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Is Samsung making a ‘smart Rolex’ with the Gear S3?

We may have just caught our first glimpse at the next smartwatch from Samsung, the Samsung Gear S3 – and it looks a bit like a Rolex.

Rumours surrounding Samsung’s next smartwatch release are starting to pick up momentum. Last week we heard it said that the new watch was codenamed ‘Solis,’ suggesting that it would retain the Gear S2‘s circular shape and its rotating bezel.

We also learned that Samsung was sticking with its own Tizen OS and continuing to stick two fingers up at Google’s Android Wear.

Prior to this, back in April, we were told that the Samsung Gear S3 would be a ‘super-luxury’ smartwatch.

These latest leaked images from South Korea would appear to confirm that last point, if genuine:

https://twitter.com/statuses/744605850182942720

As SamMobile points out, there’s something slightly iffy about these alleged snaps of the Gear S3 box. They’re not very good photos, for one thing, with a hideously over-exposed glowing look that makes it tough to pick out details.

Related: Best smartwatch 2016

What we do see is a smartwatch that’s styled after a classic metal wristwatch, like a Rolex. It wouldn’t be the first time Samsung has opted to emulate the best (or at least most high-profile) with its design work, but we’re still taking these with a pinch of salt for now.

Either way, we’re expecting to see Samsung announcing the Gear S3 some time this year – possibly at IFA 2016 in September.

What do you think of Samsung’s switch to a traditional design for the Gear S3, if true? Let us know in the comments.

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