Updated 06:24 PM EST, Sun, Dec 22, 2024

iWatch Release Date, Specs & Price: Tag Heuer Director Joins Apple to Smartwatch Launch

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Apple hasn't confirmed if it's really developing the company's first wearable technology device, the supposed iWatch, but rumors say Apple has assembled its own dream team to manage all aspects of the much talked about gadget. 

New reports indicate that Apple has added another heavy-hitter to its iWatch team and according to MacRumors, it's none other than LVMH's former sales director, Patrick Pruniaux. LVMH owns a number of high-end watch brands that include Swiss watchmakers TAG Heuer, Hublot and Zenith along with Louis Vuitton and Hennessey.

Jean-Claude Biver, the head of LVMH's watch brands revealed to CNBC that the company's sales director has left the employment of the company. He didn't reveal the name of the executive during the interview.

"Our sales director left yesterday because he took a contract from Apple to launch the iWatch", said Biver.

This is the first public acknowledgment of any reputable figure with regards to the speculated iWatch. Granted it's not an Apple executive, it's a critical piece of information that confirms there is activity inside Apple on a supposed iWatch.

Biver has publicly admitted earlier that Apple is "poaching" some of the company's brightest talents to beef up their iWatch development team. He did indicate that he was happy for the said employee given the opportunity this presents to the individual.

"If it had been a direct competitor, I would have felt a bit betrayed, but if he goes to Apple I think it is a great experience for him," said the executive.

TrustedReview.com wrote: "Biver confirmed that Apple had been reaching out to Swiss watch makers for partnerships, hoping to be able to market the iWatch as "Swiss made" to add credibility to its first iWatch.

However, Apple hasn't gotten the high responses it's expected with many experts reluctant to join the team fearing the long-term prospects should this phase only be a trend.

Attaching a "Swiss made" logo on a time piece is like a seal of approval as it's synonymous to high-quality. According to senior luxury goods analyst at Bernstein, Mario Ortelli: "For sure they are trying to approach the Swiss manufacturers, but the Swiss have got no great interest in working with Apple - if you are a luxury producer and you cooperate with Apple, you have got a dilution," said the expert to CNBC.

The California-based tech giant is heavily rumored to be releasing its first wearable smart technology in late 2014 with reports indicating that mass production will begin in July.

MacRumors rounds up the rumored features of the iWatch. It's expected to use durable sapphire crystal display, be compatible to iOS devices and will run in the new iOS 8 system. Aside from compatibility in messages, voice calls and notifications it's thought to have health-related applications that is founded on the new iOS 8 health-app. It will be able to monitor physiological characteristics of the wearer including heart rate, blood sugar, quality of sleep, steps taken and the like, using "more than 10 sensors."

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