Sony Ericsson, Fossil launch Bluetooth watch

"Together we have created a way to simplify your mobile life," said Martijin Lutgerink, GM, Sony Ericsson Southern Africa. "The Bluetooth watch represents the best of both worlds of fashion, in its classic attractive design, and technology, in its innovative functionality. This synergy will change your relationship with your mobile phone."

A OLED display beneath the watch face displays who is calling when a call is incoming. A simple key press on the watch can reject the call, meaning one can remain in control of one's calls. It also makes listening to music simpler by allowing one to play, pause and skip to the next track in the phone's music player.

By adding control of calls and music to the watch, as well as notification of text messages and an out-of-range notification when one is separated from one's phone, the MBW-100 is intended to help daily communication to become more effective.

The Bluetooth watch is the culmination of a longstanding objective for Sony Ericsson but represents an exciting future direction for mobile communication, according to the company.

"Watches are the perfect 'glanceable' display. They are simple to use, fashionable, and well accepted," says Bill Geiser, vice president of watch technology for Fossil. "The immediate opportunity is for watches to deliver convenient new services that simplify how people stay connected with one another."

Crafted from high quality stainless steel with a silver facia, the analogue watch will go on sale globally during the fourth quarter of 2006, with a guideline retail price of approximately EUR300.