TAG Heuer’s Swiss-designed smartwatch has been publicized as the ‘traditional’ watch industry’s much-hyped answer to the Apple Watch.
“Today is the marriage of Watch Valley and Silicon Valley.”
So said Swiss watch industry icon and current CEO of TAG Heuer (and President of LVMH watch division) Jean-Claude Biver, as he today presented the new TAG Heuer Carrera Smartwatch to the world, relating the whole event as a “wedding” of America and Switzerland and their respective contributions to the project. Biver introduced the watch in his typical boisterous, gesticulating style, citing November 9, 2015 as “A milestone for the Swiss watch industry…the Swiss watch industry has entered today…thanks to Intel, thanks to Google, thanks to TAG Heuer…the Swiss watch industry is connected to the future.”
Tag Heuer Android Wear SmartWatch Connected
The watch is a true smartwatch with a full digital screen and will indeed run on Google’s Android OS. Though in form, it retains the look of a normal TAG Heuer Carrera. The case is titanium, the screen is digital and responsive to touch. Three dial options digitally imitate the dial of a mechanical Carrera. And of course, a plethora of digital features that would be expected on a smartwatch platform. Only black bracelets available for online purchase. All other bracelet color options available in store. TAG’s Biver states, “For a traditional mechanical watch, ‘Swiss Made’ is a reference and criteria of reliability and quality. For a connected watch, Android from Google and Intel Inside are the criteria of quality and reliability.”
The TAG Heuer Carrera Connected will sell for $1,500 and can be purchased online here at TAG Heuer Connected or in-store. Note that only black straps are available for online purchase; all other bracelet color options available in store. Interestingly, after two years any owner may trade it in to a TAG retailer, and for an additional $1,500, receive a mechanical Carrera in its place.
