TAG Heuer is the latest one among the Swiss renowned watchmakers to release its own vision of a smart watch. Its new product is called Connected and it was developed alongside with Intel and Google. Interestingly, the watch features the appearance that replicates the looks of the brand’s standard mechanical product, so it is in a way a hidden smart watch, disguised in the TAG Heuer Carrera clothing. There are three types of dials available for Connected and they are all modeled after the appearance of TAG’s existing models. The new product connects via Bluetooth or Wi Fi and is compatible to thousands of apps that can be downloaded from Google Play Store. It is available at the price of $1,500. Another convenient perk is that once you get this watch, you automatically become eligible for special promotion. This deal allows the owner to exchange it for a mechanical model after the end of the two year warranty, providing that another $1,500 is paid.
The LaChaux-de-Fonds manufacturer has launched its version of a smart watch which seems to be a trend even when high-end watchmakers are concerned. The novel smart watch looks the same as the timekeepers from the brand’s Carrera collection, since it has the same type of 46 mm wide round case, as well as the back and lugs which are all constructed from durable grade 2 titanium. Embellished with all the common finishes such as horizontal and vertical brushed decoration, its true essence is completely hidden at first sight. Moreover, the dark bezel in the same material as the case is sandblasted and coated with carbide, as well as anti-fingerprint layer which prevents smudges that would inevitably be present due to the operating of its features.
It should be also mentioned that the thickness of the housing is 12.8 mm, while its weight measures to just 52 grams, mostly thanks to the use of light titanium. The watch is waterproof only to splashes of liquid and should not be intentionally exposed to water.
As it has been said, even the dial completely replicates other TAG Heuer’s watches. Actually, there are three options for the dial and these are chronograph, GMT and three-hand face. Each of them features a date display and tends to replicate the looks of its archetypes as much as it is possible. This includes simulated shadows on the face as the hands move across it, as well as a Sunburst effect that traditionally graces the dials of the watchmaker’s products. Furthermore, each of three types is available in three different colors. These are: black, pearl white and deep blue. It is important to note that regardless of the type and the color of the dial, the main indications on it continue to be visible, even when its battery is near its depletion.
As for the technical traits of the scratch-resistant sapphire screen, it should be said that it features 1.5 inches wide round transflective LTPS LCD display, that it supports multiple finger recognition, as well as that its resolution is 360×360 with 240 pixels per inch.
While the indication of time remains constant, the information used by the apps of this smart watch is shown inside the sub-counters. A simple touch on the corner of these counters will open its content in a full screen mode.
In order to create this model, TAG Heuer collaborated with Intel which developed a special Z34XX processor compatible with Android Wear platform. The dual core processor operates at the frequency of 1.6GHz and features a normal operation speed of 500mHz. Furthermore, it has 1 GB of operational memory and 4GB of storage memory. It is likewise powered with a new generation lithium battery that allows it to work for an entire day (somewhere about 25 hours even with the average use of its features). By the way, the battery is replenished with a charger and it takes about one and a half hour to fill it to the maximum capacity.
Just like all smart watches, it connects to a smart phone via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, but it can also continue to operate its features (such as alarm, timer, music, alarm and step counter) when the phone is out of reach, as long as there is connection to Wi-Fi. The collaboration with Google also made it compatible with thousands of downloadable applications such as Google’s Fit, Translate, Maps and Search. As for the supported sensors, the watch includes a microphone, a tilt detector, a gyroscope and a haptic engine.
As for the attachment, it is paired with a vulcanized strap made of rubber which weighs exactly 29 grams. The wristlet with seven rows of circular perforations is available in seven different shades. These are black, blue, green, white, red, yellow and orange. The bracelet fastens with a folding clasp with a safety push-button.
After the expiration of the two year warranty that goes along the product, the owner of TAG Heuer Connected can exchange its product for a mechanical Carrera model if he pays additional $1,500, which is, of course, a price with a discount.
