The All-New TAG Heuer Connected: Edgier Than Ever
Five years after TAG Heuer introduced its first smartwatches — the TAG Heuer Connected — the brand launched the collection’s third-generation series with edgier upgrades and design aesthetics.
Being one of the first Swiss watch brands to embrace wearable technology, TAG Heuer continues to show its commitment to this innovation. The latest models of the TAG Heuer Connected seamlessly marry the craftsmanship of horology and the cutting-edge connectivity of smart technology.
TAG Heuer: Always Suave and Sleek
Launched in 1860, TAG Heuer has been a well-known name not only in the world of watches but also in various industries, including car racing. To this day, the Swiss luxury watch brand continues to innovate and push the limits of watchmaking craftsmanship and technology.
To keep up with the times, it has embraced one of traditional watchmaking’s biggest challenges after the quartz crisis: smartwatches and wearable technology. By offering a connected watch anchored in horological values, design, and craftsmanship, TAG Heuer is able to strike a balance between the two worlds.
What You Need to Know About TAG Heuer Connected
In 2015, TAG Heuer took the risk of venturing into the smartwatch business with the launch of its much-awaited Carrera Connected watches. To the delight of smartwatch fans and die-hard watch aficionados, the TAG Heuer Carrera Connected have all the qualities of a smartwatch with a design element of a traditional mechanical watch.
With the launch of the TAG Heuer Connected, the brand was able to find a way to manufacture smartwatches without compromising the time-honoured values of watchmaking craftsmanship.
The Design of the First Generation
The first-generation series of the Carrera Connected is largely based on the design of the TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer-01. The watches feature a 46mm Grade 2 Titanium case with a variety of colourful rubber straps to choose from.
At the initial launch, TAG Heuer presented three dial options for the Carrera Connected — Watch, Chronograph, and Twin-Time. The touch-screen dials have sapphire crystal protection and feature a digital crown that allows users to control the watch’s different functions.
With respect to their watchmaking values, these dials look almost exactly the same as the Carrera. What’s more, even when the watch is on energy-saving mode, the dial is visible. In fact, it is visible at all times.
Then Comes the 2017 Version
From 46mm, the second-generation TAG Heuer Connected Modular 45 is slightly smaller with a 45mm diameter. Meanwhile, its customisation capability just got intense with more than 56 modular-based designs to choose from.
The launch of the TAG Heuer Connected Modular 41 further made things more compact and slimmer. It came with an upgraded screen and functionalities, which included a GPS tracker and NFC Google pay. What’s more, it came at a slightly lower price point — to the delight of its fans.
Integrated Functions & Smart Connectivity
The TAG Heuer Connected works with Android and iPhone phones because of its compatibility with their OS. Even though it looks and feels like a traditional mechanical watch, the Connected is powered by Google Wear OS software.
Ever since its first generation of Connected smartwatches, TAG Heuer has been working with Google, giving it the connectivity and performance of a cutting-edge smartwatch. So, expect functionalities such as notifications and reminders, GPS powered by Google Maps, Google Pay, Google Translate, and streaming, among many others, to be enjoyed with this smartwatch.
No “Swiss-Made” Engraving
Despite having almost 80% of the TAG Heuer Connected watches being made in Switzerland, these smartwatches do not bear the “Swiss made” logo. This is because these watches do not qualify with the requirements for “Swiss-Made” watches.
Specifically, for a watch to be considered Swiss-Made, it has to have a Swiss movement, and this movement should be cased up in Switzerland. Because the TAG Heuer Connected watches are powered by Google’s Android and Intel parts, naturally these requirements were not met.
However, the brand was positive this will not disappoint their fans. In place of the “Swiss-Made” logo, they put “Made in Switzerland” engraving, which reassures its consumers of its Swiss accuracy and reliability.
Innovations & Upgrades: The New TAG Heuer Connected
For its third-generation, the TAG Heuer Connected gives its smartwatches an edgier and sportier look. Finally, its functionalities now include a heart rate monitor for the first time. The sensors are upgraded for more effective tracking for sports and fitness activities.
