The intersection of luxury watchmaking and smart technology creates a unique space in the market. Tag Heuer stands at this crossroads with their Connected Calibre E4 smartwatch. This device combines traditional Swiss craftsmanship with modern technology.
The smartwatch market grows every year. Many users look for devices that offer both functionality and style. The Connected Calibre E4 aims to satisfy both needs. But does it succeed? This review examines every aspect of this luxury smartwatch.
We will look at design, performance, features, battery life, software, and value. You will learn if this premium device deserves its price tag. The Connected Calibre E4 comes in different sizes and materials. This review focuses on both versions to give you a complete picture.
Key Takeaways
- Premium Design with Multiple Options: The Tag Heuer Connected Calibre E4 comes in 42mm and 45mm sizes with different materials including steel, titanium, and ceramic options. The build quality matches traditional luxury watches with exceptional attention to detail.
- Impressive Performance Upgrade: The smartwatch features faster processing speed compared to previous models with improved heart rate monitoring and GPS accuracy. The battery life extends to a full day with heavy use or up to 30% longer than the previous generation.
- Specialized Sports Applications: Tag Heuer offers custom fitness tracking features including golf course mapping for over 40,000 courses worldwide. The watch includes swimming metrics, running analysis, and cycling data with automatic exercise detection.
- Premium Price Point: Starting at $1,050 and rising to over $2,000 depending on materials and features, this represents a significant investment compared to standard smartwatches but aligns with luxury watch pricing.
- Wear OS Compatibility: The watch runs on Google’s Wear OS platform providing access to Google Play Store apps while maintaining compatibility with both Android and iOS devices despite some feature limitations on Apple products.
Design and Build Quality
The Tag Heuer Connected Calibre E4 comes in two distinct sizes. The 42mm model targets users with smaller wrists. The 45mm version provides a bold statement. Both sizes showcase exceptional design quality. The watch features traditional Tag Heuer design elements. This creates a look that balances modern technology with classic watch aesthetics.
The 45mm model measures 15.3mm thick with a 54mm lug-to-lug distance. It features a flat sapphire crystal display. This larger model has a sporty appearance with a ceramic bezel. The bezel provides excellent scratch resistance. The pushers and crown feel solid and responsive. They match the quality found in traditional luxury watches.
The 42mm version has a more refined design. It uses a sapphire glass box that creates an endless screen effect. This smaller model measures just under 14mm thick. It fits comfortably on smaller wrists. Both versions use high-quality materials. The options include stainless steel, grade 2 titanium, and ceramic components.
The watch straps deserve special mention. They use an easy release system for quick changes. The rubber straps provide excellent comfort for daily wear and workouts. Leather options add a touch of elegance. The metal bracelet options complete the luxury experience. All straps use premium materials matching the quality of the watch case.
Water resistance reaches 50 meters for both models. This allows for swimming and water activities. The build quality feels substantial without being overly heavy. The titanium versions offer the best balance of durability and comfort. The entire design reflects traditional Tag Heuer craftsmanship. This makes the Connected Calibre E4 stand out from typical smartwatches.
Display and User Interface
The Connected Calibre E4 features a bright OLED display. The 45mm model uses a 1.39-inch screen. The 42mm version has a slightly smaller display. Both provide excellent visibility even in bright sunlight. The screens offer vivid colors and sharp text. The always-on display feature works well without excessive battery drain.
The interface uses Google’s Wear OS platform. Tag Heuer adds their own custom watch faces and apps. The crown provides smooth scrolling through menus. The side buttons offer quick access to frequently used functions. The touchscreen responds quickly to inputs. The user interface balances simplicity with functionality.
Tag Heuer offers exclusive watch faces designed specifically for this model. These faces range from digital to analog styles. Many watch faces allow customization of colors and complications. This lets users personalize their experience. The fitness-focused faces display workout data clearly. The traditional faces capture classic Tag Heuer design elements.
