The principle is familiar, the operation intuitive, the connection with an Android smartphone obligatory, but in most other respects the de Grisogono version of the Samsung Gear S2 is a totally new watch. This is even more surprising, given that this exciting new partnership only came about in the past few months, as de Grisogono founder and CEO Fawaz Gruosi told WorldTempus. “It was a romantic discussion in the beginning and the romance became reality. The relationship only started a few months ago, not a few years as you may have expected, so we have been working very hard on the project.”
More specifically in this very short time Fawaz Gruosi has put the distinctive de Grisogono touch to the case of the watch, which is now in black PVD inlaid with black diamonds on the side of the case. The feel of a proper rotating bezel (which is the primary means of operating this smart watch) was important to Mr Gruosi, so one has been incorporated, naturally set with diamonds, and it turns underneath two supports with black diamonds at 12 o’clock and 6 o’clock. Compared with the standard Samsung Gear S2 there is a satisfying tactile sensation as you feel the individual clicks as the bezel rotates. Another typical de Grisogono element is the black galuchat strap. “The look is 100 per cent de Grisogono,” says Mr Gruosi, “but with Samsung at the heart of the watch. “
The success of the finished product comes from the liberty accorded by Samsung to Mr Gruosi for the design. But in the short development period this nevertheless had to be validated both internally at de Grisogono and with Samsung for the integration of the jewellery and technological elements respectively. “Samsung is a huge company and I was honoured that they allowed me to work on the design on my own and then combine it with their technology,” says Mr Gruosi. “I think it is the only watch on the market today that you don’t really recognize as a smart watch. It looks more like a real watch.”
In addition to the bespoke de Grisogono dials for the watch, we can also expect a de Grisogono app for the watch and smartphone in the near future. And, since the partnership is relatively new, can we expect more from the duo in the future? “Well, we have started so I think we will keep going,” concludes Fawaz Gruosi.
