Swatch is planning to launch a new smartwatch fitted with fitness and health sensors to compete with the Apple Watch, both launching in April.

The announcement comes after rumors Swatch would be working with Apple on its own smartwatch, previously listed as the iWatch.

Swatch CEO Nick Hayek claims the smartwatch will feature low-energy NFC (near field communication) and will not need to be charged daily, leading to speculation this will be a fitness tracker with a watch interface, similar to the Withings Activité.

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The Swiss watch maker has invested a lot into battery technologies, according to Hayek, who claims the Swatch Touch will feature a battery so thin it can bend without breaking.

The Swatch Touch will also feature a waterproof exterior, similar to most smartwatches on the market. Swatch didn't detail the price or if it will release multiple options for users.

Swatch has been interested in the smartwatch world for a while now, but with all of the mobile competitors entering the market, Swatch believes it's prime-time to launch a fully-fledged smartwatch.

Not many classic watch makers went along with the smartwatch market. Rolex, Casio, Fossil and Richemont have all shown no interest in the new technology being slapped onto a classic design.

Swatch needs to show some progress, however, following revenue declines since 2013. The watchmaker has been failing to keep customers interested in its large selection of watches, and believes a move to smartwatches might bring back some customers. 

TagsSwatch, Apple Watch, smartwatch, Swatch Touch, Windows Phone