Round-UpThe TAG Heuer Connected 2017 – Top 10 takeaways and how you can pre book yours in India

Those rumours about TAG Heuer unveiling their new Android Wear watch this year? They were all true because it’s finally here. The new TAG Heuer Connected 2.0 or Modular 45 has arrived with so many variations that each will be truly unique to its owner. Announced on the 14^th of March, just two weeks before Baselworld 2017, it took TAG Heuer a while before letting the cat out of the bag – and this time, there’s something for everyone.

But what will please us and the entire watchmaking fraternity the most is that the “Connected” is now an officially “Swiss Made” smartwatch. How was that possible? The brand finally found a way to bring Silicon Valley’s expertise (experts from Google and Intel) to La Chaux-de-Fonds (the heart of Swiss watchmaking) to assemble the smartwatch in TAG’s own workshop, thereby qualifying it for the official designation. It’s arguably the best Avant Garde smartwatch in the world right now.

There’s so much to talk about the new Connected that we’ve listed out the top 10 takeaways of the launch and also mentioned how you can pre-book yours before anyone else in India:

1. The world’s first Swiss Made modular smartwatch:

The new Connected Modular 45 kick-starts TAG Heuer’s ‘modular’ concept that hopes to eliminate the issue of obsolescence that plagues smartwatches, no matter the maker. With interchangeable straps, lugs and buckles, the owner can decide what they want on their smartwatch and can also buy different customizable straps and lugs as per their needs. TAG Heuer also announced that the Modular concept isn’t limited to the Smartwatch alone and will appear in their upcoming mechanical timepieces as well.

2. Re-engineered hardware for Titanium 5:

We all remember that the first Connected essentially had a plastic case that was done to aid all the hardware running inside. With the Connected 2, the challenge was humungous because it was now a full metal body. Metal, as we know interferes with the smartwatch’s communication systems (Wifi, Bluetooth & NFC), but Intel worked closely with TAG and reengineered the Wifi and NFC chip to support the smartwatch. The chips also work 2x faster than the previous smartwatch! A bit of technical innovation here as well.

3. Android Wear 2.0 comes to the Connected:

The one we were all waiting for. The Connected 2 comes with the latest Android Wear OS 2.0 straight out of the box, customized specifically for TAG Heuer. This is Google’s biggest update to the platform since 2014 and comes with new features like standalone apps that don’t need a smartphone to pair with, can independently connect to a Wi-Fi or cellular network, GPS for navigation and also introduces support for Android Pay, i.e., wireless payments without having to use your phone or your wallet.

4. An exciting new dial with “Active Matrix or AMOLED” Display:

The first “Connected” watch was a great watch but one of its biggest drawbacks was the display. Users had a tough time looking at the screen while exposed to bright light conditions. The new Connected 2.0 comes with a crystal clear AMOLED display that adapts the brightness and contrast based on the surroundings, giving the wearer the crispest display every time they look at their watch.

5. Supports iOS + Android Smartphones and pre-loaded with Google Assistant:

From the family of Google’s very own Pixel and Home, Google Assistant comes to the TAG Heuer Connected 2. The Assistant can be used to get you through simple tasks throughout the day without having to use your phone. Looking for a cab at your precise location? Long press the crown and ask Assistant to do it for you! Or do a quick conversion for foreign exchange rates during a meeting. You can use Assistant to do many things like sending a message when you’re running to catch your flight, or start tracking your pace while you run a marathon. It’s been a game changer for Android and is making its debut on the Android Wear for the first time.

Discover the Connected Modular 45 collection here

6. Thicker Sapphire Crystal Protection – Built for Android Pay:

Android Pay is one of the most secure forms of NFC or wireless payments and to ensure it remains the most secure on the Connected, TAG Heuer and Intel co-created a thicker Sapphire crystal glass for enhanced protection and specifically for quick NFC wireless payments.

7. TAG Heuer Studio – Over 4000 different dial customisations:

Customization is the theme of the Connected Modular 45 and with the TAG Heuer Studio, it gets even more interesting. TAG Heuer released the “TAG Heuer Studio”, an app that gives owners the ability to customise their watch by picking from 30 different faces, and giving them the option of adding and removing not just complications, but specific features, like changing colours of the hour indexes to the SuperLuminova effect on the hands. They’re taking the customisation game to the next level.

8. It’s now water resistant:

Unlike its predecessor, the Connected Modular 45 is now water resistant up to 50 M/5 ATM courtesy its ‘all metal’ case. So you’re now free to take the watch for a plunge in the pool. Just don’t go scuba diving with it.

9. Customizable with 20 unique accessories:

There were only 11 references announced at the launch, but courtesy its ‘Modular’ program, TAG say that you can create up to 46 additional options based on what you like.

The accessories include 14 strap/bracelet options, 4 lug options (including rose gold and ceramic) and two buckles. All accessories will come with one year warranty from the brand and will have to be purchased separately which you can find here.

10. Also comes in a special “Tourbillion” modular Special Edition.

TAG found the perfect way to exhibit the Modular program with a special edition Modular 45 and a mechanical Tourbillon that can be interchanged with two strap options. This will, however, be available in limited quantities.

The TAG Heuer Connected Modular 45 arrives first at Ethos Watch Boutiques in India. You can browse through the entire collection and pre-book yours today or call +91 8725028900 for more information.

Discover the Connected Modular 45 collection here

All 7 TAG Heuer Connected Modular 45 Variations coming to India

Discover the Connected Modular 45 collection here

Do you like the TAG Heuer Connected Modular 45? Let us know in the comments section below!