Design-wise, the third instalment of the Connected features a ceramic bezel, screens with higher resolution, and screwed caseback, among others. These upgrades prove time and time again that TAG Heuer’s commitment to innovation is strong.
With five built-in customisable dials, as well as interchangeable strap features, the new Connected watches have upped not only their smart ante but their style factor as well.
Personalisation & Versatility
For maximum user experience, the new TAG Heuer Connected watch allows wearers to have five different dial faces, depending on their mood and need. Aside from different options and colours, the wearer can program the dial according to his preferences, including notifications, weather, activity progress, among others.
The five dial options include the classic chronograph face, an analogue display inspired by the skeletonised dial of the Heuer 02, a digitalised Carrera Heuer 01, a liquid crystal-like display, a Carrera Calibre Heuer 02T Tourbillon Nanograph-inspired dial, and the Orbital — a unique algorithm-based neural network animation developed by the brand.
As if these are not enough, the wearer also has the option to change the straps and bracelets. Using a single clip motion, he can either pair the watch dial of his choice with a black rubber strap, a classic stainless steel bracelet, or other colourful rubber band options.
A Closer Look at the Latest TAG Heuer Connected Watches
With design aesthetics that look more like a watch and less like a fitness gadget, the new TAG Heuer Connected timepieces are giving your trendiest smartwatches a run for their money. Let’s take a closer look at each of the watches below.
1. TAG Heuer Connected Model SBG8A12.BT6219
A rugged sports watch on the outside and a smart timepiece on the inside, the TAG Heuer Connected SBG8A12.BT6219 features a 45mm stainless steel case with a matching black rubber strap. Like a true-blue sports watch, it has a PVD ceramic bezel, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, and chronograph functions.
Powered by Wear OS by Google, the watch has pushed the limits of both watchmaking design and smartwatch technology. It boasts smart, integrated functions, customisable dials, and an integral touchscreen. With the watch’s enhanced sensors, you can analyse your speed, pace, heart rate, and distance accurately. Using the touchscreen functions or its crown and pushers, you can easily navigate the watch. What’s more, it is connected to a dedicated App, which allows you to analyse and save information about your sports sessions for future reference.
With the modern modular design, the watch can be personalised by pairing it with different straps, depending on your style, mood, and sporty needs.
Specs
- Operating System: Wear OS by Google
- Case: 45mm stainless steel
- Glass: Sapphire crystal
- Water Resistance: 50m
- Navigation: Touchscreen, crown & pushers
- Display: OLED 1.39” (326ppi)
- Connectivity: Wifi, Bluetooth 4.1
- Smart Functions: Calorie tracking, Google Pay, Distance tracking, Smart notification, GPS, Heart rate monitoring, Voice control, among others
2. TAG Heuer Connected Model SBG8A10.BA0646
With aesthetics inspired by the brand’s chronographs, the TAG Heuer Connected SBG8A10.BA0646 has all the design qualities of a traditional watch. Housed in a 45mm stainless steel case, the watch is protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and features faceted horns, ultra-light ceramic bezel, push-buttons, and a steel crown.
For all four models in the collection, the chronograph face displays index hour markers and hands, with three sub-dials reminiscent of your good old chronograph. The sub-dials are customisable and can feature your heart rate, the weather forecast, as well as a steps counter. The iconic chronograph design is complemented by cutting-edge smart technologies, with the purpose of giving its wearer the ultimate functionality and performance of a smartwatch.
Running on the Wear OS by Google operating system, the watch has an estimated battery life of 20 hours. With its upgraded sensor technology, the smartwatch aims to aid the wearer with his sports and fitness goals and activities. Some of the TAG Heuer Connected SBG8A10.BA0646’s smart functions include calorie and distance tracking, smart notification, GPS, sleep and step tracking, heart rate monitoring, and voice control. A sleek stainless steel bracelet caps all of these wonderful features and elegant design.
