tag heuer connected modular 45 06

Version two of the TAG Heuer Connected is here, and it’s modular!

On Tuesday, March 14, Watchonista was on hand in Brunnen, Switzerland for the launch of the Tag Heuer Connected 45. The launch location was near the highly symbolic Rütli Meadow. For those of you wondering why we trekked to the top of Lake Lucerne for a watch event, this meadow has become a national shrine of sorts.

By Josh Shanks
Contributor

Rütli in German means "Little meadow". Back in 1291, it was in this clearing, that the representatives of the primitive cantons took the oath of Rütli to seal their alliance. Here, on the 1st August every year, Switzerland celebrates an official national holiday. It was this deep-rooted connection to Swiss values that Jean-Claude Biver wanted to highlight by gathering Tag Heuer’s partners from Silicon Valley and the world press.

Finding the most Swiss place to launch the most Swiss smartwatch

The Connected Modular 45 is the second version in TAG Heuer’s connected line. The new timepiece offers some seriously impressive tech. For me, the most impressive part of the new timepiece is its modularity. The watch allows the owner to swap out the central module for new technology or even a mechanical case. For us tech guys, the long awaited “killer tech” in smartwatches was combatting obsolescent technology. TAGHeuer seems to have solved this issue with the addition of an interchangeable element. The lugs, strap, and buckle can remain the same, but the core of the watch (the module) can be changed in favor of a three-hand mechanical timepiece, or even a COSC certified tourbillon!

The ability to swap technologies could prove to be the “killer app”

TAG Heuer has branded the ability to interchange elements via modular upgradability and calls it “Connected to Eternity”. Essentially, bridging the old and new guard to deliver a seamless experience to the buyer over the lifetime of the watch.

Fully customizable up to 56 different versions

The connected watch is based on the Carrera platform. Each connected piece can be fully customized by the buyer, including case material, strap, and even diamond settings. Available cases are: satin or polished grade 5 titanium, 18K rose gold plating, or black ceramic, with or without diamonds. TAG Heuer even offers 18 different versions of straps, including rubber, various leathers, and exotic materials.

iOS compatibility is here!

One of the shortcomings of the original connected piece was its lack of iOS compatibility. Since the original Connected Watch was essential an AndroidWear 1.0 device, the lack of iOS compatibility made sense. Since the new Connected Watch relies on AndroidWear 2.0, iOS users can use the TAG Heuer app to sync. Users can change the watch face to 30 pre-made faces and a custom face option is available via the Tag Heuer Studio within the mobile app.

Outside of the operating system, there is some serious next level tech here including: GPS, NFC payments via Android Pay, touchscreen HD OLED screen, an Intel Atom Z34XX processor, 4GBs of storage, and a battery that is tested for a full day.As mentioned earlier, this watch is running AndroidWear 2.0, which will also give the user a wide array of Google features such as maps, mail, and search. The watch can be controlled by a swipe of the finger, or the command crown at 3 o’clock. The watch is charged via a contact charger, simply place the watch on top of the charger to recharge.

Water resistant to 50 meters

Beyond the underlying technology, the new piece clocks in a millimeter smaller than its predecessor. It sports a 45mm case and 50 meters of water resistance.

Swiss and Silicon Valley luminaries convene to launch The Connected V2

The guest list at the launch of the Connected Modular did not dissapoint. The launch event was led by Jean-Claude Biver, CEO of TAG Heuer & President of the LVMH Group Watch Division, he was accompanied by Josh Walden, Senior Vice President and General Manager of the New Technology Group at Intel, and David Singleton, Vice President of Android Engineering at Google.

Here’s what Jean-Claude Biver had to say about the new connected modular 45:

"After the huge success of the first TAG Heuer Connected watch, today I am very proud to present the Connected Modular 45. This is a Swiss watch which embodies the luxury codes of tomorrow, and which not only enables you to connect to the future, but also to connect to eternity thanks to its simple and smart modular design. 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. It is the incarnation of our leading position with luxury connected watch and with this high level of technology.”

Josh Walden, Senior Vice President and General Manager, New Technology Group, Intel added:

“Engineering the next wave of smart and connected devices with iconic partners is a core strategy for Intel,” “We are thrilled to continue our strong collaboration with TAG Heuer. With innovative design and technology, the TAG Heuer Connected Modular 45 redefines the capabilities of a luxury smartwatch.”

David Singleton, Vice President of Android Engineering at Google said,

“The first generation of the TAG Heuer Connected pushed the boundary of what is possible when you combine traditional watchmaking and cutting-edge technology,” “We’re excited to work with TAG Heuer again to create a new powerful connected watch that demonstrates the ongoing innovation of TAG Heuer’s craftsmanship and the Android Wear platform."

To recap, the TAG Heuer Connected 45 is next level engineering and technology in a Swiss Made package. The new Connected Modular 45 was designed and engineered in at TAG Heuer’s facilities in Le Chaux-de-fonds. Affirming Jean Claude Biver’s commitment to innovation even under these trying times in the industry.

As with most technology purchases, purists will tell you to never buy the first revision. I’m usually no exception to this rule. After trying the new Connected Modular, I can safely say it’s some very cool technology that offers considerable refinement over the original model.

The TAG Heuer Connected Modular 45 is on sale from 1690 CHF, 1650 USD, or 1600 Euros

For those curious about the tourbillon mentioned earlier, the tourbillon box set pricing is as follows: a titanium connected watch (in grade 5 titanium, with titanium lugs and brown natural leather strap), complete with the prestigious COSC-certified chronograph Heuer-02T tourbillon mechanical module, plus an additional black rubber strap is available for a total price of 17,900 CHF, 16,650 Euros, 17,000 USD.

YOU CAN ALREADY SHOP THE WATCH, PLEASE SELECT OUR MODEL HERE

Jean-Claude Biver, CEO of TAG Heuer, has decided to auction the whole package on eBay from 14th to 29th March 2017, with a reserve price of CHF 17,900.

Link for the auction: http://tag.hr/charity

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