LG Watch Urbane Luxe is a 23-karat gold-plated smartwatch available at $1,200

In collaboration with US retail jewelry company Reeds Jewelers, LG will introduce a premium limited edition smartwatch - LG Watch Urbane Luxe. This smartwatch has been designed using 23-karat gold and an alligator leather strap set in an exclusive piano-gloss lacquer case. It will be available starting at the end of October and will be priced at $1,200 (approximately Rs 80,000). The LG Watch Urbane Luxe will sport a deployment clasp for a fitted, elegant look that is not bulky. The 23-karat gold used in the LG Watch Urbane Luxe is said to be stronger and harder than the 24-karat gold used in jewelry and heavier than the 18-karat gold used in traditional luxury watches. LG says that the use of a deployment clasp makes the timepiece even more exclusive and unique. It is handcrafted at the highest level of craftsmanship, undergoing 50 separate steps in its creation, handled lovingly by 30 experienced leatherworkers. Each of the 500 limited edition watches is said to be engraved with its own serial number for authenticity and available initially in the USA for pre-order at www.reeds.com later this month or by visiting any Reeds Jewelers location. “Wearable devices shouldn’t be thought of as an extension of one’s smartphone but an extension of oneself,” said Chris Yie, vice president and head of marketing communications for LG Mobile Communications Company. “This blending of craftsmanship and technology is a natural evolution of the smartwatch, which is becoming more of a lifestyle accessory than a piece of hardware. We think this is a good direction for wearables and we want to encourage this transformation.”