No one is saying the Apple watch isn’t stylish, but it is a very specific style. For those would like a design alternative to the iconic smartwatch, several watch manufacturers have debuted their own connect watches. These pieces allow wearers to do everything from receiving text alerts and making phone calls to storing private data. Beautiful watches can also be smart watches!
Gucci x Will.i.am
Gucci teamed up with Will.i.am to create a designer smartwatch. The watch looks more like a wristband than a traditional watch face for a sleeker profile. The watch includes a front-facing camera, heart-rate and temperature sensors and GPS. The band will be 3G-enabled, allowing it to make calls, send texts and connect to social networks without being tethered to a phone. The unreleased phone currently has no price point.
Movado Bold Motion
The Movado smartwatch, the Movado Bold Motion, was engineered by HP and is both Android and iOS compatible. The watch combines both traditional and modern design for a smartwatch that is stylish and functional. The Bold Motion notifies you of phone calls, texts, emails, appointments, and social media alerts. The Bold Motion line ranges from $695-$895.
Guess Connect
The Guess Connect smartwatch allows you to answer calls directly from your watch, in addition to receiving notifications and alerts. Guess partnered with the California smartwatch developers of Martian Watches to create a smartwatch that incorporates tech into the popular Guess style. The Connect retails around $250.
Fossil Q Founder
The digital display smartwatch sold by Fossil boasts touchscreen technology. Because of the Q Founder’s digital face, the user is allowed to customize the look of the watch to suit his tastes. Analog for one outfit, digital for another. The watch is also compatible with many of Fossil’s existing watch bands. This watch is priced just under $300.
Tag Heuer Connected
The TAG Heuer smartwatch is predictably luxurious. The TAG Heuer Connected uses Android Wear technology to provide access to thousands of apps. The watch’s design shows the Swiss watchmaker’s 150 of experience alongside the cutting edge tech of the digital watchface. After the two year warranty period, owners are given the option to upgrade to a special edition Carrera. The TAG Heuer Connected sells for $1500.
Bulgari Diagono Magnesium Vault
Bulgari’s smartwatch offering, the Diagono Magnesium Vault, employs a NFP chip that allows the user to store passwords, pin codes, bank account numbers, as well as make contactless payments, open doors, and transfer data. The watch will do all this while maintaining completely mechanical movement, meaning no battery is required.
Whichever option you choose you will be sure to enjoy the latest technology combined with undeniable style! Which of these beautiful watches would you choose?
![In 2014, Fodor’s Travel said that there are four main reasons to visit Shanghai: sights new and old; multi cultural museums; one-of-a-kind shopping; and, new food and drink. They were right about all of those reasons. We’d add the beautiful luxury accommodations and continue to stress the importance of the city’s rising quality of cuisine. So much so that 26 restaurants were awarded the highly coveted Michelin stars in 2017. We’ve combed that list and chosen our picks of musts in a culinary tour of this vibrant and dynamic city. DaDong (IAPM) & DaDong (Park Place) [caption id="attachment_4020" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Photo courtesy of Foodie Traveller[/caption] While there are actually two DaDong locations in Shanghai that each earned one Michelin star, we’re counting it as one entry on our list but hoping you’ll sample both. Renowned for their roast duck, both Da Dong locations require reservations but they can accommodate parties large and small and have private dining options as well. This popular restaurant is not only busy but has a menu worth exploring beyond the roast duck. Pro tip: add the braised sea cucumber with scallions to your order, you’ll be happy you did. UltraViolet [caption id="attachment_4023" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Photo courtesy of Digital Trends[/caption] Billed as one of the world’s most high tech restaurants, UltraViolet marries food, wine, light, and sound, and it does it well enough to earn a two-star rating from Michelin. Reservations are, of course, required as they seat ten people each evening who are instructed to meet at Mr. & Mrs. Bund. They’re then driven to a location where the guests are seated at a communal table for the immersive 22-course dinner. L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon [caption id="attachment_4021" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Photo courtesy of Dining City[/caption] One of several locations, L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon boasts a 32-seat teppanyaki, the largest in Asia. The French gourmet restaurant was inspired by Robuchon’s travels through Japan and Spain and his passion has spread worldwide as have his restaurants. L’Atelier not only has an enviable menu but with views of Shanghai’s towers, this two-star Michelin-rated restaurant is one of the loveliest settings in the city for a beautiful dinner. Reservations are possible, yet not a requirement. Canton 8 [caption id="attachment_4019" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Photo courtesy of Fine Dining Lovers[/caption] Another restaurant that earned two Michelin stars, Canton 8 is a Cantonese restaurant that is most notably the world’s least expensive two Michelin-star restaurant. Forget about that, though, because Chef Jie Ming Jian will dazzle you with his use of local fresh ingredients and his humble demeanor. At the Michelin award ceremony, he said he never dreamed of earning such an accolade for his food. That food includes the popular lobster porridge and crystal prawn dumplings as well as their dim sum. Even though they’re the least expensive on the list, they require a reservation. T'ang Court [caption id="attachment_4022" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Photo courtesy of Langham Hotels[/caption] The first and thus far only recipient of a three-star Michelin rating in all of mainland China, T’ang Court features a mix of traditional and modern Cantonese cuisine under the watchful eye of Executive Chef Justin Tan and a team of culinary masters. With several set menus or an a la carte menu, T’ang Court promises a unique dining experience and invites you to experience their artistry and the reason they earned those three Michelin stars. Pro tip: According to Michelin, you’ll want to try their braised sea cucumber with dried longan and sautéed Wagyu with organic mushrooms. Reservations are required and with that rating, that’s no surprise. As you’re planning your travels through Shanghai, be sure to experience the best cuisine they have to offer. Any one of these Michelin star-rated restaurants will be a meal to remember. In addition to the five we’ve highlighted and the other 21 star earners, there were 25 more restaurants awarded the Bib Gourmand, a more affordable dining option recognition. It’s an exciting time to visit Shanghai!](https://discover.luxury/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Michelin-Star-Restaurants-in-Shanghai-vertical-377x214.jpg)
