Editors

The Smart Watch That Converted Me to Wearables

EditorsOct 18, 2017

The Smart Watch That Converted Me to Wearables

Senior Editor Brecken Branstrator thought she wasn’t interested in possessing any “smart” gear. Then she tested out a piece from Kronaby.

20171018_Kronaby-Header.jpg
This editor has been wearing the Kronaby “Apex” with a black dial and brown leather strap.

I am not--or haven’t been, until very recently--a wearables person.

I recognize that it’s a growing segment for which there is obviously a place, based on consumer reaction to the products available, but I have maintained that it’s just not for me.

Honestly, the thought of wearing something like an Apple Watch that sends text to a screen that I can see, even when my phone is down, sounds more stressful and intrusive than just putting my phone away and having nothing around me.

I’m of the opinion that when I’m in someone’s company, I want to be in that person’s company, and don’t need a wearable telling me about a notification on social media. Or if I’m busy doing something, I’ll get to my phone later.

But for about a week now, I’ve been wearing a connected device to give it a try, and I’m converted. The philosophy of Kronaby, and my favorite part about its products--for design to begin with watchmaking and smart features to be added after--might help you understand why.

Kronaby’s products are, first and foremost, watches. There is no digital screen. There are no lights. They want the wearers to “stay connected, not distracted.” This, to me, is one of its biggest strengths.

Kronaby is a Swedish brand that launched in the U.S. in the spring and now is working on building its presence in the market.

It debuted with four classic collections--Apex, Sekel, Nord and Carat--ranging in price from $395 to $675, depending on the model and variant. The brand is adding nine new watches to its collections this fall, taking the price range up to $725 at the most expensive.

I met with the brand last spring when they were launching and immediately liked the way the product looked.

Last week, I went to a press breakfast in New York, where they were rolling out the new collection and taking the time to educate media a little more about the products.

So, full disclosure, the watch I have been wearing was, unexpectedly, given to me by the brand on my way out, but without any sort of commitment or promise of coverage. I just wanted to give it a try and was surprised by how much I liked it.

I chose a model with a chunkier face and case, almost like a man’s watch, and a leather strap that I thought would be

wearable every day. (I’ve been considering a good watch purchase lately anyway, so this was perfect.)

Here’s how it works.

The Kronaby watch syncs with a complementing app, available for both Android and iOS, which is where you pick and choose which smart features you want for your watch--features you can change at any time.

The watch has a decent amount of options, but no so many that it seems overwhelming.



For example, the watch face has a second, smaller dial that can be used to keep track of steps and how close you are to your daily target (my personal choice), tell time at a second location or be used as a timer.

The buttons on the side can control your music or camera, work as a “find my phone” feature and more.

And then there are, of course, notifications that come to the watch in the form of a buzz. There are three buzz options--one buzz, two or three--and you can categorize and prioritize what you want each to be used for.

I’ve set one to notify me of calls and texts from those people for whom I might want to be interrupted--Mom and Dad, for example--a few other contacts into the second, and then used my third category to remind me to get up and walk around (so important for those of us sitting at desks) to meet my daily steps goal.

Other features include a silent alarm and GPS tracking. They’re going to roll out additional features slowly and methodically, the team has said.

But ultimately, like I said before, what I love most about it: it doesn’t look like a wearable. Nowhere is there a screen sending me text or an obvious flash of light to make me aware of something.

The most “invasive” part of the experience is that it has a setting in which the hands move to indicate the number of the notification received--both hands moving to the 1 position to indicate a single buzz, for example--but I actually find it a positive since I may miss or not pay attention to how many buzzes came through.

I love being able to prioritize what I want it to tell me, and that I get even those notifications in a very discrete way.

I am, admittedly, terrible at leaving my phone within eyesight, at the office especially, and then letting myself get distracted by stupid notifications. For the past few days, I’ve set it away and let myself rely on the customized notifications I’ve set up on the watch. It does wonders for productivity.

There’s also just a surprising joy in being able to find out what time it is without having to look at my phone. Don’t we do that enough times during the day?

My one complaint is that, since the watch is attached to my phone, the app has to be on in the background to work. I’m usually connected to Wi-Fi, but I’m curious to see how much data it will end up using on a regular basis and what that does to my phone battery.

Still, for now, I’m convinced. Perhaps a watch this like might do the same for consumers who are a little hesitant when it comes to wearables?
Brecken Branstratoris the senior editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments in the colored stone sector.

The Latest

Future Fortune sapphire ring
TechnologyMar 28, 2024
Pinterest’s 2024 Wedding Report Is Out

The report shows that couples are searching for vintage and antique rings, gold jewelry, pearls, and colorful pieces.

David Ettinger
IndependentsMar 28, 2024
David Ettinger of Bechdel Jewelers Dies at 69

He’s remembered as a “font of passion,” leaving behind a legacy of dedication to his craft and community.

Jewelers of America logo
IndependentsMar 28, 2024
JA to Host Series of Learning Workshops

The first one will take place next month during the Jewelers of Louisiana’s and Mississippi Jewelers Association’s conventions.

