Swiss watchmaker’s $30,800 Apple Watch spoof refuses to load apps

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H. Moser & Cie.'s $30,800 Apple Watch spoof: What better way to thumb your nose at Apple Watch wearers?
What better way to thumb your nose at Apple Watch wearers?
Photo: H. Moser & Cie.

Do you look at the Apple Watch and think, “I wish it did less, but cost a whole lot more?”

If so, you might be in the market for the Swiss Alp Watch “Final Upgrade.” The mechanical watch created by H. Moser & Cie bears an uncanny resemblance to Apple’s wearable, albeit with far fewer features — and a $30,800 price tag.

The Apple Watch-reminiscent design isn’t accidental. In its press materials, the Swiss watchmaker writes:

“The final edition of H. Moser & Cie.’s paradoxical, satirical and whimsical Swiss Alp Watch, a timepiece that mimics the look of a ‘smart watch’ with the tried and tested ingenuity of a traditional, mechanical watch movement. The Swiss Alp Watch Final Upgrade is crafted in a DLC steel case and is paired with a Vantablack dial. Instead of a seconds hand, a running indicator reminiscent of “loading” symbol continuously turns at 6 o’clock.”

An Apple Watch spoof worth paying for

The watchmaker notes that the device requires no updates and includes no unnecessary features. That means no notifications. Instead, the Swiss Alp Watch delivers the only reminder you need: “To disconnect from all the noise and cherish each and every moment.”

As its name implies, this is the latest in a series of Apple Watch knockoffs produced by H. Moser & Cie. Of course, once you start getting into the realm of five-figure price tags, “knockoff” becomes “parody.”

Perhaps the watch’s neatest feature is the loading symbol, which is actually a small seconds disc. It’s certainly an attractive and innovative design — even if not all of the design and innovation can be chalked up to H. Moser & Cie.

The watch is currently available to reserve on the company’s website. According to Apple Insider, the firm plans to create only 50 of the watches.

Super-valuable collector’s items or weirdly niche product you’ll struggle to explain a few years from now when Apple switches the design of the Apple Watch? Only the very wealthy can know for sure!

Source: H. Moser & Cie.

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