Smartwatches are gaining recognition in the world of Swiss watches. Less of a puffed-up stepchild by now, the smartwatch represents a new horizon in the luxury watch landscape. By combining the functionality of a smartwatch with the visual allure of a mechanical timepiece, the TAG Heuer Connected elevates the concept of the sports smartwatch to a digital luxury experience.
Classic appearance meets next-gen interface
The TAG Heuer Connected’s 45-millimetre case takes its inspiration from the modern Carrera chronograph, and sports a similar case with faceted lugs. It also features a graduated ceramic bezel that frames a vibrant OLED touchscreen “dial”, boasting a sapphire “crystal”. The watch is available in either a stainless steel or titanium case.
An actual (albeit electronic) crown flanked by two functional pushers provides a tactile alternative to navigating the Connected’s menu. Five different time displays are available, with one of them mimicking the skeletonised version of the Carrera Heuer 02 chronograph. The watch faces can also be programmed to highlight individual preferences, all for a more personalised experience. This functionality is present in the TAG Heuer mobile companion app as well. The app also enables the brand to introduce new “dial” designs for the Connected regularly.
A fitness wearable that wears well
The TAG Heuer Connected sports several more features that make it well-suited to active individuals. Designed with high-intensity activities in mind, it comes with rubberised straps and a 50-metre depth rating. Meanwhile, a new heart rate monitor has been integrated into the case back for fitness tracking. An additional built-in GPS and accelerometer also helps with monitoring various performance metrics. Speed, pace, distance, heart rate and splits show up in real-time in the Sports app and the TAG Heuer Sports tiles. Additional functions are courtesy of the Connected’s Wear OS by Google, which provides access to other services like Google Assistant.
The titanium model of the TAG Heuer Connected comes in a sandblasted case with a Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) coating for robustness, along with a matching ceramic bezel and rubber strap. Meanwhile, the stainless steel versions of the Connected feature an intuitive quick-change bracelet system. Combined with its iconic design, biofeedback monitors and access to digital services, the TAG Heuer Connected is quite a compelling choice for anyone looking for a luxury smartwatch with a sporty twist.