Jewelers of America Fly In Washington, D.C.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers of America Represents Your Business

For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Madison Avenue NYC store
WatchesMar 28, 2024
Peek Inside Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Revamped NYC Flagship

The redesigned boutique features interactive displays and a workshop space for hands-on learning about watchmaking.

Weekly QuizMar 28, 2024
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge with this short test.
Take the Quiz
Asian Star’s diamond manufacturing facility in India
SourcingMar 27, 2024
Compliance, Caution, and Concern: The Current Outlook of Indian Diamantaires

There is a willingness to comply with new government-mandated regulations, with an insistence that they should be practical and realistic.

Kira Diam solar plant
Lab-GrownMar 27, 2024
Indian Lab-Grown Diamond Manufacturers Keep Growing

A combination of factors is driving growth in the industry despite the precipitous drop in prices across the board.

BTYB-HoBrothers-updated.png
Brought to you by
The Scalable, Professional, and Effortless Solution for High-Demand Custom Jewelry Retailers

Ho Brothers offers scalable solutions for the future of custom jewelry.

Bharat Ratnam, a Mega Common Facilitation Centre (CFC)
SourcingMar 27, 2024
Reinvigorating SEEPZ, the Epicenter of India’s Studded Jewelry Exports

The zone’s modernization will enhance and increase India’s jewelry manufacturing capabilities while aiding small and mid-sized businesses.

SRK Empire and SRK House
Policies & IssuesMar 27, 2024
SRK Exports’ Journey Toward Net Zero Impact

By the end of this year, SRK’s diamond manufacturing complexes will achieve net zero emissions, one of an impressive array of achievements.

Georgia May Jagger Tommy Hilfiger ad campaign
FinancialsMar 27, 2024
Movado’s Full-Year Sales Sink 11%

The company plans to invest $25 million in marketing initiatives to boost awareness around its namesake and licensed brands.

Hand holding shopping bags
SurveysMar 27, 2024
Consumer Confidence Held Steady in March

Optimism about the current state of the economy was offset by anxiety around inflation and the political environment.

Bernadette Mack
Policies & IssuesMar 27, 2024
Mercury Free Mining Hires Bernadette Mack

The former WJA executive director is MFM’s new managing director.

April Is Diamonds Do Good Month
Policies & IssuesMar 27, 2024
Diamonds Do Good Announces Its April Initiative

DDG encourages retailers to educate customers on the positive impact of purchasing natural diamonds.

Tiffany & Co. With Love, Since 1837
MajorsMar 26, 2024
Tiffany & Co. Debuts ‘With Love, Since 1837’ Campaign

Highlighting the most iconic Tiffany collections, it’s inspired by the company’s late window designer, Gene Moore.

National Jeweler columnists Duvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams
ColumnistsMar 26, 2024
Creative Connecting: AI Tools and Tips for Social Media

Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen explore how jewelers can save time and money by using AI to analyze engagement and create content.

Nordstrom Men’s Store New York City
MajorsMar 26, 2024
Nordstrom May Go Private, Says Report

The retailer previously turned down an $8.4 billion offer in 2018.

Interior of Miami Lakes Jewelers
IndependentsMar 26, 2024
Miami Lakes Jewelers to Close After 37 Years

The Florida store’s owner Miguel Gonzalez is retiring.

 International Gemological Institute
GradingMar 26, 2024
IGI Announces Tech for ID’ing Lab-Grown Colored Diamonds

The lab stresses the importance of accurate identification, as the difference in price is “substantial.”

Kendra Scott lab-grown diamond jewelry
CollectionsMar 25, 2024
Kendra Scott Debuts Lab-Grown Diamond Fashion Jewelry

The brand also plans to expand its retail footprint from 138 to 200 stores over the next three years.

Instappraise logo NAJA logo
Events & AwardsMar 25, 2024
NAJA, Instappraise Offering Scholarships for Aspiring Jewelry Appraisers

One is reserved for a NAJA member, the other for a non-member.

Carie Lehrke and Megan Mattice
MajorsMar 25, 2024
Borsheims Announces New VP of HR, Assistant Manager

Longtime employees Carie Lehrke and Megan Mattice have received promotions.

My Next Question graphic vintage jewelry webinar
Recorded WebinarsMar 22, 2024
Watch: How to Buy and Sell Vintage Jewelry

Three guests joined National Jeweler and Jewelers of America to discuss trending time periods, spotting reproductions, and more.

Chris Clipper and Robert Lepere
MajorsMar 22, 2024
David Yurman Announces New CFO, Chief People Officer

Chris Clipper and Robert Lepere join the company with 50 years of combined experience.

Nakard pyrite earrings
CollectionsMar 22, 2024
Piece of the Week: Nakard’s Pyrite Earrings

The trendy, metallic earrings wink at classic spring colors.

Stock image of police cars with their lights on
CrimeMar 21, 2024
Sparks Fly as Burglars Lose Safe on California Freeway

JSA said a man and woman pulled the safe out of an Oakland jewelry store but couldn’t quite get it into their van.

Grizzly Mining rough emeralds
SourcingMar 21, 2024
Grizzly Sells 4,145-Carat Emerald for Over $1M

The miner’s March auction generated $19 million.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy