Details emerge on HP's latest take on wearable devices-- the MB Chronowing, a collaboration with watch designer Michael Bastian that, lacking either touchscreen or microphone, is less smartwatch and more regular watch.

First announced back on August 2014, the MB Chronowing is “intended to make you more polite,” as Bastian tells the Wall Street Journal. This explains why the device lacks the kind of features normally expected from smartwatches, such as fitness trackers or a speaker. In fact, all it uses to alert users to texts, emails and app notifications from paired Android and iOS devices is a gentle vibration.

It features a monochrome LCD display within a men's watch-style metal body, and control comes through a trio of chunky buttons. As a result HP estimates the built-in battery lasts around 7 days.

The MB Chronowing is available from November 2014 at online fashion retailer Gilt in two versions-- a regular model with leather, rubber or nylon strap, and a limited edition with a sapphire-glass crystal and alligator strap.

Go Michael Bastian Creates a Smartwatch That Looks Like a Watch (WSJ.com)