INTRODUCING: The TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4 is smaller, sleeker in 42mm, and better optioned again

Zach Blass

While some watch collectors may ‘pooh pooh’ smartwatches in general, ultimately it is the largest category of watches in the marketplace today. Sure, they may not possess the traditional glamour of mechanical watchmaking but their modern functionalities are extremely compelling to watch wearers around the world. The USP of the TAG Heuer Connected lineup has always been its blend of Swiss watchmaking with smartwatch technology, affording buyers the benefit of TAG Heuer case and strap quality with increasingly modern technology – wearing somewhat like a traditional watch, albeit a very big one until now – with plenty of smartwatch tricks to align it with this digital life. For its fourth generation, the new TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4 lineup gets a major refresh with various refinements and, most importantly of all, a new 42mm case design.

TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4 45mm

A stainless steel case in 45mm is nothing new for the Connected lineup, but significant refinements have been made to the case to make the wear and user experience better than it has ever been.  The case now boasts a larger crown, making it much easier to grip and interact with the many functionalities of the watch. Its pushers, normally associated with chronograph functionality on traditional timepieces, have been redesigned to have a more mechanical feel when actuated. They also have been refined in form, now more flush to the case as they now slope more inward. This element also extends to the lugs of the case, which TAG Heuer exclaims will aid the watch in its ergonomics and feeling more lightweight on the wrist.

TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4 42mm

The new 42mm case size option shares much of what you find on the larger 45mm model, stainless steel cases, larger crown, refined pushers, and mixed finishes elegantly applied to interchanging surfaces to the very same standard you find on their mechanical pieces. But there are key differences as well. First, none of the listed launch models in the 42mm size will be a available in a black DLC treated titanium case like the 45mm model – there are only stainless steel options at this point. Secondly, there is no ceramic bezel. Instead, the bezel scale is actually found beneath the sapphire crystal. This, perhaps, makes the 42mm appear a bit cleaner and more elegant, while the 45mm is unabashedly sporty in its aura.

New guided workout functionality

This one’s pretty cool to be honest. A new debuting function is the guided workouts feature that helps users to stay fit without needing to have a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or TV nearby. Each of the programmed workouts consist of exercises with pre-set lengths and an animation that guides the user in terms of the correct movements for each exercise. TAG Heuer explains “On-screen prompts guide users through exercises (users can choose upper body workout, lower body workout or full workout) with animations on screen… when users finish their exercise, the watch vibrates to indicate that it is time to move on to the next one.” For users who already have their own routine in mind, you are also able to type in your own routines as well which will also then appear on the screen. This feature, found within the sports app, is available on both the new 45mm and 42mm models (and will also be available on the previous generation of Connected watches).

New charging stand

The next generation of Connected watches also debuts a totally new charger design. Not only is it a much more generally pleasing – and tidy – way to charge your watch, at night it becomes a nightstand which, with a dimmed brightness, displays the time. Integrated magnets position the contacts between the charger and the watch so it snaps into place, holding the watch firmly white it charges its power.

What else is new that I should know about?

There a four notable improvements, among others, to its technology. Firstly, the new-screen is pledged to boast industry-leading quality and contrast to ensure optimal visibility under direct sunlight and brighter environments. Secondly the battery life of the 45mm model has been improved by 30% – lasting one full day on a full charge including 5 hours of golf (including wellness) or 1 hour of running and two hours of walking (including wellness). The 42mm will also offer wearers a full day of battery life, with 1 hour of running (including wellness). In more technical terms, the 45mm model has a 430mAh all-day battery and the 42mm model a 330mAh all-day battery. Thirdly, the new lineup leverages Bluetooth 5.0 technology – offering twice the data transfer speed making synchronization of wellness and sport data much faster. Last but not least, TAG Heuer has an added an altimeter to the new lineup. This allows the watch to measures the altitude at your current location, helping users track more accurately outdoor activities such as running or cycling.

Straps, bracelets?

While you are limited to utilizing TAG Heuer straps for your TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4, this really isn’t a bad thing whatsoever. A quick interchangeable strap system allows you to swap between strap styles with ease, and there is an immense variety of options to choose from. This includes leather options, rubber straps in a wide spectrum of colors, or even a steel bracelet if it piques your fancy.

TAG Heuer Connected Trade-In Program

With the launch of the new TAG Heuer Connected, TAG Heuer is extending its exclusive trade-in program which allows customers to bring back an eligible device from a previous generation of TAG Heuer Connected and receive a trade-in credit towards the purchase of a new qualifying Connected Watch Calibre E4.

TAG Heuer explains: “The credit amounts are 200 CHF for a CW 46 model, 300 CHF for the CW 45 or 41 and 450 CHF for a 2020 Connected Watch. The program will apply to all previous generations of TAG Heuer Connected watches, even non-functional ones and is subject to a few restrictive eligibility criteria. TAG Heuer is committed to working actively towards the environmental cause and we take great care in dismantling old watches and their accessories to separate the reusable materials. TAG Heuer wishes to offer its current Connected wearers the possibility to benefit from a preferential offer allowing enjoyment of the latest features offered by the new generation of TAG Heuer Connected watch.”

This is good news for previous TAG Heuer Connected Watch owners who are looking to upgrade to the latest generation. The new TAG Heuer Connected Watch Trade-In program will start on March 10th, 2022 and will be available in TAG Heuer’s owned boutiques – as well as select e-commerce websites.

TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4 pricing and availability:

The TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4 will be available beginning March 10th, with both the 42mm and 45mm models available in select stores worldwide and online at tagheuer.com. Price: between $2,600 and $2,900 AUD (42mm) / between $3,250 – $3,650 AUD (45mm)