TomTom, a global leader in navigation and mapping products on Wednesday launched the GPS sport range of watches in India via e-commerce giant Flipkart starting at a price of Rs 12,999 to the most expensive one at Rs 23,499.
According to the firm, the GPS watches are targeted at a large spectrum of consumers who are looking to run or exercise. Among the products launched here on Wednesday, the TomTom Runner and Multi-Sport GPS watches deliver real-time information such as time, distance, heart rate, pace, speed and calories burnt to runners, cyclists and swimmers.
The TomTom Runner Cardio which is also a part of the sports range has a built-in heart rate monitor to help runners measure heart rate without the need for a separate, bulky and uncomfortable chest strap.
Speaking at the launch, Andrew Cooper, senior vice president sales for Asia Pacific at TomTom, said, “Our research shows that 95% of runners consider their GPS watch to be their perfect training partner. However, we see a gap between the number of runners and the penetration of GPS sport watches primarily due to lack of understanding on the benefits of running with a GPS watch. By launching fitness products with industry leading innovations, we expect this segment to grow at a rapid pace globally, and in India.”
Kavita Nath, country manager at TomTom said, “Our research suggests that access to real time information during a run is one of the easiest ways for a runner to improve their performance, making the GPS watch an essential part of any runner’s kit.”
While TomTom’s products are no smartwatches, they can be connected via a smartphone app to record data related to workout onto the TomTom servers. Other features of the watch includes an extra large display that the firm says will make it easy for runners and multi-sport enthusiasts to quickly see their distance, time and pace while they workout even in bright sunshine. The new range also features TomTom’s Graphical Training Partner. which will allow users to track their real-time performance at-a-glance with three graphical training modes — race, goal and zone. The new range also includes an intuitive One-Button Control that enables users to easily navigate up-down-left-right through menus to access key stats and watch features. Unlike the majority of existing GPS watches on the market that feature multiple small and hard-to-operate buttons, the one-button control is easy to operate while moving and can be easily controlled in all weather conditions and while wearing gloves. In addition, there is also a quick GPS fix, Bluetooth, easy charging dock and all the watches are weather and water-proof. An indoor tracker is also available.
The watch would only be available through Flipkart and Amitesh Jha, senior director of Retail at Flipkart said, “We are excited to announce the exclusive launch of TomTom’s first range of GPS watches in India. Targeted primarily at runners, cyclists, swimmers, this new range will be an extension of our fitness portfolio.”
When asked about after sales service of the watch, Kavita said that the watches will have a warranty period and a door-step service will be provided during that period.
