartwatches – as found in most fine watches, and comes paired with either a rubber Nato or calfskin leather strap.

　　“Having easy access to all kinds of information digitally has become essential in today’s fast-paced world,” says Montblanc CEO Nicolas Baretzki.

　　“The Montblanc Summit smartwatch proves that those who appreciate fine watchmaking can have the best in digital technology without compromising on the exceptional experience of a traditional watch.

　　“This latest innovation bridges these two worlds with a simple and highly functional product, and an elegantly vintage design inspired by a mechanical watch."

　　While the internationally released Montblanc Summit comes integrated with the likes of car transportation app Uber and local search-and-discover app Foursquare, the Chinese release of this timepiece is equipped with its Chinese equivalents: Didi and Dianping respectively.

　　Other apps found in the Chinese version of the timekeeper include travel provider Ctrip and mobile payment platform Alipay.

　　Montblanc was founded by Claus-Johannes Voss, Alfred Nehemias and August Eberstein in Germany in 1908.