MuchBetter, Winwatch launch watch with "payment glass" feature

It is the first watch to use “STISS” (Swiss Technology Inside Smart Sapphire) payments glass, a super-strong sapphire glass infused with payment technology. It allows wearers to make secure contactless payments up to GBP 45 – the new limit introduced to encourage contactless payments during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The watch is designed for people who want the stylish appearance and features of a luxury Swiss analogue watch, but with exclusive payment functionality. It also avoids the drawbacks of modern smartwatches such as the need for regular charging, internet dependence, tech obsolescence and bulky designs.

Winwatch is the first company to seal a payment chip (EMV) and antenna within a glass watch face, and it can be used at millions of locations worldwide where Mastercard contactless is accepted. This technological development could make it quick and easy for any watch manufacturer to create their own payment watch, or even retrofit existing models with STISS glass.

The MuchBetter watch can be used like any contactless payment card once the user has paired it to their MuchBetter wallet/app. Payments are made via the MuchBetter wallet which can be funded by smartphone, although wearers do not need to have their phone with them to make payments.