The interface navigation feels intuitive. The combination of touch controls and physical buttons works well. Notifications appear clearly and can be managed easily. The menu structure keeps important functions accessible. The overall user experience matches the premium nature of the device. Tag Heuer has created a refined interface that enhances the smartwatch experience.
Performance and Hardware
The Connected Calibre E4 uses improved hardware compared to previous models. The watch runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 4100+ processor. This provides faster performance for apps and interface navigation. The system includes 1GB of RAM and 8GB of storage space. This hardware configuration handles daily tasks smoothly without lag.
The sensors include an accelerometer, gyroscope, heart rate monitor, barometer, compass, and GPS. These sensors enable accurate fitness tracking and location services. The heart rate monitoring shows improved accuracy during workouts. The GPS connects quickly and maintains stable tracking during outdoor activities.
Battery performance varies between models. The 45mm version contains a 440mAh battery. This provides up to 30% longer battery life than previous generations. Users report getting through a full day with heavy use. Some users achieve up to two days with moderate use. The 42mm model uses a 330mAh battery. This smaller battery still lasts a full day with normal use.
The charging system uses a magnetic puck. This attaches easily to the back of the watch. A full charge takes about 90 minutes. The quick charge feature provides several hours of use from a short charging session. Overall hardware performance meets expectations for a premium smartwatch. The improvements over previous models show Tag Heuer’s commitment to refining their connected watch experience.
Software and Apps
The Connected Calibre E4 runs on Google’s Wear OS platform. This provides access to the Google Play Store and its wide range of apps. Tag Heuer enhances this foundation with their own custom applications. These apps focus on fitness tracking and specialized features.
The Tag Heuer Sports app tracks various activities. These include running, cycling, swimming, fitness, and golf. The app provides detailed metrics for each activity type. The interface shows clear data during workouts. The post-workout analysis offers comprehensive information about performance. The Sports app syncs with popular fitness platforms. These include Strava and Apple Health.
The Golf Edition features special golf tracking capabilities. The watch provides distance information for more than 40,000 golf courses worldwide. It shows hazards and distances with high-resolution 2D maps. Golfers receive shot distance measurements and score tracking. This specialized functionality appeals to golf enthusiasts.
The Tag Heuer Wellness app monitors daily activity and health metrics. It tracks steps, calories, and active minutes. The sleep tracking feature provides insights about rest quality. The heart rate monitoring works throughout the day. This continuous tracking helps users understand their overall health patterns.
Third-party app support depends on the connected smartphone. Android users get full functionality. iOS users face some limitations due to Apple’s restrictions. Most essential features work across both platforms. The software experience feels polished and purposeful. Tag Heuer has focused on creating useful apps rather than unnecessary additions.
Fitness and Health Tracking
The Connected Calibre E4 offers comprehensive fitness tracking features. The Tag Heuer Sports app forms the foundation of this functionality. It provides detailed metrics for various activities. The accuracy of these measurements impresses during testing. The watch automatically detects certain exercises. This makes tracking workouts more convenient.
Running tracking provides data on pace, distance, heart rate, and elevation. The GPS accuracy holds up well even in challenging environments. The running data appears clearly during workouts. The post-run analysis shows detailed information about performance patterns. Serious runners will find this data useful for training.
Cycling features include speed tracking, distance measurement, and elevation profiles. The watch connects with some external sensors for additional cycling metrics. The swimming tracking counts laps and measures stroke types. The water resistance allows for pool and open water swimming.
The heart rate monitoring shows significant improvement over previous models. It tracks consistently during both rest and exercise. The wellness app provides daily heart rate summaries. This helps users understand their cardiovascular patterns. The software also measures heart rate variability. This provides insights about recovery and stress levels.
