NEWS: Early look at the TAG Heuer Connected

Felix Scholz

One of the most talked-about announcements at Baselworld this year was the partnership between TAG Heuer, Intel and Google – three of the biggest names in their respective fields. Seven months on, we’re finally getting our first glimpse of what this collaboration will look like.

The big reveal is scheduled for November 9 – and we’ll be bringing you all the details on the day. But until then, let’s separate the truth from the rumour.

TAG Heuer smartwatch announcement — TAG Heuer Director General Guy Semon & CEO Jean-Claude Biver, along with Intel’s Michael Bell and Google’s David Singleton announcing the TAG Heuer Connected at Baselworld.

What we know about the TAG Heuer Connected watch

Quite a lot actually. Firstly, it’s going to have a 45mm titanium case with a very similar form to the modular Heuer 01. The teaser shots confirm this, and also let us know that it has a (probably fixed) bezel with five-minute marks, and TAG Heuer Connected branding, freeing up vital screen real estate.

We know it will feature the same wide, perforated strap we’ve seen on the Heuer 01. And we also know that it’s likely to be called either the Carrera Connected, or the Carrera Wearable 01.

TAG-Heuer-Carrera-Heuer-01-3 — The TAG Heuer Connected will use a very similar case to the Heuer 01.

The watch will be running Android Wear – the technology platform emerging as the main rival to the Apple Watch. Compatible with Android and iOS devices, Android Wear is already on the market (or very close to it) in products by Motorola, LG, Sony, Fossil, Asus and Samsung. With the notable exception of Fossil, these are all tech brands, so it will be intriguing to see TAG Heuer’s luxury take on the technology.

Either way, TAG Heuer intend the watch to be upgradeable, so you won’t need to replace it in six months when the tech becomes obsolete.

Most interesting is the price point. CEO Jean-Claude Biver initially indicated a price of $1400 USD, but this has recently scaled up to $1800 USD, which is a high price for a smart watch, but fairly accessible for a luxury product. As a status alternative to the Apple Watch, and as a way to engage younger audiences with the TAG Heuer brand, we suspect it will be quite successful.

What we don’t know

Basically, we don’t know any real details. And there are a few key questions.

Will the Carrera Connected have a physical time display, or will it be 100% digital? There’s speculation that the dial will look like the Heuer 01, but we’ll have to wait and see.

What will the functionality be? We predict it will play into the active TAG Heuer brand image, with plenty of sports and fitness applications, but what else will it do?

And of course, the biggest question of all revolves around battery life. Will TAG Heuer opt for higher-powered gadgetry or will they try and eke out as many wearable hours as possible from their watch? The large 45mm case certainly gives TAG Heuer a decent amount of space fill with circuits, batteries and other related magic.

Stay tuned for all the details on November 9

Until then, the Calibre 11 TAG Heuer forum is your best bet for up-to-the-minute TAG Heuer Connected news.