MyKronoz ZeTime smartwatch
The MyKronoz ZeTime is the first hybrid watch with actual hands. It combines the look of a classic timepiece and the technology of a modern smartwatch, but at an affordable price. MyKronoz

The MyKronoz ZeTime is the world’s first hybrid watch with actual hands. It combines the premium look of a classic timepiece and the technology of a modern smartwatch, but carries an affordable price tag.

ZeTime is the first ever smartwatch that integrates genuine mechanical hands with a full colour touchscreen. MyKronoz has found a way to mount watch hands through the centre of the ZeTime’s high resolution TFT colour display, mixing the classic style of a traditional timepiece with the enhanced features of a smartwatch. The mechanical hands are powered by the patented Smart Movement technology, which automatically updates the time according to location and is set to work up to a month on just a single charge.

The ZeTime’s brilliance lies in its multi-layer technology that fuses together a TFT colour monitor, a touch panel, mechanical hands and resistant Gorilla glass. MyKronoz promises that the hands aren’t going to get in the way of the screen when reading emails or instant messages as they are able to easily move away from the text area.

“We’ve got that solved,” says the company. “The mechanical hands are controlled by the watch CPU in order to move them if necessary to maximize visibility of the screen.”

MyKronoz ZeTime watch
The MyKronoz ZeTime watch is Android and iOS compatible, and comes pre-installed with essential apps. MyKronoz

With its classic look and modern enhancements, the MyKronoz ZeTime also boasts of its sleek 44 mm stainless steel watchcase, which features a premium Swiss design. Menu and screen navigation is easy enough and only requires simple rotation of the smart crown. Pressing the crown selects an item or validates a menu.

The MyKronoz smartwatch can also track heart rate automatically or manually with its 3 LED optical sensor. What’s more, it’s waterproof for up to 30 metres deep. Swimming while wearing the timepiece poses no problems.

The ZeTime also has a wide variety of available wristbands from sporty silicon to classy leather or metal. The Android and iOS compatible smartwatch likewise comes with pre-installed apps. Keeping track of activity and sleep, monitoring the weather and even controlling music and camera apps can all be done right from the wrist.

The MyKronoz Zetime begins shipping in September. Retail prices start at US$199 (AU$265), but those who are interested can take advantage of the early bird deals which has the Elite collection at only US$174 (AU$232) instead of US$249 (AU$332).

MyKronoz ZeTime technical specifications

  • Bluetooth: BLE 4.1
  • Diameter: 44 mm
  • Thickness: 12.8 mm
  • Material and colours: Stainless steel watch case available in silver, black and pink gold
  • Watch band width and finishings: 22 mm; Silicon, leather, carbon fibre, jean, NATO, metal and more in multiple colours
  • Battery type: 200 mAh lithium ion
  • Display size and resolution: 1.22’; 240 x 240 pixels
  • Display type: TFT (Colour touchscreen with hole)
  • Sensors: 3-axis accelerometer and optical HR sensor
  • Vibration: Yes
  • Water resistance: 30 metres
  • Charging system: Contact charging
  • Accessories included: Magnetic charger, USB cable
  • OS compatibility requirements: Android 4.3 or iOS 8 above, supports Bluetooth 4.1 BLE

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