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VIDEO: The TAG Heuer Connected 42mm is the biggest leap forward for Swiss smartwatches yet

VIDEO: The TAG Heuer Connected 42mm is the biggest leap forward for Swiss smartwatches yet

Borna Bošnjak

Since its introduction in 2015, the TAG Heuer Connected has seen a number of iterations, all sitting atop the luxury smartwatch pile. With the new 42mm Connected Calibre E4, rather than compete with giants of the tech world and the Silicon Valley, TAG Heuer looks to extend its lead as a luxury smartwatch maker. With a tactile experience akin to that of a mechanical Carrera and endlessly improved in its wearability, the E4 42mm has all the tools to be a top player in the smartwatch game. After introducing the new E4 models earlier this year, our own Andrew McUtchen goes hands on with the 42mm model.

All the right curves in all the right places

Available exclusively in a stainless-steel case, the 42mm Connected E4 once again offers a size alternative to its bigger brother. Once available as the 41mm TAG Heuer Connected Modular 41, the new Connected E4 improves on both the Modular and Connected E3 cases drastically. Slimmer lugs and case sides give it the appearance of a traditional mechanical watch and forgo the previous chunkiness now measuring in at 14.3mm. A sharp polished chamfer splits the two vertically brushed lug surfaces and continues the 49.2mm length of the case, lug tip to lug tip. A thin polished ring accents the black bezel and is matched by polished bevels on the case pushers. Like the 45mm E4, their reassuring click is like that of chronograph pushers. The oversized crown makes it easier to interact with the many smart functions of the E4, and has a nice combination of brushed, polished, and sandblasted finishes, with an engraved TAG Heuer logo.

Even though the 42mm E4 is on the outer reaches of what I’m normally comfortable with on my 6.15’’ wrist, it wore easily, without being top heavy – something I cannot say this for any of the other Connected models, including the 41mm Modular. Well aware of the appeal it poses to smaller-wristed folk, TAG Heuer hope that the E4 42mm will appear to men and women alike. For further personalisation, the Connected E4 offers quick-release strap functionality, and a selection of rubber and leather straps, as well as a matching stainless-steel bracelet.

The bezel is not really a bezel

Well okay, it is still a bezel, though it now resides below the sapphire crystal that normally does not extend past the screen. It’s a clever integration, as it doesn’t harm the functionality, while giving more depth and character to the watch. The 1.28’’ OLED display reaches to the very edge of the bezel for a seamless transition. TAG Heuer has made strides in improving the outdoor visibility of the screen, with improved contrast and colour reproduction. By combining some classic Carrera-style faces with those offering an abundance of information, from weather to fitness and heart rate, there’s no shortage of options, with more in upcoming updates.

Smart stuff

Much like with the 45mm E4, the first thing to take note of is TAG Heuer’s new guided workouts. Through the TAG Heuer Sports App, the watch will take you through a selection of pre-set exercises, all with accompanying animations to help with your form. For more advanced workout regimens, users can create their own exercise sets to best suit their needs.

Wearers can also track their heart rate and exercises such as swimming, cycling, and running, with a special golf function that visualises the course. TAG Heuer added an altimeter to all Connected E4 models for even more data gathering on the go. Bluetooth 5.0 will help smooth the data sync experience, all powered by Watch OS 2, with an expected free upgrade to Watch OS 3 down the line.

Powerful processor with all-day battery

Sat beneath the sensor-filled caseback is a 330mAh battery, which promises a full day charge, all while using the running and Wellness features for up to an hour. Once flat, you can expect a full charge in 90 minutes. To top it up, a new charger is included with the watch that doubles as a display stand, so the watch can be used as a standing clock. The Snapdragon 4100+ processor makes the most of the battery with a combination of performance and efficiency cores at a 1.7gHz clock speed.

TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4 42mm pricing and availability

The TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4 42mm is available now in three different referencesPrices start at $2,600 AUD.

TAG Heuer also offers a trade-in program for older Connected models.