When industry powerhouses like TAG Heuer, Intel and Google collaborate it's cause to sit up and take note – and for good reason. Combining 150 years of experience manufacturing sports watches with two of the of the smartest names in smart tech is enough to have even the most traditional horologist wound up with excitement.
The TAG Heuer Connected remains a proper timepiece at heart, with the same classic styling you’ve come to expect, but with some notable and impressive differences. Where once there sat standard faces for tracking minutes there are now interactive counters that seamlessly integrate the tech – setting this watch apart from the mechanical masses.
The dial and the hands remain, while the most pertinent information from partner applications – of which there are thousands thanks to the boffins at Android Wear – is elegantly displayed inside the three counters on the chronograph. And, as a result, it manages to be smart without spoiling the TAG aesthetic. Perfect when you’re looking to impress at interview, not tracking your heart rate at the gym.
Thankfully, this doesn't mean you have to strain to see your stats and choose form over functionality. Instead, if something shown in a counter really interests you, simply tap and it'll open the app in full screen. Your mechanical-toting mates will look on in envy. It’ll even send goal updates from your favourtie team when you’re stuck in the office for Monday night football.
Oh, and if after two years you grow tired of always being connected, turn back time and trade your smart TAG for something more timeless of the same value. It’s the smartest investment you’ll make this year.