Hide Your Apple Watch Under a Rolex With This Two-Faced Band
▼ Summary
– Smartlet is a modular watch strap introduced at CES 2026 that allows a user to wear both a traditional mechanical watch and a smartwatch on the same wrist simultaneously.
– It is designed for people who want the aesthetics of an analog watch and the functionality of a smartwatch for notifications, fitness tracking, and payments.
– The stainless steel strap system starts at $418 and is compatible with most major smartwatches and analog watches with lug widths from 18 to 24 mm.
– A significant drawback is the added bulk of 9-12 mm on the wrist’s underside, raising concerns about comfort and potential damage from daily contact with surfaces.
– The product is a niche, luxury-focused solution marketed toward affluent men, balancing high-end watch culture with smart device practicality.
For those who appreciate the timeless elegance of a mechanical watch but rely on the modern functionality of a smartwatch, a new product aims to end the daily dilemma of choosing just one. The Smartlet Band, unveiled at CES 2026, is a modular stainless steel strap designed to let you wear both types of timepieces on the same wrist simultaneously. This innovative accessory positions a traditional analog watch on top of your wrist while concealing a smartwatch or fitness tracker snugly against the underside.
The concept originated with founder David Ohayon, who grew weary of selecting between his classic watch and his Apple Watch each morning. His startup’s solution promises to merge two worlds, allowing the wearer to switch contexts from a formal business setting to an active workout with a simple turn of the wrist. The strap system itself is the core product, starting at $418, and does not include either a smart or mechanical watch.
Compatibility is a key feature, with the band engineered to work with a wide array of devices. On the smart side, it supports major brands including Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch, Google Pixel Watch, Garmin, Fitbit, and Whoop. For traditional watches, it accommodates lug widths from 18 to 24 millimeters, a range that encompasses luxury models from renowned makers like Rolex, Omega, TAG Heuer, and Tudor.
However, this fusion of form and function introduces some practical considerations. The most immediate is added bulk. The company states that attaching a connected device increases the height on the underside of the wrist by 9 to 12 millimeters. For anyone who frequently rests their wrists on desks or tables, this raises concerns about comfort and the potential for scratching or damaging the concealed smartwatch.
The product’s marketing clearly targets a specific demographic, employing language that appeals to luxury watch enthusiasts and the “modern gentleman” seeking seamless transition from professional environments to personal time. It’s positioned as an accessory for individuals who wish to display a high-end mechanical watch as a statement piece without forgoing the health metrics and connectivity of a smart device.
While the Smartlet Band may not represent a practical or economical choice for the average consumer, it undoubtedly stands out as a highly specialized and conversation-starting innovation. It exemplifies the type of niche, ambitious thinking that defines events like CES, offering a novel, if unconventional, answer to a very particular modern problem.
(Source: CNET)
