HP continues to put its name on traditionally styled, partially-smart watches fashioned by famous designers. The latest could become its most successful, because it not only looks pretty good, but it’s made for women — who aren’t exactly well catered for in the smartwatch world. Oh, and in case you weren’t convinced it’s a smartwatch for ladies, it’s covered in Swarovski crystals. That usually does the job.
Fashion industry veteran Isaac Mizrahi is responsible for the design. An analog watch face with bold Roman numerals conceals a small OLED screen that stays hidden until it shows various notifications for incoming calls, SMS, and appointments. The watch also tracks activity levels, and — in a feature we don’t think has turned up on any device before this — has a continuous link to Mizrahi’s Twitter feed.
Isaac Mizrahi + HP Celebration – New Smart Watch @IsaacMizrahi @HP pic.twitter.com/1hGfIBwcVu
— David Allen (@TodaysNew) January 29, 2016
The water resistant body is made from stainless steel and comes in both a silver finish and gold plate, and the bezel is encrusted with those sparkly Swarovski crystals to satisfy those who want something flashy on their wrist. The leather band comes in several colors — including white, blue, pink, and black — and apparently is easy to switch, so matching outfits should be simple. At 42mm, the body is still quite large for a watch designed for women.
It’s compatible with Android and iPhone, but despite its relative lack of smarts, the battery only keeps going for about five days. That’s more than most Android Wear watches and the Apple Watch, but less than examples from Pebble, and Vector; both of which offer more in terms of technology.
The partnership with Isaac Mizrahi is the latest in a string of almost-smart watches with traditional styling released by HP. Most recently it revealed the Juxt with Indian brand Titan, and before that designer Michael Bastian produced the oddly named MB Chronowing.
If the Isaac Mizrahi watch is for you, then it can be ordered directly from HP here, with both versions costing $250, and additional straps are $40 each.
