Augmented Reality
While augmented reality (AR) first experienced a major boom in the early 2010s, it’s actually been around for over 50 years. Of course, those original products were much different than what we see today, but they had the same basic concept: introducing virtual elements into real-world surroundings. Nowadays we can do this using smartphones, tablets, and special AR gadgets. The AR experience gives the user more than just the usual 2D experience of your average TV or cellphone. It often requires special equipment like an AR helmet or goggles and a controller. However, we all already interact with simpler forms of AR in our daily lives, perhaps without even knowing it. Most of us have probably tried animated Instagram or Snapchat filters or AR smartphone games like NBA AR. Augmented reality’s potential goes far beyond games and fun effects, though. It can be educational and, as it is in our case, informative.
Virtual Showroom
Like every new development, AR has also found its way into the luxury and fashion industry. It’s a convenient way to introduce products to consumers without making them visit a brick-and-mortar shop. A few first-mover companies have designed innovative tools where users can easily preview how clothes, glasses, make-up, or even furniture will look on them or in their living spaces. Some watch brands have also experimented with different versions of augmented reality. Chrono24 is now joining these companies. Since convenience is such an important aspect of a luxurious shopping experience, we’ve developed the Virtual Showroom. The Virtual Showroom allows you to try on select timepieces from the comfort of your own home. You can also take and share photos to get your friends’ opinions. Don’t worry, though! It’s easy to use and requires no special skills.
How It Works
Using the Virtual Showroom couldn’t be easier. First, update your Chrono24 App to the latest version and then click on the banner that takes you to the Virtual Showroom page. Follow the easy instructions for printing out a bracelet. Once printed, cut out the bracelet and put it on your wrist. That’s it! You can now choose a model and point your phone’s camera at the bracelet on your wrist, where the watch will then appear. Alternatively, you can view the watch on a stand on a flat surface. Simply move your phone around to see it from every angle. Any watch listed on Chrono24 that is available in the Virtual Showroom will also have a button on the offer page. If the watch you’re looking at isn’t in the Virtual Showroom yet, try coming back at a later date. The number of AR models will continue to grow.
List of Watches
The Virtual Showroom currently features 6 models: the Rolex Submariner Date (116610LN), Rolex Daytona (116500LN), Rolex Datejust (116234), Omega Seamaster 300 Co-Axial (233.30.41.21.01.001), Omega Seamaster Diver 300M (212.30.41.20.03.001), and Omega Speedmaster Professional (311.30.42.30.01.005). However, we plan to add more timepieces in the near future. If you have any suggestions, please let us know. We would like to hear what models you would like to have in the tool. As you can imagine, making these 3D models is a rather complicated process. Every watch needs to be “built” individually by a graphic designer, from the case to the bracelet to the dial. It’s a complex and time-consuming task, but we are determined to bring you as many of your favorites as we can.
To start, the Virtual Showroom is going to be available exclusively for iPhone. One of its coolest features is the option to take wrist shots of you “wearing” the watch. Try on as many as you want and take a photo of each watch on your wrist. These images are saved automatically to your phone. We encourage you to share them on social media to see if your friends prefer the Rolex Sub or the Speedy Pro on you. We want to see as many wrist shots as possible, so don’t forget to use the hashtag #c24vs. We will post the best ones on our social media channels. Now get out there and enjoy this new and revolutionary way of trying out iconic watches with Chrono24.
