Apple is reportedly trying to lure Swiss watch makers to lend their expertise for its upcoming iWatch, but it seems that most of them are not interested.
Smartwatches seem to be gaining momentum, with various bigwig companies joining the race with their own smart wearable gadgets. Apple is expected to join the party as well, and its unannounced iWatch has been fueling the rumor mill for quite some time now.
According to a new report, it seems that Apple has been approaching a number of Swiss watchmakers to help with its iWatch, but many of them are not very thrilled with the idea of working with Apple.
The report comes from the Financial Times (FT), which claims that Swatch CEO Nick Hayek said his company has no interest in working with smartwatch makers.
"We have been in discussions - not ever initiated by us - with practically all players in smart wearables up until today," Hayek told the FT. "However, we see no reason why we should enter into any partnership agreement."
In addition to Swatch, Apple has also reportedly approached Luxury Swiss watchmaker LVMH, who makes the popular Hublot, Tag Heuer, Zenith, and more. LVMH president of Watches and Jewelry, Jean-Claude Biver, reportedly was reticent as well about helping Apple with its iWatch and has revealed that Apple even tried to poach employees from his Hublot brand, as well as from other manufacturers.
"'Apple has contacted some of my employees - I saw the emails personally,' Mr Biver told a Swiss publication, claiming that all those who had been contacted refused the iPhone maker's advances," the FT further reveals.
While it makes sense for Apple to seek high-quality expertise to help with its smartwatch endeavors, it also makes sense for Swiss watch makers to turn down such an offer. Such companies are already world-renowned and have been in the business for a long time, selling watches that are not only high-quality and expensive, but also real masterpieces for many. The Swiss watch industry has always been successful and has withstood all changes, and will likely continue to do so for a long time ahead.
Joining the smartwatch frenzy would almost look like a downgrade for Swatch or other reputable Swiss watchmakers, and Apple may have to develop a winning iWatch without Swiss assistance. Either way, Apple is expected to introduce its much-rumored iWatch later this year.
