The Timex IQ+ Move tracks your fitness with style
Timex does not want to be left behind in the burgeoning market for smart analog watches. The IQ+ Move, launched earlier this week, is a smart timepiece that comes in a few different styles and sizes to appeal to both men and women.
CCS Insight forecasts that 53 million fitness trackers will be sold this year, rising to 165 million in 2020. The market research company expects that growth will primarily be driven by a rise in smart analogue watches. We are now seeing traditional watchmakers putting more effort into this area as they try to cling on to their share of the global market.
The focus with the Timex IQ+ Move is clearly on style. The “Finally, A Fitness Tracker That Isn’t Ugly” headline of its press release makes this abundantly clear. The watch is the second generation of the Timex Connected Collection, the first being the Timex Metropolitan+ which launched this time last year.
“In keeping with the brand’s tradition of innovation, we’ve designed the Timex IQ+ Move for men and women with enhanced Intelligent Quartz movements and discreet smartphone connectivity, so no one ever needs to know you’re wearing an activity tracker,” said Brian Pemberton, Senior Vice President, Sport & Advanced Technology.
“The IQ+ collection combines modern technology with Timex’s trusted craftsmanship to give consumers more than just a watch. This is just the start—you can expect to see a number of connected and enhanced Timex timepieces arriving in the coming months.”
In terms of actual functionality, there are few surprises.
Discreetly housed in the casing is technology that will keep tabs on your daily activity, like steps, distance, calories burned, and sleep metrics. You can check on your progress in the app or with a quick glance at the sub-dial on the watch face.
Sleep Metrics measure periods of deep and light sleep, as well as time awake, sleep efficiency percentage and average length of sleep. Don’t look for smartphone notifications, you are not going to find them.
The IQ+ Move is equipped with a traditional watch battery, so there is no charging required. Interchangeable straps allow for customization while the 50 meters water resistance means you don’t have to worry about taking it into the shower or for a swim in the pool.
There are no shortages of stylish wearables on the market today. The days of ugly fitness trackers and bulky smartwatches aimed at tech buffs are clearly behind us. We’ve seen the recent launch of Withings Steel HR, the first analogue watch with built in heart rate monitoring. Garmin has also joined in the fun with its stylish Vivomove device, as has Misfit with its Phase watch.
The IQ+ Move is the first of a number of connected products from Timex that will be launching throughout 2017, which will feature enhanced analog functionality that marries technology with expert watchmaking. The three select IQ+ Move styles for men and women retail for $149.
For more information visit Timex.com.
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