Wearables company Misfit announced its Phase smartwatch, which it said is an “advanced timepiece that merges the design of an analogue watch with the functionality of a smartwatch”.

The device tracks steps, distance and sleep using a 3-axis accelerometer and “Misfit’s rigorously validated algorithms”. The watch face is also said to act as a “subtle” user interface for notifications and feedback, using “an interplay of the watch hands, a small colour window, and vibration alerts”.

Phase also works as a remote control for a smartphone, to control music, take pictures or advance slides in a presentation.

It also automatically updates to reflect the current time zone, offers 6-month battery life and 50 meters water resistance.

Late last year, Misfit was bought by watchmaker Fossil, which at the time noted the opportunity for “smarter watches” which sit between fitness bands and fully-fledged smartwatches.

Misfit Phase will be offered in 6 colour options, starting from $175.