Report: Samsung to launch Gear S3 at IFA, de Grisogono "super-luxury" variant to follow

The days when Samsung would release a new wearable every few months seems to be a distant memory, with the now-current product cycle lasting roughly an entire year. While it was expected the Korean conglomerate would launch a new device this year, likely named the Gear S3, a new report from Korea is offering a healthy heaping of insight into the matter.

The Korea Herald makes note that the standard-fare Gear S3 is expected to launch at the IFA 2016 trade show to be held in Germany this September. Samsung – perhaps trying to walk shoulder-t0-shoulder with Apple’s Watch Edition, is planning a much more flashy and fashionable foray with the watch however, as the news outlet has also reported a “super-luxury” limited edition “will most likely debut at Baselworld 2017 in March next year”.

Just what kind of luxury? Samsung is apparently partnering with Swiss jewelry brand de Grisogono once again to do the honors:

“We are currently collaborating with Samsung to develop its next-generation smartwatch,” a de Grisogono official told The Korea Herald at Conde Nast Luxury Conference held in Seoul last week.

The official added that the jeweler was approached by Samsung, which viewed de Grisogono as a fitting partner to lead its foray into the ultra-luxury accessories market.

This would be the second time the two companies would be working together, following last month’s debut of a luxury edition Gear S2. Said collaboration has resulted in a $15,000 smartwatch complete with 100 black and white diamonds, a rose-gold bezel, and de Grisogono’s iconic black galuchat watch band. The official cited in the report also revealed that these Gear S2 premium products are selling out around the world with only 100 units handcrafted and built each month.

With respect to this current collaboration, Samsung Mobile’s Executive Vice President of Global Marketing, Lee Young-hee, was quoted by saying “the combination of style and substance is inherent in every Samsung device..the dynamic partnership builds on this heritage by merging Samsung’s barrier breaking technology with de Grisogono’s signature style to create a smartwatch as unique as the wearer.” The remarks were made at last month’s launch event and stress the clear embrace of a more refined and luxurious smartwarch.

While details about the Gear S3 are almost non-existent at this point, clearly Samsung is looking to make it a very flashy product indeed, at least for those who can afford to pay the premium.