[THE INVESTOR] Samsung Electronics is preparing to roll out two variants of its new smartwatch, tentatively named the Gear S3 Classic and the Frontier, during the upcoming IFA electronics trade show in September in Germany.

According to industry sources on Aug. 9, both models are expected to come with the signature round watch face with a rotating bezel that allows users to navigate the menu. They will be compatible with mobile payment solution Samsung Pay, supporting both magnetic secure transmission and near field communication technologies, sources said. 

Continuing the two-track strategy, the Classic will feature a conventional wristwatch design while the Frontier will adorn a more futuristic and modern styling.

The company has filed the two trademarks with Korea’s patent office.

In the meantime, collaboration with Swiss luxury jeweler de Grisogono is also underway to unveil a super-luxury edition of the Gear S3 as first reported by The Korea Herald in June.

The two partners unveiled a diamond-studded special edition of the Samsung Gear S2 in March this year. About 100 units of the US$15,000 watch are handcrafted and built every month for the international superrich.
By Kim Young-won (wone0102@heraldcorp.com)