Sony SmartWatch 3 gets a new stainless steel version, interchangeable bands too

When Sony announced the SmartWatch 3, it kept its typical smartwatch design language but ditched its own OS in favor of the Android Wear platform. Of course not everyone was keen on Sony’s design language for the watch, and so it looks like Sony is hoping to appeal to even more users by introducing a new variant of the SW3 that offers a stainless steel chassis.

Beyond the change up of chassis, the watch is pretty much identical to the original model packing integrated GPS, a Snapdragon processor and so forth. It is worth noting, however, that the IP rating has dropped here from 58 to IP68, meaning it’s not quite as water resistant as before. The only other real change is support for changing out watch bands, something the original SW3 model lacked.

If you already bought a Smartwatch 3 and are sore about not having the ability to change out your band, you might be cheered up a bit to know that Sony will introduce a replacement shell that lets you connect any 24 mm strap that you want. Of course to get this ability you’ll have to pay for the adopter, officially called the Smartwatch 3 holder.

Sony intends to launch the steel SmartWatch 3 sometime in February with the Smartwatch 3 Holder coming sometime after that. No pricing or exact release date has been revealed, though we’ll be sure to update you as soon as we know more.