TAG Heuer Introduces New Connected Smartwatches

One is sporty and one is sleek. Both boast lots of new technology.

Ashley Davis Ashley.Davis@nationaljeweler.com

New technology and a wide variety of watch faces and straps to suit every style are among the features of the latest TAG Heuer Connected smartwatches.

La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland—TAG Heuer has debuted two new models in its Connected range of smartwatches—the Calibre E4 Series.

One, a new 42 mm version, is designed with universal elegance in mind. It features a thinner case than previous Connected models, ergonomic steel pushers, a thin bezel, and a fully integrated bracelet.

It’s designed to be the ultimate day-to-night piece, worn at the gym, the office, and then out for an event.

The second new smartwatch, a redesigned 45 mm version, has a sportier feel with a ceramic bezel. The design has “an increased sense of flow” from previous models, TAG Heuer said, and is easier to use.

There’s more room for the wearer’s finger to access the crown thanks to the larger diameter so it can be easily adjusted.

The watch slopes inward for a lighter, more ergonomic feel on the wrist. In addition, the pushers have a classic, mechanical timepiece feel that references the brand’s heritage.

There are a multitude of straps available for both smartwatches, including leather, steel and multicolor rubber.

The Calibre E4 series is equipped with a new selection of watch face options too. Some hearken to TAG Heuer’s traditional mechanical watches, while others are more futuristic, with animation and quick access to information.

There are more watchface options with more features than ever before in the latest Connected series, Calibre E4.

One new watch face, called “Riverside,” offers a futuristic time elapse effect. The “Wellness” watch face has heart rate and step count at the ready, right on the home screen.

There are new features available for watch faces, like up-to-the-minute sports news, weather, wellness stats, and calendar. These are delivered directly, so users don’t have to go searching for their most looked-at features.

The Connected Calibre E4 has new capabilities as a fitness tool.

The TAG Heuer Sports App offers guided workout routines with on-screen prompts leading users through workouts for the upper body, lower body, and full body, without use of a smartphone. Guided animations demonstrate the moves. The watch even vibrates when it’s time to move from one exercise to the next.

Users also can input their own routines, with the watch keeping track for them.

The watch’s fitness tracking tools have also received an upgrade. Over the last few years, they have evolved to allow for tracking not just steps, walking, or running, but also swimming, cycling, and golf performance.

A new charger doubles as a watch stand and a dimmed nightlight, with only the time visible so as not to interrupt sleep. Magnets help the watch snap into place on the upright charger.

TAG Heuer also has worked to improve existing Connected features in the newest editions.

It said the new screen offers superior quality and contrast in any light condition, particularly outdoors in bright sunlight. High-fidelity color reproduction also helps to keep the display visible in any lighting.

The battery lasts 30 percent longer on the new 45 mm version. TAG Heuer said the battery will last an entire day even with intensive sports tracking on the 45 mm, including with five hours of golf tracking.

On the 42 mm, users can take advantage of the wellness features for the entire day.

To synchronize with smartphones, Bluetooth 5.0 makes the process faster and smoother.

The Calibre E4 is equipped with an altimeter, a first for the Connected, which better tracks fitness stats during activities alongside the heart rate monitor, accelerometer, compass, and GPS.

The new Connected generation utilizes the Wear Operating System by Google. It currently uses Wear OS 2 but will be able to upgrade to 3 at no extra cost when available.

Naomi Osaka is one of the TAG Heuer brand ambassadors featured in the new campaign advertising the Connected Calibre E4 series. (Image by Pari Dukovic)

‘‘With these two new, very different Connected watches, we hope to bring a new generation of TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4 to a wider range of customers, becoming a companion in their daily lives, from business to sport activities to the most elegant dinners,” said brand CEO Frédéric Arnault.

“Since 2015, TAG Heuer has been a pioneer in the luxury connected watch sector. The development of these new watches highlight how Connected has become a pillar of TAG Heuer, alongside Aquaracer and Carrera, building on 160 years of Swiss watchmaking experience.”

Two stellar athletes who joined TAG’s cadre of ambassadors last year star in the new Connected Calibre E4 campaign.

Photographer Pari Dukovic photographed tennis player Naomi Osaka and Gold Medalist sprinter and hurdler Sydney McLaughlin to show the versatility of the smartwatches, from sporty to formal occasions.

Dukovic also lensed the Ryan Gosling campaign last year.

Connected’s new generation smartwatches, including the Calibre E4 42mm and 45mm models, will go on sale in select stores worldwide and at TAGHeuer.com on March 10.

Accordingly, TAG is extending its trade-in program. It allows customers to return eligible devices from previous Connected generations and receive a trade-in credit toward a Caliber E4.

It applies to all previous Connected generations, even if non-functioning, with a few eligibility exceptions.

TAG said the program is intended to recuperate reusable materials and lessen environmental impact. Trade-in credits start at about $216 per current exchange rates and depend on the model.