If I splurge on a TAG Heuer watch, smart or otherwise, I want it to feel very special on my wrist. Its Connected Calibre E4 42mm costs $1,800, and there's nothing that apple or galaxy watches can't do. In fact, it does less, so I definitely feel great when I wear it on my wrist. Over the past 10 days, I've discovered how it feels to be worn.
devise
First of all, you should know about TAG Heuer's new smartwatch range. There are two models, the 42mm Connected Calibre E4 that you see in our photos and the model I'm reviewing, and the 45mm version with the same technology but a slightly different design. Following the single 45mm Connected Calibre E3, the choice of 42mm and 45mm models in the Calibre E4 series was very popular and the case was reduced to 13.9mm to make it more wear-resistant. However, there was no change in the material used – it was stainless steel with a ceramic bezel – and the E4 did not have a titanium option.
i haven't worn the 45mm model yet, but based on previous experience and this time wearing the 42mm model, i'm confident that a smaller smartwatch will once again fit most people. the smaller 1.28-inch screen is just right, it can be placed under the shirt cuffs, the curved sapphire crystal above it looks beautiful, and the streamlined buttons and simple crown make it look very delicate. for reference, it's on my 6.5-inch wrist in the photo.
i showed it to a friend who didn't like the size and weight of most current smartwatches. he loves this very much and says its shape, size and design are the most attractive he has ever seen. that's exactly the kind of reaction you want. with the right dial, it also has a classic tag heuer watch look, but never overdos it, or worse, looks cheap. the ultra-sharp, very bright 416 x 416 pixel screen takes full advantage of tag heuer's wide range of dials.
The 42 mm Connected Calibre E4 features a polished stainless steel case and is attached to a steel, rubber or leather strap. The rubber on my review model was comfortable but would be a little sweaty, and it didn't have much "giving" either, so I had to wear it tightly or it wouldn't often fit directly on my wrist. I like the folding clasp though, it's easy to adjust and looks really cool. This is an identifiable design that helps to identify that the smartwatch is made by TAG Heuer. If you don't like straps, or want some alternatives, TAG Heuer sells a variety of Calibre E4-compatible straps starting at $200.
the buttons give a very mechanical feel, adding a sense of quality, while the rotating crown helps you navigate the watch's menu quickly and accurately. the bezel combines the hour marker and the tag heuer logo, and since it is set under the crystal, it does not affect the use of the touch screen.
Luxurious, elegant and professionally crafted, connected Calibre E4 understands the characteristics of a premium smartwatch without losing sight of the charm of TAG Heuer watches. But do I feel any differently? The tag heuer name enjoys a high level of comfort because of its just right size, and the sapphire crystal is warm and comfortable to the touch. I loved the look it had and I loved the feeling it gave me from the moment I buckled the iconic clasp on the strap.
Connect to iOS and Android
For the first half of my time with the Calibre E4, I used it with the iPhone 13 Pro. I'm happy to say that it automatically reconnects to the iPhone without any input from me, whether I turn off my watch overnight or go out of range. Just like the Apple Watch, this makes it easy and easy to use, and it doesn't always happen on Apple's own smartwatches.
However, connect to iOS. This is a bit basic. The notification arrives, but you can't interact with any of them. For example, there are no responses to emails, like Tweets, or quick responses to messages. However, you can access google play apps, you can use Google Fit, and the Tag Heuer app available through Apple's App Store is very attractive and feature-rich. However, you'll also need To install Google's Wear OS on your iPhone, so it's a fairly dense application.
I've always been happy with the reliability of my watch's connection to iOS, but missed out on the deep integration that came with the Apple Watch and its wealth of pre-installed apps and features. You also don't have an automatic handwashing timer, noise level alarm, or fall detection, so the Calibre E4 feels quite restrained in comparison. However, the experience has certainly improved over the years, which is acceptable if you are satisfied with the relatively basic features.
After using my smartwatch with my iPhone, I switched to using it with my Android phone. Google simplifies the setup process, and the smartwatch is up and running in just a few minutes. In addition to the need for Wear OS, smartwatches also benefit from the installation of TAG Heuer's own app.
