When was the first smartwatch invented?

Vaer Watches Updated by Vaer Watches

The first smartwatch was invented in 1998 by the computer company IBM.

The watch was called the IBM WatchPad, and it featured a touchscreen display and a range of features that were ahead of its time, including a calendar, email, and even the ability to control a home automation system.

However, the WatchPad was not a commercial success, and it was discontinued after only a few months on the market. It wasn't until the early 2010s that smartwatches began to gain popularity with the release of products like the Pebble Smartwatch in 2013, the Samsung Galaxy Gear in 2014, and the Apple Watch in 2015.

These early smartwatches were primarily designed to work as an extension of a user's smartphone, allowing them to receive notifications, control music playback, and even make phone calls from their wrist. Since then, smartwatches have continued to evolve, with more advanced features like fitness tracking, GPS, and mobile payments becoming standard on many models.

While smartwatches are a popular choice for consumers who want a wearable device that can help them stay connected, they are not a part of the Vaer product roadmap. Our product designs are based on principles of craftsmanship and timelessness, and the planned obsolescence and mass-produced nature of smartwatches make them a poor fit for our company values.

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