TAG Heuer has launched the third generation of TAG’s Connected timepiece, improving on previous generations with enhanced fitness tracking, improved software and a more refined design. The Swiss brand has designed the most luxurious Android Wear smartwatch on the market.

DESIGN AND DISPLAY
The design is inspired from TAG Heuer’s range of mechanical Carrera chronographs with the addition of physical buttons which resemble chrono pushers. These make navigating the software much easier and can be personalised to launch any app of your choice. The circular case makes the smartwatch feel more compact and look more like a traditional watch. The use of stainless steel for the case also makes the watch feel more solid than the previous generations.

The watch comes at 45mm diameter and 13.5mm thick, yet it doesn’t feel oversized. The front of the watch features a vibrant and easy to read 1.39″ OLED touchscreen protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with a resolution of 454×454 pixels. To extend the battery life, the screen alternates between active and ambient mode, always indicating time.

CUSTOMISATION
You can further personalise the TAG Heuer Connected, getting the look and feel of multiple different TAG watches for multiple occasions. With the easiest interchangeable strap system, you can swap straps you have gotten in a matter of seconds using a simple clip. The ease of switching from a sophisticated-looking steel fashion statement to a sporty yet luxurious accessory makes the watch comfortable to wear all day long and is backed up by a variety of incredibly detailed watch faces.

The dedicated TAG Heuer Connected app has five mechanical and digital-inspired watch faces. They all take inspiration from the brand’s timekeeping heritage and can be personalised. You can customise the details of your digital watch face from the updated companion app or the watch’s touchscreen. More faces are expected to be released over time.

FITNESS TRACKING
The Connected watch has been designed in a way to enhance the wearer’s experience, specifically during sports with high-intensity activities in mind, a lightweight case and a rubberised strap optimised for grip, breathability and comfort.

The greater focus on fitness and sports tracking is also supported by the watch’s built-in GPS which can calculate different performance metrics and also includes a compass for direction, an accelerometer and a gyroscope. The accuracy is satisfying, unless you are training for a marathon. In addition, the new heart-rate monitor optimises the tracking of calories burnt.

The two pushers can be used for easier navigation as shortcuts to start, pause, and end workout sessions, while the rubber-coated crown is ideal for a mid-workout progress check. The in-house designed TAG Heuer Sports application adds to the great fitness tracking experience by making it more luxurious. You’ll get the sort of information you’d expect from a proper sports and fitness platform; your entire activities and sessions history is saved and you can see your stats, maps and more details. You can check your performance on your watch in real-time and then gain a more detailed insight through the new TAG Heuer mobile app. You can also synchronise the data with Apple Health, Google Fit, etc.

The watch supports different fitness activities, such as golf, running, cycling, walking, fitness and hiking – a range that is expected to be expanded. The case’s 5 ATM water resistance rating means it’s suitable for swimming or running in the rain.

The Connected lacks certain health or wellness features like stress level monitoring. Of course, TAG Heuer could add some of these features over time with software updates and we have to admit that, despite these deficiencies, it remains a watch well-suited to the fitness enthusiast.

SOFTWARE
The watch has a number of Google services to support you throughout the day, such as Google Assistant, which uses the built-in microphone located on the left side of the case. You also get e-mail and message notifications, music controls, calendar appointments, weather, Google Pay, maps and more with a large selection of apps on the Google Play Store.

TAG Heuer has developed its own mobile companion app, which allows you to personalise your watch and analyse your fitness data from your smartphone. There are also custom, easy-to-read TAG Heuer fonts and in-house developed timing apps which take inspiration from TAG’s range of professional timing equipment.

In a nutshell, the app feels premium and cohesive.

PERFORMANCE AND BATTERY
TAG claims a 20-hour battery life with standard use, including a 1-hour workout. If you don’t exercise, the battery can last a little longer. If you’re really into working out and train with us every day at 8am on FreeSports, it is fair to say the Connected’s battery won’t last 20 hours. It is expected to last for six hours of constant sports tracking while using GPS, heart-rate monitoring, and streaming music. However, charging time is fast, only needing 1.5 hours to refill from 0 to 100%.

PRICE
The TAG Heuer Connected’s price starts from £1,495 for a stainless steel case and sporty rubber strap. If you prefer a matching stainless steel bracelet, the price is £1,650. And finally, the limited all-black Titanium model sits at the top of the range, priced at £1,950.

VERDICT
It’s a beautifully designed smartwatch that feels like a luxurious mechanical timepiece and can be customised to your own specifications. TAG Heuer’s adaptations to Wear OS will give you an amazing experience, especially with sports tracking. There could be more watch faces available, but if you’re looking for a luxury Android smartwatch, this is the one for you.