9. But next year will be different
I don't think we'll see Samsung or Apple joining Baselworld's throng of beautiful, multi-level horology palaces next year. But with Tag, Tissot and Mondaine (by way of MMT) are tentatively taking baby steps this year, I think we'll see a LOT more smartwatch attempts and announcements next year.
Jean-Claude Biver of Tag Heuer gets it. He does't look down his nose at tech brands; he sees billion-dollar fortunes to be made. He sees allegiances between old-money Euro firms and sneaker-wearing American "geniuses" (he used that word a lot).
Tag Heuer's watch won't be out till October/November 2015. Tissot's effort should appear around the same time. The new breed of Swiss fitness trackers from Mondaine, Frederique Constant and Alpina will start stepping out during summer and autumn 2015, as should Kairos and Vector's stylish smartwatches.
However, Apple's Watch will be out in April. If it does as well as some analysts are predicting, that will early provide the push for Baselworld's denizens to take smartwatches seriously. They don't really understand or care about the tech or the culture, but they sure do understand money.
10. And finally, a visual metaphor for the meeting of Swiss watch making and tech
Jean-Claude Biver, while literally pounding the table: "When Silicon Valley meets Switzerland… You will see what will happen!" (left to right, Guy Sémon, managing director Tag Heuer, Jean-Claude Biver, Mike Bell, general manager, Intel New Devices Group, David Singleton, Android Wear director of engineering, Google)
