TAG HEUER CONNECTS WITH MODULAR OPTIONS
By Michael Thompson
THE TAG HEUER CONNECTED MODULAR 45, THE SWISS WATCH-
MAKER’S SECOND-GENERATION SMARTWATCH stars a LEGO-like
adaptabliity that allows the wearer to choose from 56 different case,
dial, lug and strap combinations. Yes, the Google and Intel-enhanced
digital features are beautfully realized with many more features than
previously available, but it’s the watch’s modular design, almost end-
less customization options, and luxuriously finished components that
place this release conceptually well ahead of many other connected
watches with Swiss pedigree.
Designed, developed and assembled in Switzerland by TAG Heuer,
the Connected Modular 45 also connects cloud-sourced applications
with Swiss mechanical know-how on several other levels.
In addition to a primary digitally connected case unit (priced at
$1,550), wearers have two mechanical options available: The TAG
Heuer three-hand Calibre 5 (for an additional $1,650), or a manufac-
ture chronograph Tourbillon Heuer 02-T, with a titanium and carbon
case, COSC certified ($17,000). The latter arrives in a box set includ-
ing a connected watch (in grade 5 titanium, with titanium lugs and
brown natural leather strap), the tourbillon chronograph module and
an additional black rubber strap.
The TAG Heuer Connected Modular 45 is at its most basic a
Carrera watch whose lugs, strap, buckle and case are interchange-
able elements. Eleven models are already available; many others
can be customized. The 45mm case (1mm smaller than the first
Connected) can be titanium (satin or polished), plated rose gold
or black ceramic, with or without diamonds. These can be mixed
or matched with a selection of lug designs like, for example, black
ceramic, gold-plated or steel. Likewise, more than eighteen starp or
bracelet references are available, including those made from rubber,
natural leather or anthracite grey leather, titanium or ceramic.
The modularity concept extends to the watch’s software with a
wide range of dial customization for the primary digital unit. TAG
Heuer has developed thirty watch dials, including those with well-
known current and historic TAG Heuer Carrera designs. Digital dial
designs include those with white, black, light grey, anthracite gr ey,
chocolate brown, navy blue or gold, with sunray finish, skeleton dial,
three hands, GMT, a chronograph with 1, 2, or 3 counters, plus a date
and day window. All these these dials are interchangeable with a
single swipe of the finger.
With assistance of Google as well a special TAG Heuer work-
shop within Intel’s Silicon Valley offices, the company has greatly
enhanced the watch’s connectivity performance. Options include
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS and NFC, which also enables users to benefit
from a wide range of functions offered under the Android Wear
operating system.
The TAG Heuer Connected 45 motherboard is produced in
Switzerland and the final assembly step and testing are completed
in TAG Heuer’s own workshop in La Chaux-de-Fonds. The unit fea-
tures 4 GB of memory and a lithium battery that provides about
thirty hours of power. The watch is fitted with a small water-resistant
microphone enabling the wearer to communicate with it using
Google Assistant, as well as a sapphire crystal touchscreen, to be
used alongside the command crown at 3 o’clock.
As noted above, TAG Heuer Connected 45 prices start at $1,550.
To see more visit:
www.tagheuer.com/en/watches/tag-heuer-connected
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