LG want a piece of the premium smartwatch market and have announced they’ll make a limited edition Gold Urbane Luxe. In collaboration with U.S. retail jewelry company REEDS Jewelers, LG Electronics will introduce a 23-karat gold (not sure why it’s not 24) complete with an alligator leather strap set in an exclusive piano-gloss lacquer case.
The LG Urbane Luxe will be available starting at the end of October, and will retail for US$1,200.
The LG Watch Urbane Luxe will sport a deployment clasp for a fitted, elegant look that isn’t bulky (shots fired at Apple). Invented by Louis Cartier in 1910, the use of a deployment clasp makes this timepiece even more exclusive and unique. The alligator band itself is handcrafted at the highest level of craftsmanship, undergoing 50 separate steps in its creation, handled lovingly by 30 experienced leatherworkers. The 23-karat gold used in the LG Watch Urbane Luxe is stronger and harder than the 24-karat gold used in jewelry and heavier than the 18-karat gold used in traditional luxury watches.
“Wearable devices shouldn’t be thought of as an extension of one’s smartphone but an extension of oneself,” said Chris Yie, vice president and head of marketing communications for LG Mobile Communications Company. “This blending of craftsmanship and technology is a natural evolution of the smartwatch, which is becoming more of a lifestyle accessory than a piece of hardware. We think this is a good direction for wearables and we want to encourage this transformation.”
Each of the 500 limited edition watches will be engraved with its own serial number for authenticity and available initially in the USA for pre-order at www.REEDS.com later this month or by visiting any REEDS Jewelers location. Visitors to IFA 2015 can see this beautiful work of art for themselves along with other mobile devices from LG in Hall 18 of Messe Berlin from September 4-9.
