2020 TAG Heuer Connected (E3) - Discussions Thread

Albert-AMG · Mar 14, 2020

Ninja1400
The modular concept was a good idea, but they killed it with those ridiculous prices for the straps and lugs.
That’s why now the modular concept is over.

T TAG GUY
Yup. Straps were we're not too bad, industry standard I suppose, but the costs of the lugs, downright rediculous. Hence why i have only 4 bands and one mechanical module, not extra lugs.

No, the price for the lugs was not ridiculous, was strategic, it was the key of the “Connected to Eternity” program for Gen2: the high price for the lugs was the way to balance the total price of the watch when combined with the mechanical modules.

The key factor for Gen2 Modular owners was that you could buy -for instance- a CM45 with titanium case, titanium lugs, titanium buckle, and rubber strap at 1400€. And later, you could buy a Carrera Calibre 16 mechanical module at 2.650€... so total price for the two watches (one smartwatch module and one mechanical module) sharing lugs, strap, and buckle, was 4.050€... very close to the price of just one standard Carrera C16, and moreover with the look of the 43mm Carrera Heuer 01 CAR201Z (the C16 41mm CV201AJ.FC6357 was 3.800€)

If the price of the lugs were low (let’s say normal price), anybody (not owning a CM45) could buy per separate parts the C16 module, lugs, straps and buckle as accessories, at quite lower price than a not modular Carrera C16, and obviously TH didn’t want this.

So if a non CM45 owner wanted to built/buy a Carrera C16 Modular per parts, he had to pay 2650€ (C16)+835€ (lugs)+110€ (strap)+ 215€ (buckle) = 3.810€... so same price of the standard 41mm C16. So it didn’t make sense to buy the C16 Modular per parts, when for just 240€ more you could had both the smartwatch and the mechanical watch, with the full set (box, charger, etc). So this high price for the lugs was the way to offer a much better price for the mechanical modules to the CM45 owners, a different way to offer the “Connected to Eternity” program to Gen2 owners, not having to return the smartwatch after two years of use, as it was the case with Gen1. I think the “future proof” system was -by far- better with the Modular Gen2 other than with the exchange program for Gen1, and with three options (Calibre 5, Calibre 16, and Heuer 02 T) instead of just the Calibre 5 option for Gen1

So, price for Modular straps (leather or rubber) was very similar to the price of the Carrera 45mm H01/H02/H02T straps, because they are very similar: 110€ for the rubber straps, and 270€ for the calfskin straps.

Jim Dollares · Mar 14, 2020

EmJay
It used to be made in USA. But then they moved the production increasing the price, exactly what happened.

Aha did not know that the iphone used to be made in America. Well then a comparison with apple is correct.

Still nothing to do with quality though, just that consumers of course get pissed when seeing the company decrease costs by using cheap labour while increasing the prices

EmJay · Mar 14, 2020

Jim Dollares
Aha did not know that the iphone used to be made in America. Well then a comparison with apple is correct.

Still nothing to do with quality though, just that consumers of course get pissed when seeing the company decrease costs by using cheap labour while increasing the prices

Well it was a similar debate about iphone back in the days 😀 Apple computers used to be known as "Made in USA" it was a very prestige mark actually, long gone though.

I guess its also worth pointing out that swiss quartz watches have never been top notch sought after stuff. It was Japanese back then, Casio, Seiko etc. So in my view swiss made smartwatch doesn't mean anything. As long as its TAG (brand) I'm fine.

m.a.s.e · Mar 14, 2020

I'm just waiting for the black version to go on sale. Sure say "ft few days", local tag stores say "summer time"....

EmJay · Mar 14, 2020

Most smartwatches look like smart watches. For some people, that's perfectly fine. Others, though, prefer a more sophisticated look. The third generation of TAG Heuer's Connected series merges the fitness and productivity features of Google's Wear OS with a design that might be mistaken for a classic chronograph at first glance. But there's a big price to pay for the upscale looks -- these are still luxury watches after all.

TAG Heuer's smartwatches haven't always looked this nice -- its previous Connected timepieces still looked clunky and bloated. The latest efforts from the Swiss company have a more refined look that could be suitable for the office as well as the gym -- especially when paired with a steel bracelet.

https://www.engadget.com/2020/03/12...xy_xHmPtaf4UZkQ8Fab0bGC7o959abai65UKXod9Q9wm6

Its not just me, is it?

