Since the launch of the first-generation TAG Heuer Connected Smartwatch in 2015, the Swiss watchmaker has constantly evolved its entry to the luxury smartwatch category significantly. In fact, they acknowledged back then that even if the Gen 1 Connected watch was cutting edge at its unveiling, it would quickly become dated as technology was advancing at a rapid rate. So much so that back then, they had offered buyers of the Connected watch the option to trade-in their “launch edition” smartwatches with a mechanical Carrera watch when the non-updatable software it came with became obsolete. The second iteration of the Connected came out in 2017 in two sizes if I remember correctly. There was the now familiar 45mm and a more compact 41mm size. That generation ushered in a multitude of customization options and expanded applications. From there, fans of the watch could see the potential of the TAG Heuer Connected as a true luxury smartwatch rather than an expensive alternative to more affordable wrist computers.
With the launch of the latest TAG Heuer Connected watch, the Swiss avant garde watchmaker has a unique product that combines all the versatile features found in a smartwatch with the characteristics of a TAG Heuer hi-performance chronograph all in one package. TAG Heuer’s Chief Strategy and Digital Officer Frédéric Arnualt said that it took 18 months to bring this watch into fruition and “The watch was designed and engineered with the same passion and attention to detail as our mechanical watches. Quality of execution is paramount in everything we do, and we never compromise on aesthetics or emotion. The Connected watch is not only a beautiful timepiece, it’s a truly immersive experience, as it now sits within a complete TAG Heuer digital ecosystem geared towards performance and sports. The navigation has been deeply refined so the product is as intuitive and easy to use as possible, both in everyday life and during sports sessions. It expresses the brand in a completely new way and offers limitless possibilities in terms of innovation for the future.”
In terms of aesthetics, the TAG Heuer Connected remains at 45mm in either stainless steel or titanium cases finished in the mold of a TAG Heuer chronograph including the trademark facetted lugs, polished and brushed detailing and graduated ceramic bezel. What sets this watch apart from conventional Carreras is it has a flush OLED touchscreen display underneath the scratch-resistant sapphire crystal dial. Time is always displayed but the screen toggles between active and ambient mode to extend battery life in between charging. On the bracelet side of things, an interchangeable bracelet system allows for switching up the look of the straps with a single clip motion.
Dial display variety will become virtually limitless thanks to the new TAG Heuer mobile companion app where new designs will be launched regularly. Out of the box though, the Connected already is preloaded with five always-on dial designs. Users can choose from a three-handed version of the Heuer 02 manufacture movement skeleton dial, a digitized Carrera Heuer 01 or three digital displays like the Orbital, an algorithm-based neural network animated display.
Perhaps the biggest leap from previous generations is the OS inside the TAG Heuer Connected Gen 3. With Google’s Wear OS onboard, the watch supports the wearer with AI services such as Google Assistant and Google Translate using a microphone placed on the left side of the case. Other features supported are email and message notifications, music controls, maps and weather plus other apps found in Google Play. The Connected smartwatch can smoothly interface with iOS and Android based mobile devices too.
Beyond the smooth connectivity with a user’s mobile device, the TAG Heuer Connected smartwatch was designed to enhance the wearer’s experience especially during athletic activities. Sapphire glass screen protection, lightweight case design particularly with the grade 2 titanium version and 5 ATM water resistance aside, the battery has been optimized for one-hour sessions with GPS, audio streaming and heart-monitoring activated. Under normal use, the battery can last for one whole day and can be fully recharged in just one and a half hours between 15 and 45 degrees Celsius.
Lastly, one key application worth highlighting is the custom-designed TAG Heuer Sports application that supports golf, running, cycling, walking and other fitness activities. Wearers can track their activities directly through the watch with key metrics such as speed, pace, distance, heart rate and splits displayed in real time in the Sports app and as an overview in the TAG Heuer Sports tiles. They can then gain detailed insights into their performance through the TAG Heuer mobile application, and even synchronize their data with Apple Health or Strava.
