PURCHASE, N.Y. & GENEVA & BASEL, Switzerland--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today at Baselworld, Bulgari, MasterCard and WISeKey announced that MasterCard contactless payment capability will be embedded within the first-ever “intelligent mechanical luxury watch” – the Bulgari Diagono Magn@sium. This major innovation comes one year after the presentation at Baselworld 2015 of the innovative luxury watch, which Bulgari has now fully developed and industrialized for a potential market introduction before the end of the year.
Utilizing WISeKey cyber security technology, the global alliance between Bulgari and MasterCard will enable Bulgari Diagono Magn@sium “intelligent” watch owners to make payments securely at the more than four million retail locations in 74 countries globally that accept MasterCard contactless transactions.
The payment capability complements the secure access functions being embedded in the Diagono Magn@sium powered by WiseKey’s cyber security technology. The secure access functions allow watch owners to unlock the BVLGARI Vault Application, which provides a unique user experience that protects personal digital assets encrypted on consumer smartphones or tablets by storing encrypted replicas of them in a secure cloud buried in a Swiss military bunker, somewhere in the Alps. Additional secure access functions planned by Bulgari include the ability to open select automobile doors, Bulgari hotel doors and other participating partners’ products.
“The cooperation between BVLGARI, MasterCard and WISeKey on the Diagono Magn@sium intelligent watch perfectly embodies Bulgari’s vision. We believe that technology and craftsmanship can be artfully combined to deliver a valuable and unique benefit to our clients without compromising the integrity of a timeless mechanical luxury watch. With the new Bulgari Magn@sium, our clients will have the luxury to forget their wallet and pay securely with only their Bulgari watch. This is extraordinary and part of the luxury experience,” commented Jean-Christophe Babin, CEO of the BVLGARI Group.
“MasterCard has extended payments to a wide array of consumer products across the fashion, automotive and technology industries, giving consumers the freedom to shop using the device, accessory or wearable that is most convenient to them – with the highest level of security available,” said Sherri Haymond, senior vice president, Digital Payments & Labs, MasterCard. “Working with BVLGARI and WISeKey, we’re now able to bring these capabilities to a device that is capturing the attention – and imagination – of people in the luxury watch industry.”
“This cooperation between BVLGARI, MasterCard and WISeKey will open the door to additional eCommerce and marketing opportunities for the Bulgari Ecosystem. The increased security on device payments transactions will bring important benefits to Bulgari clients,” said Carlos Moreira, chief executive officer of WISeKey.
The following is an interview with Jean-Christophe Babin, CEO of Bulgari at BaselWorld 2016 event http://youtu.be/bD1-AjXAcic
The following video unveils the Bulgari Diagono Magn@siumwatch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAyKfPOYwws&feature=youtu.be
The following is a brief interview with BVLGARI CEO discussing how BVLGARI is unlocking the future: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76q2cNRt03o
About BVLGARI
Part of the LVMH Group, Bulgari - www.bulgari.com - was originally founded in Rome in 1884 as a jewellery shop. Quickly establishing a reputation for Italian excellence and exquisite craftsmanship, its magnificent jewellery creations brought about a prominence on the world stage. The Company’s international success has evolved it into a global and diversified luxury purveyor of products and services. Ranging from fine jewels and watches to accessories and perfumes, Bulgari features an unrivalled network of Boutiques and Hotels in the world’s most exclusive shopping areas.
About MasterCard
MasterCard (NYSE: MA), www.mastercard.com, is a technology company in the global payments industry. We operate the world’s fastest payments processing network, connecting consumers, financial institutions, merchants, governments and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories. MasterCard products and solutions make everyday commerce activities – such as shopping, traveling, running a business and managing finances – easier, more secure and more efficient for everyone. Follow us on Twitter @MasterCardNews, join the discussion on the Beyond the Transaction Blog and subscribe for the latest news on the Engagement Bureau.
About WISeKey
WISeKey is a leading information cybersecurity and identity Management Company, a Global growth Company partner of the World Economic Forum, providing specialized technologies for data protection, effective identification and authentication of people or objects to ensure secured communications and transactions without compromising trust. More information on www.wisekey.com and find out more on www.wisekey.com/media-corner
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