Ninja1400 · Mar 14, 2020

T TAG GUY
Your totally missing the point. You keep making tech references. We are talking about watch making , horology.

You are missing the point too, because you keep making horology references, when the Connected is a smartwatch (a blend of horology and technology).
It’s designed in Europe with TAG know-how / competence and made in China.
I don’t see a problem with that and there is no reason for the Connected to be much cheaper, as it’s still a TAG.
If TAG gets more profitability than before, that’s another story.

Albert-AMG · Mar 14, 2020

EmJay
Its got nothing to do with a modular concept, or very little. TAG Heuer + Swiss Watch + Smart Watch + Marketing.

How can you affirm it with such certainty? 😕

Have you done a survey to the 50.000 Gen2 Modular owners to know if the Modular system was important or not in their decision to buy this watch? And why 35.000 of them bought Gen2 but not Gen1?

The only known fact is that Gen2 Modular was sold more than three times than Gen1 non Modular, so from that fact, I think it’s difficult to prove that Modular concept was not accepted

EmJay
How many people? Let me guess - tens? Do they have even a hundred people like you

I don’t know, but most of the Gen2 Modular owners that I know have -at least- several straps, and some mechanical module. It’s not needed that each of the 50.000 owners buys the full catalogue of straps to become a good business for TAG Heuer 😉

EmJay
No. You haven't even tried Gen 3 but you dont like it already because you spent so much on the modules that are no longer there. You are not alone for sure. Its called early adopters. Pissing the enthusiasts off is not a good idea.

That’s not true. I have written many times that I LIKE GEN3, and that I would buy the black titanium version if I were rich enough and my iPhone could tether more than one smartwatch... but I must choose just one smartwatch, and my choice is the Gen2 Modular 45 with all the accessories... but I ALSO LIKE GEN3!

I have also written that there are some Gen3 points that for me are steps backwards vs Gen2, and I don’t need to try Gen3 to have an opinion about these points because are concepts, materials, or where is made... but I still like it, not enough to change it for my Gen2, but I like it!

Pissing the enthusiasts off? 😲
This thread is called “2020 TAG Heuer Connected discussions”, and I think this includes pros but also cons. If we can only talk about the pros, it would be not a discussion but an advertorial

RJV · Mar 14, 2020

I'm glad to see a new but I must say, I am a bit disappointed, for a few reasons.

First, evidently the days of the traditional watch are counted, as the slower sales shows no matter what brand. That said, it makes sense to have a more intelligent device on our wrists, which is why I use a Connected since the start of 2018.

While it's nice to have heart rate monitoring, I feel it should have more. What I mean by more is have a battery that officially lasts more than 20 hours or 4 used with all resources. Even the Apple watch lasts longer. Now if you bring the likes Garmin into the picture, you're talking of one and two weeks between charges. The Connected could last at least 24 hours, though their Montblanc competitors promote two days just for time -- and they are also tied to the Wear OS world.

The connected is an expensive watch. From that you would expect not only more of an effort to make the watch last longer between charges. Tag should have our backs in other ways, such as making it easier to change the battery. They could send out updates that optimize the watch so it would go into a stand-by mode while still displaying the time, along the lines of Montblanc. The coding effort is not that large to do that.

They should use the input of their users to improve what they do today and to better update current watches. Apple does that, as does virtually everyone. That way their product will improve and bring more sales for them.

EmJay · Mar 14, 2020

Albert-AMG
How can you affirm it with such certainty? 😕

Have you done a survey to the 50.000 Gen2 Modular owners to know if the Modular system was important or not in their decision to buy this watch? And why 35.000 of them bought Gen2 but not Gen1?

The only known fact is that Gen2 Modular was sold more than three times than Gen1 non Modular, so from that fact, I think it’s difficult to prove that Modular concept was not accepted

I don’t know, but most of the Gen2 Modular owners that I know have -at least- several straps, and some mechanical module. It’s not needed that each of the 50.000 owners buys the full catalogue of straps to become a good business for TAG Heuer 😉

That’s not true. I have written many times that I LIKE GEN3, and that I would buy the black titanium version if I were rich enough and my iPhone could tether more than one smartwatch... but I must choose just one smartwatch, and my choice is the Gen2 Modular 45 with all the accessories... but I ALSO LIKE GEN3!

I have also written that there are some Gen3 points that for me are steps backwards vs Gen2, and I don’t need to try Gen3 to have an opinion about these points because are concepts, materials, or where is made... but I still like it, not enough to change it for my Gen2, but I like it!

