It seems like it was not all that long ago that we were talking to you about some smart watches from Michael Kors (and, in fact, it wasn’t that long ago). Not content with full-on smart watches, the brand has also introduced a few different designs that are known as “hybrid” smart watches. These are the sort of watches that look like a standard watch on the outside (normal, analog dials) while housing some technical smarts under the covers, so to speak.
The two latest models in the Michael Kors hybrid smart watch lineup go by the names of Reid and Grayson, and join the existing Slim Runway and Gage models that already existed. The two newer models look like fairly standard quartz chronographs, though I’m going to give the edge in the “looks department” to the Grayson, as I feel they’ve made some good use of color with the sub-dial and the retrograde scale, whereas the Reid has a bit more of a conservative feel to it.
As to the existing Michael Kors hybrid smart watches, the Gage looks like it was taken from the Timex catalog, actually (in this case, that’s a good thing), while the Slim Runway brings a bit of bling to the equation. Now, by and large, when you’re thinking about a watch from a shop like Michael Kors, particularly with pricing that starts at $275 (for the newer models), you’re going to be focused on the looks (aka, thinking of it as a fashion watch).
With these particular watches, that’s short changing things a bit. As you can see with the spec/feature rundown at the bottom of this article, there’s actually a decent amount these watches can do. Now, I personally am still not convinced of the use case for any sort of smart watch to replace a regular mechanical on my wrist. There are plenty of folks out there, though, that I think could leverage this hybrid approach. Say, those who just want a quartz everyday watch, and wouldn’t mind some activity tracking coming along for the ride.
Across the whole of the lineup, the Michael Kors hybrid smart watches run from $250 – $325. Will they sway the WIS community? Well, likely not. However, these a great deal better than any sort of “budget” smart watch you might find out there on the interwebs. In other words, yeah, MK is a fashion label, but let that work for you in a watch that actually looks good, not like a plastic brick strapped onto your wrist. michaelkors.com
- Brand & Model: Michael Kors hybrid smart watches
- Price: $250 – 325
- Who we think it might be for: You’re looking to pick up your first watch, want it to look nice, and also want some basic phone interactivity and fitness tracking
- Would I buy one for myself based on what I’ve seen? Nope – the use case for these watches does not fit for me
- If I could make one design suggestion, it would be: Keep doing you, MK
- What spoke to me the most about this watch: The competent designs
- Activity Tracking
- Automatically track steps, distance, and calories.
- Notifications
- Smartphone notification alerts come in the form of vibrations and watch hand movements.
- Auto-Update Time/Date
- Automatically updates to the local time zone and date when you travel.
- No Charging Needed
- Has a built-in battery that does not require charging.
- Alarm
- Set custom alarms via an app to help you remember where you need to be and when.
- Wireless Syncing
- Wirelessly syncs data from your device to your smartphone app.
- Michael Kors Access Link
- Use the smart control button, it’s like a like a stylish remote for your smartphone. Snap a selfie, track progress on a goal, control your music, or even ring your phone to find it.
- Track Sleep
- Learn more about the duration and quality of your sleep.
- Compatibility
- The hybrid smartwatch is compatible with both iPhone® and Android™ devices.
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