A Decade in the Making: TAG Heuer Unveils Its Fifth-Gen Connected Watch and a Collab with New Balance

Like the quartz crisis, smartwatches were once considered a major threat to the tradition of horology as we knew it. Unlike the quartz crisis, fortunately, the threat was short-lived. Now, like quartz watches, smartwatches coexist among mechanical pieces without much fuss – there’s a time and place for each, sometimes in the same catalog.

Today, many watchmakers specialize in either mechanical, quartz, or connected pieces. However, there are some brands that tackle it all, and one such brand is TAG Heuer.

The Maison has been at the forefront of each of these three types of timekeepers. Heuer was among the four brands that collaborated on Project 99, which led to the development of one of the first automatic chronograph movements: the Calibre 11. The brand was also quick to adopt quartz technology in the 1970s for its signature divers.

Then, in 2015, TAG Heuer became one of the first and only luxury watchmakers to introduce a dedicated smartwatch line with a connected watch based on the iconic Carrera design.

Over the past decade, TAG Heuer has continued to be one of a select few luxury Maisons to sustain its smartwatch collection as more than a passing fad and has evolved the line with the Connected 45 Modular series, released in 2017, and the Connected Calibre E4, released just three years ago.

Today, we get the next evolution with the all-new Connected Calibre E5, plus the special edition Connected Calibre E5 New Balance.

The beauty of TAG Heuer’s Connected line lies in its foundation, which is rooted in the brand’s longstanding history as a luxury watchmaker. The smartwatch collection has all the attention to detail, fine materials, and expert finishings you’d see with any of the Maison’s other mechanical models.
 

Available in the line’s signature oversized 45mm case, as well as a brand-new and more accessibly sized 40mm case, the Calibre E5’s case architecture, be it 45mm or 40mm, has been refined with faceted lugs, sharper and more dynamic lines, and reworked pushers that give the models a smoother silhouette and improved tactile utility. Moreover, the newly redesigned case gives way to a new interchangeable strap system.
 

Here, the construction of the case and strap integration eliminates the visual breaks of earlier generations and offers a look and feel that more closely aligns with the codes of fine watchmaking. Material choice also plays an important role in both variations.

The larger 45mm version is available in either stainless steel with a ceramic bezel or black DLC-coated titanium with a sandblasted finish. Alternatively, the 40mm range offers its own stainless steel iteration as well as a warm rose gold version. Within each lineup, there are straps available in a wide assortment of materials and colors, including rubber, leather, and nylon, as well as a metal bracelet variation.
 

As you well know, things get a bit different under the hood with a connected piece. For the latest fifth-generation models, TAG Heuer OS is at the core, offering a proprietary user experience and interface developed entirely in-house. It supports voice calls and voice assistant access through an integrated speaker and microphone featuring custom TAG Heuer haptics and sounds.

The highlight of the Connected Calibre E5’s offerings falls within its wellness suite with a dedicated wellness activity app and heart rate app, as well as sleep functionality, which is scheduled to become available this winter.
 

For runners, the watch introduces running plans, offering structured preparation for every level of experience. Golf also continues to be a central pillar of the smartwatch family with a dedicated Calibre E5 Golf Edition.

Last but not least, battery performance has also been extended across the range. The 45mm models support up to three days of battery life, with a full day’s use achievable after just 30 minutes of charging. Alternatively, the 40mm iteration offers up to two days of use, with a full day’s use achievable after 40 minutes.

Let’s circle back (or rather run back) to the wellness component of the Connected Calibre E5. TAG Heuer has doubled down on its dedication to runners with a collaborative edition in partnership with New Balance that comes with a matching pair of running shoes: the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5.
 

The Connected Calibre E5 New Balance Edition offers a 40mm black DLC-coated Grade-2 titanium construction with a sandblasted finish. The dial features a newly developed 0 to 100 scale that syncs with app-based training metrics, giving runners clear and immediate feedback on their effort.
 

The cherry on top is an entirely new strap design inspired directly by the shoemaker. This patented Cushion Comfort System combines a flexible rubber base with a high-tech textile from the shoe’s inlay. Plus, the strap’s deep violet color palette matches the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5 running shoes.
 

At launch, the watch will offer six exclusive New Balance running plans tailored to a wide range of goals, from building running foundations to achieving marathon mastery. Options include First 10K Challenge, 5K to Half Marathon, Half Marathon Strength, and more, with a program for every ambition.