Once connected to an Android phone, you can do more on the Connected Calibre E4. Notifications are interactive, with the option to reply, delete, or archive emails, like or forward Tweets, or send preset reply messages. You always have to reach for your phone to do anything when connected to your iPhone, but when your smartwatch is connected to Android, you can manage many tasks on your smartwatch. It makes it more useful and convenient.
Regardless of which phone you are connected to, the reliability of notifications arriving is moderate, with some arriving, some not, and some appearing in the notification list but without an alert. Although the haptic vibration alarm is set to the "long" option, it is still easy to miss the subtle vibrations generated by the Calibre E4.
activity tracking
Tag Heuer Connected Calibre E4 uses Google Fit or Tag Heuer's own Sports app to track your activity and workouts. In this review, I'm focusing on the Tag Heuer Sports app because not only is it much prettier than Google Fit, but it also has some cool extras that also fit my needs.
By default, Tag Heuer Sports is assigned to the upper button of the case, which tracks running, walking, golf, swimming, cycling and general fitness activities. The startup is fast, the data is clear, and the interaction with the application is easy because it uses buttons on the shell and not just the touch screen. It also has an animated workout program that is suitable for people of all fitness levels to follow.
Heart rate, calories, duration, and fitness area are all measured, and the app provides an estimated break on its results page. When it tracks walking or running, GPS activates without problems, the app displays the map, and increases speed and splits the data. The Calibre E4 also comes with Tag Heuer's extensive golf app, which debuted on Modular 45 Golf Edition in 2019. All the data is stored in the app, and even if I reset my watch, it's transferred between iOS and Android, which might help those who change phones frequently.
Tracking walking and general fitness activity with the Apple Watch Series 7 shows some differences in heart rate. The Tag Heuer Connected Calibre E4 consistently underestimates heart rate compared to Apple Watch, with an average heart rate of 20 beats per minute lower for most activity recordings. Neither is a medical device, but as a result of past experience, most devices match the Apple Watch's heart rate data, suggesting that the Calibre E4 may require further calibration via a software update. A lower heart rate can also affect calorie burning.
Another thing that can affect heart rate accuracy is the strap of a watch. It's not really designed for quick adjustment, and getting it tight enough on the wrist to increase the heart rate monitor's contact with the skin requires trial and error. It needs to be very tight to stay safe. Calibre E4 does not measure blood oxygen or take electrocardiogram (ECG) readings.
If you want to track recreational activity — some workouts, steps per day, and maybe a round of golf — the Calibre E4 is great. The lack of a truly comprehensive array of sensors means it's not for those who want serious insight, absolute accuracy, or a lot of different exercises to monitor. Congratulations should be given to TAG Heuer on launching the Sports app, though, as it looks great on both watches and phones, and it does well.
software and performance
I have no problem with the performance of the Calibre E4. It uses a Qualcomm Snapdragon 4100+ processor and Google's Wear OS 2.34 version and runs smoothly. The app loads fast, paying with Google Pay is simple, and getting GPS while exercising takes only a few seconds. Tag Heuer promised that connected Calibre E4 would update Wear OS 3 when it was released later this year, but has not yet given a specific timeline.
unfortunately, even with a bluetooth headset connected, the smartwatch cannot answer the phone. i received an incoming call notification, but when you tap accept, it tells you to answer the call on your phone.
Accessing Google Play is simple, and there are a variety of apps available for download and installation. I use YouTube Music (it takes a long time to download when connected to iOS, but it takes a long time to connect to Android), where you can download songs and playlists to listen through headphones without connecting your phone. It also has no problems and even downloads music quickly.
battery and charging
using the wireless charging cradle that comes with the watch, it takes about 50% to reach 30 minutes and about 70 minutes to be fully charged. the front of the stand has a glowing tag heuer logo, and the watch is fixed on it with a magnet that is strong enough to hold it in place. its angle is suitable for your bed, and the watch's display is in ambient mode by default.
