The smartwatch's forgotten predecessor: The Burg Watch Phone

This time, we delve into a piece of forgotten tech history that laid the foundation for what would become the smartwatch revolution. Meet the Burg Watch Phone : a unique smartwatch invention, well before the rise of the Apple Watch.

An unexpected find from the closet

"Welcome back to a collection video where I actually have no idea what we're going to do." That's how the video begins, but Jasper knows for sure: he's found something special. He pulls out a striking device: the Burg Watch Phone. Carlos's first reaction: "What the hell is he doing?" We both burst out laughing, because the gadget looks like pure science fiction from the early 2000s.

The story behind the Burg Watch Phone

And then it gets really interesting. Jasper explains: "My neighbor came up with this. This device is about fifteen or sixteen years old. Long before the Apple Watch, before smartwatches were even a thing. Smartphones had only just hit the market back then."
Jasper was only 15 or 16 when the first prototypes, straight from China, appeared on his kitchen table. "I sold the Watch Phones at school!"

How does the Burg Watch Phone work?

Curious about how this early smartwatch works, we'll get started together. With a new battery from AliExpress and a SIM card, we'll bring the Burg Watch Phone back to life. As soon as the blue light starts to glow, it's connected to the mobile network.

"It's essentially a quartz watch with a built-in phone," Jasper explains. You can receive and make calls with it. In the video, you can even make a live call to the device. Our conclusion: "This is truly bizarre—a precursor to the Apple Watch and perhaps the earliest smartwatch we've ever seen!"

Does a Watchmate strap fit the Burg Watch Phone?

Of course, we had to try it out: a Watchmate strap fits the Burg Watch Phone! So if you ever get your hands on one, you can even give it a new look. And who knows, maybe one will appear on the Watch Mates website soon – with a soldered-in battery and a warranty that extends to your doorstep.

Why We're Sharing the Burg Watch Phone Story

These kinds of forgotten innovations deserve a place in the spotlight. The Burg Watch Phone wasn't a new Apple Watch, but it's definitely a unique piece of Dutch tech history. It's fascinating to see that the earliest smartwatches didn't come from Silicon Valley, but simply from the neighborhood.