When we met Montblanc’s executive vice-president of marketing Jens Henning Koch at luxury watch fair SIHH recently, he emphasised the brand’s role in creating “fine lifetime companions”. It stands to reason, then, that Montblanc has of late delved slowly but surely into the digital world — first with black resin pens that double as Samsung-ready styluses, and now with a watch strap with smart technology.

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Instead of attempting to incorporate smart technology directly into one of its watches, which would date said watch just about immediately, the new TimeWalker Urban Speed e-Strap combines a smart strap with Montblanc’s sporty TimeWalker timepieces. The interchangeable strap connects via Bluetooth to selected Android and iOS smartphones, and has a pretty handy list of capabilities: E-mail and text notifications, activity tracker, remote controls, and Find-Me functions.

And of course, not just any old canvas was used for this smart strap. It is made from Montblanc’s own Extreme leather, which undergoes a special treatment that gives it long-wearing durability and the appearance of carbon. Make a note on your calendar (digital or otherwise): The collection will be launched this June.