Four new NFC smart watches that make use of China UnionPay’s cloud-based payments service have been unveiled in Shanghai by Swatch Group CEO Nick Hayek. “From July 27, 2017 onward, Swatch Pay will be available at designated Swatch stores in 28 Chinese cities. Enthusiasts can use their watches to pay for purchases in shops and stores around the country using merchants’ contactless POS terminals with a China UnionPay QuickPass icon. Eleven “leading Chinese banks” have signed up to participate in the new Swatch Pay service, the watch maker adds. “It is easy to use, friendly, uncomplicated and universally appealing thanks to its design and price positioning. The product matches the brand position well and meets one of today’s needs for interactive product features that make our lives more enjoyable. People have really understood the added value of having a stylish and easy-going accessory, allowing them to settle all kinds of purchases with a simple gesture. Many have seen the safety aspect of having a non-precious watch on their wrist for such operations, allowing for a light-hearted, open-air experience at any time”, said the creative director Carlo Giordanetti of Swatch.