UK-based payments app MuchBetter and Swiss smart glass provider Winwatch have teamed up to launch a unique steel watch with smart payment functionality.

It is the first watch to use STISS (Swiss Technology Inside Smart Sapphire) payments glass, a super-strong sapphire glass infused with payment technology. It allows wearers to make secure contactless payments up to £45 and also avoids the drawbacks of modern smartwatches - such as the need for regular charging, internet dependence, tech obsolescence and bulky designs.

Winwatch is the first company to seal a payment chip (EMV) and antenna within a glass watch face, which can be used at millions of locations worldwide where Mastercard contactless is accepted.

With people encouraged to pay via contactless wherever possible due to the COVID-19 pandemic, MuchBetter stated that it expects increased demand for such payment options. The MuchBetter watch can be used like any contactless payment card once the user has paired it to their MuchBetter wallet/app. Payments are made via the MuchBetter wallet which can be funded by smartphone, although wearers do not need to have their phone with them to make payments.

MuchBetter cofounder Jens Bader commented: “People are loathed to give up their expertly crafted analogue watch in exchange for a smartwatch that may be obsolete in just a few years - that’s why there’s such a big gap in the market for people who see the benefit of some adding some smart features like payments to their beloved analogue watch – especially now while contactless payments are not just highly convenient, but fundamental for public health."

The watch design follows the MuchBetter powered CashCuff smart-shirt and the FinTech's payment keyfobs.

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