Alot can happen in seven years, especially where technology is concerned. In 2015, TAG Heuer made a big splash with the introduction of its first Connected smartwatch, which was the first smartwatch from a Swiss luxury brand. This month, seven years after the Connected’s initial launch, the fourth generation Connected Calibre E4 is better in every imaginable way. Here’s what’s in store.
The Tag Heuer Connected Calibre E4 (from $2,250) is now available in 45mm and 42mm case sizes, the smaller of which positions it closer in size to other popular TAG Heuer sports watches like the Carrera and Aquaracer. The 42mm case is not just smaller than previous models but also thinner, with a slender bezel, broad and low-profile pushers, and an optional integrated bracelet. Not only will this appeal to those who find the 45mm a little too chunky on the wrist, it also gives the Connected a little more wearability for formal occasions — especially when paired with its new black calfskin strap. The 45mm model is the sportier of the two, with a ceramic bezel, a large crown (for easier scrolling), and pushers with a mechanical, chronograph-like feel. Both options come with a choice of steel bracelet and multicoloured rubber straps to further customize the Connected’s look, but the black calfskin strap is exclusive to the 42mm.
As with previous editions, the Connected offers a selection of “mechanical” watch faces based on classic TAG Heuer timepieces, along with new animated ones like ‘Riverside,’ which features an immersive futuristic effect of time elapsing, and a wellness-centric option with at-a-glance access to heart rate, steps, and other key fitness metrics.
The Tag Heuer Connected Calibre E4 is designed to work in tandem with the TAG Heuer Sports app, which displays fitness information and collects a wide range of metrics for swimming, cycling, golf, and running, among others. Despite the app’s impressive functionality, one doesn’t always want to be looking at their phone in the middle of a workout, so the Connected Calibre E4 now offers something no previous edition has: guided workouts on the watch itself. On-screen prompts guide users through exercises with helpful animations and no need for a phone. When users finish one exercise, the watch vibrates to let them know that it’s time for the next one. The watch comes pre-loaded with upper body, lower body, or full-body workouts, and it’s also customizable if you want to add your own routine.
The Tag Heuer Connected Calibre E4 is powered by Wear OS 2 by Google, with the option to upgrade to Wear OS 3 at no extra cost when it becomes available. Thanks to Bluetooth 5.0., E4 users will enjoy data transfer at twice the speed of previous models, making synchronizing wellness and sports data noticeably faster and smoother. A new OLED screen offers not just bright colours and crisp graphics, but excellent performance in strong sunlight (which is crucial for golfers, and anyone else who exercises outdoors). Battery life is also improved, with 30 per cent more juice on the 45mm model compared to the previous generation (that’s a full day of battery life including five hours of golf tracking, according to TAG Heuer) and increased performance on the 42mm model as well. Also new for 2022 is an altimeter, which works alongside the watch’s accelerometer, heart rate monitor, compass, and GPS to provide even more accurate metrics on outdoor workouts like running and cycling.
With all of its flashy new technology and sleek, Swiss-crafted looks the Tag Heuer Connected Calibre E4 is clearly the best Connected yet, but TAG Heuer hasn’t forgotten about previous versions. In keeping with the brand’s commitment to sustainability, the company is offering trade-in credit up to 450CHF towards the purchase of a new qualifying Tag Heuer Connected Calibre E4 if you’re ready to retire your old Connected model. It’s a great deal for anyone looking to upgrade, as well as a reminder that technology never stops improving, and neither does TAG Heuer.
