A new alternative has emerged for consumers torn between the traditional appeal of mechanical watches and the smart functions of the Apple Watch. The accessory is called Smartlet, made exclusively for the Apple Watch. It is drawing attention for a distinctive design that allows a mechanical watch and an Apple Watch to be worn on the same wrist.

The IT outlet 9to5Mac reported on Jan. 8 that as demand has grown for health management and fitness tracking features, wearing a smartwatch has effectively become routine. At the same time, many consumers find it hard to give up the design and sensibility distinctive to mechanical watches. Smartlet is seen as an attempt to meet those opposing demands at once.

The Smartlet band places a mechanical watch on the top of the wrist and an Apple Watch on the underside. Users can check the two watches alternately depending on the situation. It allows users to keep the look of a mechanical watch while also using the Apple Watch’s health monitoring, notifications and fitness functions. It is aimed mainly at mechanical watch enthusiasts who find it hard to give up wearing an Apple Watch entirely.

Compatibility is broad. The Smartlet band can be used with all Apple Watch models. It also pairs with most mechanical watches that support 20 mm or 22 mm lug widths. It includes major luxury watch brands such as Rolex, TAG Heuer, Tudor, Omega and Zenith, a design interpreted as keeping in mind users who view mechanical watches not as simple accessories but as matters of taste and assets.

CNET reviewer Vanessa Hand Orellana said, "When you actually wear it, it feels less awkward than you might think." She added that questions still remain about how it works with shirt cuffs, comfort during long wear and the structural burden of having to wear two watches on one wrist. That suggests opinions could be sharply divided on design and practicality.

The Apple Watch accessories market is already close to saturated, but the Smartlet band is considered one of the most unusual products. It could be an interesting option for consumers seeking a compromise between mechanical watches and smartwatches, but it is also seen as something that will need to be watched to see whether the distinctive approach can become a mainstream trend.