Specs
- Operating System: Wear OS by Google
- Case: 45mm stainless steel
- Glass: Sapphire crystal
- Water Resistance: 50m
- Navigation: Touchscreen, crown & pushers
- Display: OLED 1.39” (326ppi)
- Connectivity: Wifi, Bluetooth 4.1
- Smart Functions: Calorie tracking, Distance tracking, Smart notification, GPS, Heart rate monitoring, Voice & music control, Sleep & step tracking, and Google Pay, among others
3. TAG Heuer Connected Model SBG8A10.BT6219
Marrying the sophistication of their chronographs with the cutting-edge smartwatch technology, the TAG Heuer Connected SBG8A10.BT6219 blurs the lines between the two. In fact, this smartwatch is in a league of its own. Its 45mm stainless steel case features a smart touchscreen protected by scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. An ultra-light black ceramic bezel and a matching rubber strap give the watch its rugged, sporty look.
Also powered by the Wear OS by Google operating system, the watch boasts a battery life of 20 hours. Just like the rest of the collection, it has an upgraded sensor technology, giving it superior tracking and monitoring capabilities for any sports and fitness activities. The Connected SBG8A10.BT6219’s cutting-edge and smart functionalities include sleep and step monitoring, calorie and distance tracking, smart notification, GPS, music and voice control, as well as heart rate monitoring.
Because of its all-black, sleek look, this smartwatch can complement any outfit, whether casual or sporty. A run to the coffee shop never looked trendy when wearing the TAG Heuer Connected SBG8A10.BT6219.
Specs
- Operating System: Wear OS by Google
- Case: 45mm stainless steel
- Glass: Sapphire crystal
- Water Resistance: 50m
- Navigation: Touchscreen, crown & pushers
- Display: OLED 1.39” (326ppi)
- Connectivity: Wifi, Bluetooth 4.1
- Smart Functions: Smart notification, Google Pay, Sleep & step monitoring, Calorie tracking, Distance tracking, GPS, Heart rate monitoring, Voice & music control, among others
4. TAG Heuer Connected Model SBG8A80.BT6221
As the only model with a titanium case in the collection, the TAG Heuer Connected SBG8A80.BT6221 is sleek and ultra-light in its all-black design. It is made of a Grade 2 titanium DLC case and features a micro-blasted ceramic bezel, steel crown, and buttons. A black rubber strap completes its look.
Designed for athletes, the TAG Heuer Connected SBG8A80.BT6221 runs on the Wear OS by Google operating system. If you don’t want to use the touchscreen mode to navigate the integrated smart technology of the watch, you can use the crown and push buttons to do the job. It keeps you updated in real-time about your sports and fitness activities using the all-new integrated sensors.
In order to support wearers with their daily activities, the watch includes features such as Google Assistant and Google Translate, e-mail and message notifications, Google Pay, activity tracking, as well as music controls, weather, and GPS, among others.
Specs
- Operating System: Wear OS by Google
- Case: 45mm titanium
- Glass: Sapphire crystal
- Water Resistance: 50m
- Navigation: Touchscreen, crown & pushers
- Display: OLED 1.39” (326ppi)
- Connectivity: Wifi, Bluetooth 4.1
- Smart Functions: Smart notification, Sleep & step monitoring, Calorie tracking, Distance tracking, GPS, Heart rate monitoring, Voice & music control, Google Pay, and Google Translate, among others
Conclusion
If you’re a tech geek and a watch aficionado, you’ll definitely appreciate the seamless blending of both wearable technology and traditional horology in these latest instalments of the TAG Heuer Connected.
Imagine wearing a smartwatch with the classic feel and look of a traditional watch with integrated smart functionalities of your fitness gadget and smartphone combined? Feeding your tech and watch nerd has never looked this stylish.
For another feature on a returning classic favourite, check out our story on the iconic Seiko Alpinist here.
