They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, so as more well-known watch producers start to release their own take on the Apple Watch, Steve Jobs must be smiling down from above.

(Someone else who was grinning ear to ear was our own Seth, who managed to land the Apple Watch before any other South African. You can read his in-depth review HERE.)

Swiss watchmakers Montblanc are now offering a smart strap for your wrist dubbed the ‘e-Strap’. They are hoping that the long life-cycle of their timepieces will give them an edge over the Apple Watch, as well as heralding the product’s versatility. Here’s iSchoolGuide:

…the e-Strap is composed of a stainless steel display held by a leather strap. When the watch is on the front, it will be on the backside of the wrist. A two-line touchscreen displays e-mails when they arrive.

The e-Strap is compatible with Samsung Galaxy S4, S5, Note 3, Note 4, selected Android devices running Android 4.3 and upwards as well as Apple iPhone 4S, 5, 5C, 5S, 6 and 6 plus.

Montblanc’s managing director for watches Alexander Schmiedt had this to say on the matter, which is a classic example of the thinly-veiled insult:

Although the exec noted the Apple Watch is “a great product,” he thinks customers won’t be eager to “throw away watches in one to two years when the technology is obsolete.”

The e-Straps are now on sale to the general public , with the most basic version retailing at $349. Your 18-carat gold model will prove a little dearer at $17 000, but does include an official certification of douchebaggery to confirm your purchase.

[sources:ischoolguide&montblanc]