Pissing the enthusiasts off? 😲
This thread is called “2020 TAG Heuer Connected discussions”, and I think this includes pros but also cons. If we can only talk about the pros, it would be not a discussion but an advertorial

Look, I don't want this debate to get nasty, ok? I'm not a big TAG fan like you, I've got 9 Omega watches, I'm Omega man and probably I will be blinded by their mistakes with their smartwatch if they ever produce one. But I made just obvious points, normal people do not buy straps for their watches, they don't change it unless its damaged.

Just to make it clear. I never liked the design of Gen 2, nobody I showed it to liked it either. I bought it for smartwatch functionality and it worked well for me and this is why I'm here and this is why I started looking at TAG in general. So there is nothing like "only pros" from me here.

ps. Early Aaopters or enthusiasts terms refer to the product development cycle. Sometimes used in Gartner as well. You and me and other 50,000 are early adopters in marketing terms. By damaging the brand I meant not you personally, but the whole inconsistency with a target audience.

Ninja1400 · Mar 14, 2020

R RJV
Tag should have our backs in other ways, such as making it easier to change the battery.

They have done it, haven’t you seen the screws in the back of the case?

R RJV
They could send out updates that optimize the watch so it would go into a stand-by mode while still displaying the time

They have done it, it’s called Always On Display.

R RJV
They should use the input of their users to improve what they do today and to better update current watches.

They have done it, I have received several surveys in the last years. They have implemented many new things and will continue making updates. Of course it’s still not perfect, but what in the world is?

TAG GUY · Mar 14, 2020

R RJV
I'm glad to see a new but I must say, I am a bit disappointed, for a few reasons.

While it's nice to have heart rate monitoring, I feel it should have more. What I mean by more is have a battery that officially lasts more than 20 hours or 4 used with all resources. Even the Apple watch lasts longer. Now if you bring the likes Garmin into the picture, you're talking of one and two weeks between charges. The Connected could last at least 24 hours, though their Montblanc competitors promote two days just for time -- and they are also tied to the Wear OS world.

The connected is an expensive watch. From that you would expect not only more of an effort to make the watch last longer between charges. Tag should have our backs in other ways, such as making it easier to change the battery. They could send out updates that optimize the watch so it would go into a stand-by mode while still displaying the time, along the lines of Montblanc. The coding effort is not that large to do that.

They should use the input of their users to improve what they do today and to better update current watches. Apple does that, as does virtually everyone. That way their product will improve and bring more sales for them.

Garmin battery only lasts that long because the screen sucks. In 2020 it really pains me at time to look at my marq driver. Literally the only thing wrong with the watch. Which is rediculous because the Garmin venu has an oled screen and gets great battery life. The marq gen 2 will be a game changer if they bring this screen over. The battery not lasting longer is really Google's fault. Samsung watches can last for days on a smaller battery, it's all because of the software. This is out of TAG's hands.

This watch has a low power mode that only displays the time, just like Montblanc. Montblanc has not really done a whole lot software wise, pretty close to stock wearOS. Montblanc NEVER released any additional watch faces, very sad. Supposedly gen3 was designed to be easier to swap the battery as opposed to mod45

TAG GUY · Mar 14, 2020

EmJay
normal people do not buy straps for their watches, they don't change it unless its damaged.

This is true for high end watches. Not even close to the case for smartwatches. You almost never see stock bands on Samsung or Apple watches. People who buy smartwatches consider them to also be a fashion statement and frequently swap bands. Even my mom has a few straps who hardly knows how to use her Apple watch. Just about everyone I know with a smartwatch has a band for active and a band for dress at the minimum. Omega boutiques now carry straps, a large NATO collection, etc.

EmJay · Mar 14, 2020

T TAG GUY
This is true for high end watches. Not even close to the case for smartwatches. You almost never see stock bands on Samsung or Apple watches. People who buy smartwatches consider them to also be a fashion statement and frequently swap bands. Even my mom has a few straps who hardly knows how to use her Apple watch. Just about everyone I know with a smartwatch has a band for active and a band for dress at the minimum. Omega boutiques now carry straps, a large NATO collection, etc.

