# Designer Hybrid Smartwatches The Updated Kronaby Hybrid Smartwatches Feature Amazing Design By Justin Lam | Published 2018-03-28 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kronaby-hybrid-smartwatches References: [digitaltrends](https://www.digitaltrends.com/wearables/kronaby-2018-season-watches-bpay-support-news/#/9) & [wareable](https://www.wareable.com/hybrid-smartwatches/kronaby-2018-collection-release-date-specs-price-5878) Swedish watch brand Kronaby has updated its line of connected watches for the 2018 season and each piece in the collection truly showcases the beauty of Kronaby hybrid smartwatches. The smart timepieces were recently shown at Baselworld 2018, and the collection included the eye-catching Sekel and the sportier [Apex](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/apple-watch-case1). The Sekel is definitely the more fashion-focused of the two and features a sunray brushed blue dial, stainless steel case and a sapphire crystal covering. The Apex has a sportier focus, with a total of two subdials, which seek to present more visual information to the wearer. While the two watches maintain a unique aesthetic, Kronaby hopes to integrate its contactless payment system into both lines. Using a [chip placed in the strap](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/premium-smartwatch-bands), the watchmaker hopes to increase the usefulness of Kronaby hybrid smartwatches and has partnered with Barclays Bank payment system, bPay, to bring this feature to select markets. Image Credit: Andy Boxall ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.2/10 - Popularity: 86% | Activity: 93% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Watches](https://www.trendhunter.com/watches) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Connected Watches:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore new ways to integrate smart technology into traditional watch designs. - **Contactless Payment:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop seamless payment solutions that can be integrated into wearable devices. - **Hybrid Smartwatches:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Combine the elegance of traditional timepieces with the functionality of smartwatches. ### Who This Affects Most - **Watchmaking:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporate smart features into traditional watch designs to cater to tech-savvy consumers. - **Fintech:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Collaborate with watch brands to develop seamless contactless payment solutions for wearable devices. - **Fashion:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Merge technological advancements with fashion-forward designs to create stylish wearable tech. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Hybrid Low-Power Smartwatches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ksana.md) - [Mechanical Hybrid Smartwatch Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lunar-eclipse-hybrid-watch.md) - [High-End Timepiece-Like Smartwatches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coros-apex-4.md) - [Slick Smart Watch Cases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/golden-concept-x-blvck-paris.md) - [World-Inspired Watch Cases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/apple-watch-case1.md) - [Hybrid Health-Tracking Smartwatches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/withings-scanwatch-light.md) - [Descriptive Wearable Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pebble-time-2.md) - [Haute Health-Minded Smartwatches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/withings-scanwatch-nova-brilliant.md) - [Powerful Customization-Focused Smartwatches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/skagen-falster-6.md)