Kate Spade unveils first sport smartwatch

By

Gabriella Lacombe

Published
Oct 22, 2019

Kate Spade New York is entering the activewear accessories category with the launch of its first sport smartwatch. 

The touchscreen smartwatch, which uses Wear OS by Google and the Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 3100 platform, is available in three colorways: black and lilac, pink and red, and evergreen and black.

Other design features include silicone straps; a glass fiber reinforced resin color-pop case; a lightweight aluminium topring with signature Kate Spade scallop edging; and a pink enamel pusher that allows the wearer to access a customized digital dial through Kate Spade’s ‘choose your look’ micro app. 

The watch uses Google Fit to track the wearer’s heart rate, track steps and record activity goals, and is swim-proof for users looking to monitor their swim workouts.

Other tech features include built-in GPS, Google Assistant and Google Pay, as well as the ability to sync the watch with music, weather and training apps. 

Available inside Kate Spade stores and online through the brand’s e-commerce channel, the sport smartwatch is priced at $275. 

"Our customer is adventurous—she loves all kinds of activities, and is always looking for accessories that fit into her everyday life,” said Nicola Glass, Kate Spade’s creative director.

“The new Sport Smartwatch does exactly that. We've incorporated some of our most iconic design elements, including the spade and scallop detailing, to give the watch a distinct Kate Spade New York look and feel; while the silicone strap and light weight design gives her the functionality she needs without sacrificing style."

The sport watch debut comes as Kate Spade, which was acquired by parent company Tapestry, Inc. in 2017, works to offset stagnant sales caused primarily by excess inventory.

Under Glass, who became the brand’s creative director in 2017, Kate Spade has attempted to revive itself through innovative launches and collaborations, including a shoppable video campaign with long-time brand partner Anna Kendrick and a retro sandals collection with Dr. Scholl’s, both unveiled in September.