IF I TURN OFF MY SMARTWATCH OVERNIGHT (BETWEEN AROUND MIDNIGHT AND 8 A.M.), THE BATTERY WILL LAST TWO BUSINESS DAYS, TRACKING A 45-MINUTE WORKOUT WITHOUT GPS. WITH GPS IN EXERCISE, THE RECOMMENDATION TO ENTER BATTERY SAVER MODE ARRIVES LATE THE NEXT NIGHT BECAUSE THE BATTERY REMAINS AT 10 PERCENT.
I've been using the Calibre E4 for about 10 days in total, so I can't get a long picture of battery life, but I did notice that it lasted slightly longer with the iPhone than it did with the Android phone. Overall, battery life isn't outstanding, but it's similar to most other Android smartwatches today.
price and availability
The version in our photos is the cheapest. It's the Connected Calibre E4 42mm with rubber strap and sells for $1,800 or £1,500. There are also two other models to choose from, one with a leather strap for $1,900, or £1,550, and the other with a metal bracelet for $2,000, or £1,650. They are now ready to make purchases through TAG Heuer's online stores, boutiques and other partners.
our opinion
Every conversation about the TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4 has to start with price. It costs four to five times as much as an "average" smartwatch, but on a functional and technical level, it's either essentially the same or has significantly lower capabilities, depending on the model you're targeting. This means that if you're driven by value or function, the Calibre E4 will never make sense.
So it needs to really pull your heartstrings like a non-smart TAG Heuer watch. It's really beautiful to work, I like the elegant design, the dial looks great on the screen and under the sapphire crystal, and the TAG Heuer brand logo is visible but subtle. It definitely has a luxurious feel to it, and I feel very special when I wear it on my wrist compared to when I wore the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 or even the Apple Watch.
However, since there's nothing special about the technical side, I'll probably get just as much personal satisfaction from wearing a $2,000 non-smart Tag Heuer Formula One or Aquaracer watch. If you are planning to buy and own a watch, it is difficult to recommend the Calibre E4 because of all this. Aside from the fact that I can't imagine people with the budget to buy calibre E4s haven't owned a non-smart TAG Heuer watch or other luxury Swiss watch, that changes everything.
The Calibre E4 is the ideal smartwatch to use with another watch. It fits the right luxury box, has the right technology inside, and the activity tracking feature is best suited for casual use. You can wear it when you need to connect or exercise better, and switch to a non-smartwatch when you don't.
is there a better option?
yes. If you want a smartwatch with superior technology and activity tracking, there are two good options. If you own an iPhone, the Apple Watch Series 7 is your best bet, while if you have an Android phone, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4, or the Watch 4 Classic Should be your first choice. Both have better health tracking, the ability to answer calls, and more, and the Galaxy Watch 4 already runs the latest version of Wear OS. They also cost around $400.
If you want a luxury smartwatch, there are plenty of options out there. The Hublot Big Bang e is more expensive and visually exciting than the Calibre E4. If all you're after is flamboyance, it's the Louis Vuitton Tambour Horizon (a crazy non-Wear OS smartwatch that costs $3,500), or you might even check out older models like the Porsche-designed Huawei Watch GT 2, Garmin Marq series, or montblanc Summit 2+. Don't forget the Hermès Apple Watch, too.
Interestingly, the Calibre E4 is better than them all, as it uses the latest processor, is able to get a big Wear OS update, looks great, and is reasonably priced when compared to Hublot and Louis Vuitton watches.
how long will it last?
The Tag Heuer Connected Calibre E4 is made of stainless steel with scratch-resistant sapphire crystal on the screen and is water-resistant to 50 meters. If the strap breaks, it can also be replaced. It should certainly be relatively wear-resistant. The promise of updating Google Wear OS 3 makes it live longer, but there's no indication when the update will arrive, which means you may have to wait until the end of the year or even longer. It's reasonable to expect a smartwatch to last two years, but over time, the battery may be less charged.
should you buy one?
No. But again, you shouldn't buy any luxury goods because they are rarely worth the money. If price and value don't matter, and you want a competent luxury smartwatch, then the Tag Heuer Connected Calibre E4 is the best option for the moment.
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