Wednesday, 16 February 2022

TAG Heuer launches a new generation of Connected smartwatches

TAG Heuer has been making luxury watches since 1860. Over the years, the Swiss company’s mechanical watches have seen innovations including oscillating pinions and automatic-winding. Times have changed with the introduction of the Apple Watch, and in 2015, TAG introduced its first luxury smartwatch. TAG is continuing to innovate with a new generation of ‘Connected’ watches, which are built to combine elegance with sporting performance.

The new TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4 range has just been launched, and available in two models. The larger 45mm has a distinctly sporty design, while the smaller 42mm version is more slimline and elegant. Both have technology upgrades, updated designs, watch faces, straps and bracelets.

The developments of these new watches highlight how Connected has become a pillar of TAG Heuer, alongside Aquaracer and Carerra, building on 160 years of Swiss watchmaking experience

Frédéric Arnault, CEO TAG Heuer

42mm model

With a smaller bezel, the 42mm model is sophisticated and elegant, and crafted to appeal to a broad range of tastes. It’s a match for elegant events, wearing to the office or on the tennis court. The sleek case has two mechanical steel pusher buttons that taper towards the bracelet, which is integrated into the design.

45mm model

TAG’s 45mm Connected Calibre model is designed to compliment a range of sporting activities, while retaining a traditional high-end timepiece aesthetic. The strong ceramic bezel defines its style, while providing durability along with an increased sense of flow. The large crown and two mechanical pushers make for easy adjustments, and taper towards a range of bracelet designs.

Straps and bracelets

A selection of new bracelets and straps are available to compliment both watches. Materials include premium leather or steel, while customers can express themselves with an assortment of multi-coloured rubber straps.

Watch faces

The new Connected models also come with a wide assortment of watch faces. These include more traditional designs derived from TAG Heuer’s rich watchmaking heritage. For a more modern look, there are artistic animations and trendsetting designs available as well. Examples include the Riverside and Wellness watch faces, with a futuristic time elapse effect on the former and heart rate and steps summary on the latter.

In terms of functionality, the watch faces include new digital features for up-to-the-moment weather, calendar and wellness details. There are also easy-to-read information panels that display a 5 day forecast along with activity charts and graphs.

Sports and activity

The TAG Heuer Sports app helps you keep track of your fitness routines. With a recent revamp, the app includes guided workouts and fitness information, along with sports-specific activity tracking. Users can now track indoor and outdoor runs, cycling, swimming, golf and walking.

New charge stand

The Connected range comes with a new charger concept that also functions as a night-stand. During night charging, the watches will stay lit and display the time. Otherwise they will display the charging level. Integrated magnets in the stand position the watches over the electrical contacts, making it easy to keep them topped up.

Updated tech

Technology improvements include a higher contrast display for better outdoor visibility and colour reproduction in bright sunlight.

Battery life of the 45mm model is improved by 30% compared to the previous version, according to TAG Heuer. This means users can have a full day of battery charge, even while using up to 5 hours of battery-intensive sports tracking. The 42mm model will also last a day while using the wellness app.

With updated Bluetooth 5.0, TAG has doubled synchronisation speeds when connecting to mobile phones and computers.

Tennis star Naomi Osaka
Tennis star Naomi Osaka is TAG’s Connected watch ambassador

There’s also an altimeter for tracking altitude changes, which adds more accuracy to sports tracking activities including running and cycling. The altimeter works in conjunction with the GPS, compass, accelerometer and heart rate monitor.

At launch, both Connected watches will run on Google’s new Wear OS 2. There’s a free upgrade to the more advanced Wear OS 3 as soon as it becomes available.

Trade in program

For those who already have one of TAG’s earlier Connected timepieces, the trade in program has been extended. This means that customers will be able to bring back an eligible device and receive a credit towards the latest Connected Calibre E4 models.

The program will apply to all previous generations of TAG Heuer Connected watches, even non-functional ones and is subject to a few restrictive eligibility criteria. TAG Heuer is committed to working actively towards the environmental cause and we take great care in dismantling old watches and their accessories to separate the reusable materials.

Price and availability

The new generation of TAG Heuer’s Connected watch will go on sale on March 10, with both the 42mm and 45mm styles available in select stores worldwide. 42mm models are priced from AUD $2,600 and 45mm models start at $2,950.

Specifications: Connected Calibre E4 – 42mm

Movement Mod Connect 42 mm
Hardware Battery: 330mAh all-day battery
Battery life: 1 Full Day (1h Running, including Wellness)
Charging time: 100% in 1h30 at temperatures between 15° and 45°C
Sensors: heart rate, compass, accelerometer, gyroscope, NFC, microphone, Barometer Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 4100+
Connectivity: BT 5.0, Wifi
GNSS: GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, QZSS, Galileo
Display: OLED display 1.28”, 416×416 (326 ppi)
Operating System Wear OS 2 by Google, upgradable to Wear OS 3 once available
Watch Experience (TAG apps) Watch faces
Sports Watch App: Running, Cycling, Swimming, Fitness, and Golf Wellness
Other TAG Heuer branded micro apps: Stopwatch, Timer, Alarm
Case 42 mm diameter
Silver & grey integrated timer
Steel polished, fine brushed case Domed sapphire crystal
Silver steel crown at 3 o’clock
Steel shaped push button at 2 o’clock Steel shaped push button at 4 o’clock Steel case back
Water resistance : 50 meters

Specifications: Connected Calibre E4 – 45mm

Movement Mod Connect 45 mm
Hardware Battery: 430mAh all-day battery
Battery life:
1 Full Day (1h Running, 2h Walking, including Wellness),
1 Full Day (5h Golfing, including Wellness)
Charging time: 100% in 1h30 at temperatures between 15° and 45°C
Sensors: heart rate, compass, accelerometer, gyroscope, NFC, microphone, Barometer Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 4100+
Connectivity: BT 5.0, Wifi
GNSS: GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, QZSS, Galileo
Display: OLED display 1.39’’ 454×454 pixels (326ppi)
Operating system Wear OS 2 by Google, upgradable to Wear OS 3 once available
Watch Experience (TAG apps) Watch faces
Sports Watch App: Running, Cycling, Swimming, Fitness, and Golf Wellness
Other TAG Heuer branded micro apps: Stopwatch, Timer, Alarm
Case 45 mm diameter
Flat sapphire crystal
Black steel, rubber crown at 3 o’clock Steel shaped push button at 2 o’clock Steel shaped push button at 4 o’clock Water resistance : 50 meters

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