Smartwatch Rewind: From Dick Tracy and James Bond to Sony and Pebble

With all the latest rumors surrounding Apple’s potential new smartwatch project, perhaps its time to take a look at the history—both fictional and actual—of the device. The review seems fitting, not only because watches have been a standard accessory for ages, but because Apple has a knack at taking old ideas (tablets, anyone?) and giving them a fresh spin that connects with consumers. Apple's main competition would appear to be Pebble Technology, which in April 2011 became the most highly funded Kickstarter project, raising more than $10 million for an e-paper watch that can display messages from a smartphone and be customized with applications. The Pebble, which also features Bluetooth low-energy technology, will come with apps preinstalled. Sony currently offers a smartwatch powered by Google's Android operating system. The Sony smart watch, which has a three-level micro display and acts as an Android remote, gently vibrates on the wearer's wrist to let the person know when a call, message or other notification is coming in. Here’s a look at some of tech history’s most advanced watches through the years—most real and a few we wish had been.