Tag Heuer Connected Modular 45: a truly customisable smartwatch

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Tag Heuer Connected Modular 45: a truly customisable smartwatch

 

Almost everything on TAG Heuer's £1,400 Modular 45 can be swapped out and customised. TAG's latest Connected watch improves where it counts. This is the Android smartwatch you want. The watch comes with Android Wear 2.0, GPS, NFC, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and more.

 

Smart watches haven’t really caught on, but that hasn’t stopped Tag Heuer from doubling down and releasing a sequel to 2015’s TAG Heuer Connected. And boy, is it pretty.

 

TAG Heuer claims there are over 4000 options, some tasteful, and some... not so much. The good news is you'll be able to design a smartwatch that matches your style and personality.

 

The basic Connected watch is an Android Wear toting digital module. It's very similar in appearance to the first generation, but feels more weighty, solid, generally better made.

 

Not only will you be able to choose different straps - you'll be able to choose between several options of case material, bezel colour, buckle type and lug metals. These options range from quite basic (but still pretty swish) steel and titanium, up to opulent rose gold and diamond encrusted bezels.

 

It is water-resistant up to 50 meters, and boasts a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal touchscreen.

 

It’s got a 24-hour battery, 4GB of storage, a 1.4-inch wireless display, and wireless (contact) charging. In terms of radios, you’ve got GPS and NFC, powering the device is an Intel Atom Z34XX, and 512MB of RAM.

 

Ever since Apple launched its original Watch the same year as TAG's debut smartwatch, the company has boasted about increasing the amount of straps its customers can by. TAG is attempting to go one step further with its modular design.

 

As well as coming with an AMOLED screen, the Connected Modular 45's head can be changed. Instead of having the screen on display – or if the 24-hour battery life runs out – it is possible to remove it from the strap and replace it with a mechanical head. Both the Calibre Heuer 02T and Calibre 5 can be fitted instead of the connected module.

 

 

A deluxe set includes a grade 5 titanium watch, lugs, brown leather strap, Heuer- 02T tourbillon mechanical module, an extra black rubber strap will start at $17,000 not including VAT (approximately £13,907). However, for those willing to stump up the cash, both the connected and mechanical modules come with a two-year warranty. The strap, buckle, lugs, and charger (which works through contact not a physical plug) are covered by a one-warranty.

 

"This innovative, unique and distinctive watch is at the forefront of the latest technologies available in Silicon Valley and, at the same time, a genuine Swiss watch, bearing the Swiss Made label," Biver said.

 

Traditional watches – the type of which TAG Heuer are known for – have an incredible longevity. It’s not uncommon to see expensive Swiss watches passed down through the generations, as a family heirloom.

 

While this isn’t possible with a modern consumer tech product – blame planned obsolescence – by using a high-powered Intel chip, TAG Heuer can guarantee that its watch will last longer than its rivals. It could be argued that this helps to justify the frankly eye-watering price tag, as you won’t have to upgrade to a newer model after a year or so.

 

 

The TAG Heuer will be available soon. In the US, the device will retail for $1650, and in Europe and the UK will cost €1600.

 

Out of the box, the watch is compatible with Google's Android Wear 2. The operating system means it is possible to use the watch with an iPhone, speak to Google's Assistant, and use Android Pay. The new TAG connected watch will also work when not connected to a phone and transmit data via Wi-Fi when it is possible.

 

TAG says it has additionally built a companion app to work with the watch to select new dials and faces. The company has developed 30 watch dials that can be set on the watch's main screen.

 

The Connected Modular 45 is a follow-up to the TAG Heuer Connected, which was also a collaboration with Intel and Google. Released more than one year ago, TAG's first attempt at a smartwatch can be considered a success. The firm initially said it was aiming to sell 20,000 of the watches but it has since announced in 14 months it sold around 56,000 units.