I appreciate that, maybe its true, but people around me don't change straps at all. However TAG's product manager said that the majority don't want to change lugs it was too complicated and expensive coupled with questionable, or shall we say, avantgarde design. These are the articles on wired and engadget, its all there. People don't change horses in the middle of successful race - here you have Gen 3 because it was not a success with Gen 2 obviously.

nelsinho · Mar 14, 2020

This feels like a bad joke to me

Albert-AMG · Mar 14, 2020

EmJay
Look, I don't want this debate to get nasty, ok? I'm not a big TAG fan like you, I've got 9 Omega watches, I'm Omega man and probably I will be blinded by their mistakes with their smartwatch if they ever produce one. But I made just obvious points, normal people do not buy straps for their watches, they don't change it unless its damaged.

Not nasty at all, but then some lines later, you are calling me “abnormal”? 😵‍💫
😁 😉 😉

I’m a big TAG Heuer fan, yes (my budget is not so big to buy all the TH I would like to have at home 😁), but I’m not blinded by some aspects I don’t like from Gen3. Being a TAG Heuer fan doesn’t mean that I have to praise everything TH does.

About the straps... I remember you had the CM41, so I understand that your strap options -being a male- were not very interesting for you, but the CM45 has many nice available straps, and it’s so easy to change them, that changing the look of the watch almost every day to match a different watchface (mostly if you use the WatchMaker app), is a very different game than wearing a mechanical watch. I will never change the strap of my Monza or my Carrera 300 SLR, other than replacing them for the original strap when damaged.

EmJay
Just to make it clear. I never liked the design of Gen 2, nobody I showed it to liked it either

CM41 again... we already talked about this in the older thread. The Gen2 Modular 45 takes the sporty design (case, lugs, straps) directly from the Carrera 45mm H01/H02/H02T... and when TH resized it to 41mm the result was not so balanced 🤔. I get a very different feedback from my Modular 45 😉

EmJay
ps. Early Aaopters or enthusiasts terms refer to the product development cycle. Sometimes used in Gartner as well. You and me and other 50,000 are early adopters in marketing terms. By damaging the brand I meant not you personally, but the whole inconsistency with a target audience.

Thanks for the clarification. The previous “damaging the brand” sentence was easy to misunderstand 👍

Remo · Mar 14, 2020

Read this:
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/arti...connected-watch-is-purely-additional-business
"The smart watch is additional business, and it increases our consumer base.” In fact, the connected watch business nourishes the mechanical business, according to Arnault: Some people who start with a smart watch go on to buy mechanical TAG Heuer watches.'
The concept is very similar to the 70s strategy of the ASUAG-SSIH (later SMH, later Swatch-Group) with the development of the Swatch to gain shares in the quartz watch market. The big sales of the Swatch saved the whole mechanical watch industry, Omega and all the other high end brands of the later Swatch group included.
But maybe it would be better for LVMH to create a new brand for the connected watches, in order to keep its other watchbrands from attacks from mechanical watch purists. Yet brands like TAG and Hublot are standing for Innovation, and this will always be something difficult for the traditionalists.

Tag_Andy · Mar 14, 2020

T TAG GUY
No question it looks good. But it's not a real TAG anymore. Loosing the tight fitting Carrera rubber, steel construction, and made in China. Fossil Corp could have made the exact same watch for 600$, and call it the Emporio Armani. Overall I do like the gen 3, but tag could have done better for the price.

I purchased the Luxury Kit back in 2017. For me, it would have been nice if 3rd gen allowed for backwards compatibility with gen 2 accessories but if it wasn't that would have been fine as long as they introduce an impressive 3rd gen that blows 2nd gen out of the water.

You summed it up nicely. They could have done better for the price.

Albert-AMG · Mar 14, 2020

N nelsinho
This feels like a bad joke to me

😁 😁 😁 😁 😁 😁 😁 😁 😁 😁

Are they looking at the prices at ebay? For the complete watch and/or per Modular parts? 100$? 😁

EmJay · Mar 14, 2020

N nelsinho
This feels like a bad joke to me

Idiotic move absolutely.

EmJay · Mar 14, 2020

Albert-AMG
Not nasty at all, but then some lines later, you are calling me “abnormal”? 😵‍💫
😁 😉 😉

Like most of us on here

My wife got swatch for $50 or something and she is happy as hell. She would not even consider any strap, she will buy another swatch or whatever.

2020 TAG Heuer Connected (E3) - Discussions Thread

Albert-AMG

Jim Dollares

EmJay

m.a.s.e

EmJay

Ninja1400

Albert-AMG

RJV

EmJay

Ninja1400

TAG GUY

TAG GUY

EmJay

nelsinho

Albert-AMG

Remo

Tag_Andy

Albert-AMG

EmJay

EmJay

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