General fitness tracking includes step counting, calorie burn estimates, and active minutes. These metrics appear in easy-to-read summaries. The workout coaching feature offers guided exercise sessions. The animated instructions help users perform movements correctly. Overall, the fitness tracking capabilities match or exceed most dedicated fitness watches. This makes the Connected Calibre E4 a capable training partner despite its luxury status.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery performance represents a significant improvement over previous Tag Heuer connected models. The 45mm version contains a 440mAh battery. This provides approximately 30% longer battery life compared to earlier generations. Most users report getting through a full day with heavy use. Some achieve up to two days with moderate usage patterns.
The 42mm model uses a smaller 330mAh battery. This provides enough power for a full day of normal use. Heavy fitness tracking reduces battery life as expected. The battery performance depends on several factors. These include screen brightness, GPS usage, and notification frequency. The always-on display feature impacts battery life but many users find the tradeoff worthwhile.
The charging system uses a magnetic puck that attaches to the back of the watch. The connection feels secure and aligns easily. A complete charge takes about 90 minutes from empty. The quick charge feature provides several hours of use from a short charging session. This helps when preparing for a workout or heading out for the evening.
Battery management features help extend usage time. The power saving mode disables non-essential functions. This can significantly extend battery life when needed. The battery performance meets expectations for a full-featured smartwatch. It cannot match traditional watches but performs well within the smartwatch category. Users who charge nightly will rarely experience battery anxiety with this device.
Connectivity and Compatibility
The Connected Calibre E4 works with both Android and iOS devices. The experience differs slightly between platforms. Android users get the most complete functionality. iOS users face some limitations due to Apple’s restrictions. The core features work well across both systems. The watch requires the Tag Heuer Connected app on the paired smartphone.
Connectivity features include Bluetooth 5.0 for phone connections. Wi-Fi allows direct internet access when within range. NFC supports Google Pay for contactless payments. These connection options provide flexibility for different usage scenarios. The Bluetooth connection remains stable during testing. This ensures reliable notification delivery and data synchronization.
The watch pairs easily with smartphones using the Tag Heuer Connected app. This app manages watch settings and handles data synchronization. The setup process feels straightforward and well-designed. Users can customize notification preferences through this application. The app also manages watch face options and complications.
Third-party app compatibility depends on the Wear OS platform. Most popular apps offer Wear OS versions. These include music controls, navigation apps, and productivity tools. The Google Play Store provides access to a wide range of applications. This extends the functionality beyond Tag Heuer’s own software. The overall connectivity experience provides the expected functionality for a modern smartwatch.
Value and Price Comparison
The Connected Calibre E4 represents a significant investment. Prices start around $1,050 and rise above $2,000 depending on materials and features. This positions the watch firmly in the luxury segment. The pricing reflects both the technology and the brand heritage. Comparing this to standard smartwatches shows a substantial premium. This raises questions about value for many consumers.
The value proposition combines luxury watch craftsmanship with smart functionality. The materials and build quality exceed typical smartwatches. The design reflects traditional Tag Heuer styling. This provides value for users seeking a premium appearance. The specialized software adds functionality not found in other devices. This creates additional value for specific use cases like golf tracking.
Compared to other luxury smartwatches, the pricing seems reasonable. Similar offerings from brands like Montblanc and Louis Vuitton carry similar price tags. When compared to traditional Tag Heuer watches, the Connected line actually represents a lower entry point to the brand. This context matters when evaluating the overall value.
The longevity question affects value assessment. Traditional luxury watches last decades. Smartwatches typically become obsolete within a few years. Tag Heuer addresses this with trade-in programs for future models. This partially mitigates the obsolescence concern. The value judgment ultimately depends on individual priorities and budget. Users seeking both luxury design and smart functionality will find value despite the premium price.
Software Updates and Support
Tag Heuer provides software updates for the Connected Calibre E4. These updates include both system improvements and new features. The update frequency has been reasonable since launch. This shows commitment to the product line. Updates arrive through the Tag Heuer Connected app. The installation process works smoothly in most cases.
Wear OS updates come separately through Google’s system. This dual update approach sometimes creates confusion. Tag Heuer could improve communication about which updates provide specific features. The company has added new watch faces and fitness features through updates. This extends the value of the device over time.
