Watch that doubles as a car key

A Chinese company has invented a watch that doubles as a car key. BYD, which is in partnership with Mercedes-Benz to develop electric vehicles, has unveiled a sensor key hidden behind the face of an analogue watch.

Sensor key technology isn’t new – many cars are available with keys that you can leave in your pocket – but BYD is the first mainstream carmaker to embed the technology into a wristwatch.

In 2008, Swiss watchmaker Jaeger-LeCoultre  produced a watch for Aston Martin that unlocked the luxury brand's $450,000 DBS -- but slugged owners an extra $37,000 for the watch.

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The technology means drivers don’t need to worry about losing their key – and eliminates the need to press a remote to unlock the door as they approach the car.

You also don’t need to put the key in the ignition to start the engine. The car will detect when the wristwatch is inside the vehicle, and the engine will start at the press of a button.

China Car Times reports that BYD has applied for 21 global patents for the technology, which should be available to the public within two years. BYD is also reportedly looking into different watch designs to go with its new models.

The watch key is the latest automotive innovation from BYD – which stands for Build Your Dreams. In August BYD released a remote control for full size cars so drivers could park in spots too tight to open doors.

On its new sedan, the remote allows the car to be controlled from the outside at low speed for short distances. BYD cars are currently not sold in Australia. Chinese car brands on sale locally to date include Great Wall Motors, Chery and, in West Australia, Geely.