When announcing new products at events like SIHH and Baselworld, it has traditionally been the case that brands distribute to the media a USB containing information about the new products, such as releases, images, and spec data. In recent years, there has been an increase in the format where only a piece of paper with a URL, QR code, and password is distributed, and the new product information is downloaded from a designated site, but distributing press kits on a USB is interesting as it reflects the individuality of each brand. So, this time we will introduce some particularly unique USBs distributed at SIHH 2019.
A. Lange & Söhne
The A. Lange & Söhne model is characterized by its shuriken shape. It has four different ports, making it compatible with a variety of devices. Clockwise from the top of the photo, they are the Lightning connector, USB 3.1 Type C, USB 2.0 Type A, and USB Micro-B. What's great about it is that it can be used directly not only with regular notebook PCs, but also with the 2016 and later Macbook series and some 2015 models, which only have USB 3.1 Type C ports. Also, since it has a Lightning connector and a USB Micro-B port, it can be easily checked on location with a smartphone or tablet. This is a convenient configuration for media.
Hublot
It's ultra-compact, measuring just 3.5cm long and 3mm thick. This compact design is a welcome addition for media coming from all over the world. Despite its slim design, it's made of metal, so it's incredibly strong.
Ferdinand Berthoud
It's compact, measuring just 4cm long and 5mm thick. This type of port allows you to attach a strap, reducing the risk of losing it. It's USB 3.0, so data can be read and written at high speeds.
Piaget
This USB flash drive comes in a luxurious and elegant gold-colored case. The small hole in the upper left corner of the brand logo is thought to have been intentionally drilled to prevent deformation during manufacturing.
Montblanc
When you open the box, you'll find a card-shaped USB memory stick inside. It's about the same thickness as three credit cards. Press the grooved part of the USB memory stick from the back to expose the USB terminal.
Vacheron Constantin
It comes in a genuine leather case. It's a little heavy, and when you take it out, you'll find a USB memory stick with the brand logo. When you rotate the champagne gold part of this USB memory stick, a Lightning connector appears, allowing you to view the data on an iPhone or other device.
Audemars Piguet
It is made of metal, and although it is compact, it has a weight that, combined with its shape, gives it a strong presence. It is probably the heaviest of all the products introduced here.
Cartier
This was the most unique of the USB flash drives distributed at SIHH 2019. Pulling out the flap on the case reveals the USB flash drive. What's particularly noteworthy is the other side, which also reveals a liquid crystal display. This display displays images of the new model, and you can turn pages by pressing the two triangles on the bezel. When the battery runs out, you can recharge it via the USB port on the side of the case.
IWC
The exterior is designed to resemble a key chain, and the USB memory itself is also designed to resemble a key.
Bonus: H. Moser & Cie. USB memory sticks distributed at Baselworld 2018
H. Moser & Cie. exhibited at both SIHH and Baselworld. In previous years, the brand distributed USB flash drives in distinctive cases, but unfortunately, for SIHH 2019, they switched to a download site format. The photo shows one that was distributed at Baselworld 2018. At first glance, it looks like a simple doll, but it was actually stored inside a wine barrel that a mountain rescue dog was wearing around its neck. At first, I didn't know where it was, so I pulled on its neck and tail, but I'll keep that to myself.
Impressions
Each brand puts a lot of effort into their own creations, and every year I find them very interesting to watch. It's cool how they express their brand colors in a playful way, even in the arena of USB memory sticks, which most people probably won't see. I wanted to let you know how interesting this is, so I've introduced only a few of the brands this time. Were there any USB memory sticks among these that made you think, "I want one!" or "It's interesting!"