Support options include online resources and authorized service centers. The warranty covers manufacturing defects for two years. This exceeds the coverage of many smartwatch competitors. Battery replacement services ensure continued usability beyond initial battery life. The support experience matches expectations for a luxury product.
The future update path remains somewhat uncertain. Tag Heuer has not specified how long they will support this specific model. Their history shows support for several years on previous generations. Users should expect at least two years of updates based on past patterns. The uncertainty about long-term support represents a common challenge in the smartwatch market.
Pros and Cons
The Connected Calibre E4 offers several notable strengths:
- Premium design and materials create a luxury appearance
- Excellent build quality matches traditional Tag Heuer standards
- Improved performance over previous connected models
- Specialized applications for golf and fitness tracking
- Good battery life for a full-featured smartwatch
- Wear OS platform provides access to many applications
- High-quality display with good outdoor visibility
- Water resistance allows for swimming and water sports
Limitations include:
- High price compared to standard smartwatches
- Limited iOS compatibility for some features
- Thickness may feel bulky on smaller wrists
- Future obsolescence concerns common to all smartwatches
- Limited watch face options compared to some competitors
- Occasional software quirks requiring updates
These factors create a balanced picture of the device. The strengths align with luxury positioning. The weaknesses reflect common smartwatch limitations. Users should weigh these factors based on their specific needs and expectations.
Final Verdict
The Tag Heuer Connected Calibre E4 successfully blends luxury watch design with smart functionality. It delivers a premium experience in both hardware and software. The improvements over previous generations show Tag Heuer’s commitment to this product line. The watch performs well as both a timepiece and a connected device.
This smartwatch targets a specific market segment. It appeals to users who value traditional watch aesthetics. These users also want modern connectivity features. The price positions it as a luxury item rather than a mass-market device. This aligns with Tag Heuer’s overall brand positioning. The value proposition makes sense within this context.
The Connected Calibre E4 competes effectively in the luxury smartwatch category. It offers better build quality than standard smartwatches. The specialized features provide unique functionality. These factors justify the premium pricing for certain users. The overall experience delivers on the promise of luxury smart wearables.
For users seeking both status and functionality, the Connected Calibre E4 deserves serious consideration. It provides the prestige of the Tag Heuer brand. It also delivers useful smart features for daily life. This combination creates a compelling option in the luxury wearable market. The Connected Calibre E4 represents a successful evolution of Tag Heuer’s smartwatch vision.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the battery last on the Tag Heuer Connected Calibre E4?
The 45mm model lasts a full day with heavy use or up to two days with moderate use. The 42mm model provides a full day of normal use.
Is the Tag Heuer Connected Calibre E4 waterproof?
Yes. The watch has 50 meters water resistance, making it suitable for swimming and water activities.
Can I use the Tag Heuer Connected Calibre E4 with an iPhone?
Yes. The watch works with both iOS and Android, though some features have limited functionality with iOS devices.
What materials is the Tag Heuer Connected Calibre E4 made from?
The watch comes in stainless steel, grade 2 titanium, and ceramic options depending on the specific model.
Does the Tag Heuer Connected Calibre E4 track sleep?
Yes. The watch includes sleep tracking features through the TAG Heuer Wellness app.
Can I make calls with the Tag Heuer Connected Calibre E4?
You can answer calls on the watch when connected to your phone, but the watch does not have a speaker for conversations.
How often does Tag Heuer release software updates?
Tag Heuer provides regular updates several times per year with both system improvements and new features.
Is the Tag Heuer Connected Calibre E4 worth the price?
For users seeking luxury design with smart functionality, the price reflects the premium materials and brand heritage.
What makes the Golf Edition special?
The Golf Edition includes specialized software with maps for over 40,000 golf courses and features for tracking shots and scoring.
Can I swim with the Tag Heuer Connected Calibre E4?
Yes. The 50-meter water resistance rating makes it suitable for swimming in both pools and open water.
