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  1. Hubert

    Hubert TAG Heuer Forums Moderator Staff Member Mar 18, 2017

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    Since its inception, I have been a big fan of the TAG Heuer Connected watch. In fact, I purchased my OG Connected back in November 2015, the same day it was introduced in New York by JCB. Despite its considerable higher price (when compared to other Android Wear watches), this was a big gamble for TAG Heuer, in terms of public perception and reputation; thankfully this bet proved to be a huge success, far surpassing all initial forecasts and sales targets.

    Now, just a week before the year’s main event at Baselworld 2017, TAG Heuer has given us its second generation "luxury smart watch" offering, the TAG Heuer Connected Modular 45.

    A lot is riding on the success of this sequel and JCB has not shied away from pointing this out. This is reflected by the noticeable improvements of the watch itself, the sizeable investment TAG Heuer has made in Switzerland in order to be able to give us its first “Swiss made” Connected offering, and the 15,000 units for sale around the world.

    If you are an OG TAG Heuer Connected owner like me, you might be wondering how they compare and if it’s worth upgrading.

    Since TAG Heuer has announced the OG Connected will get the "same features" (meaning the same version of Android Wear 2.0), I will not focus on the "factory software" aspect. But what is certain is that the improved specs of the electronic components, do make a noticeable difference.

    As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words, so let's try to make the case this way.

    Here are the watches side-by-side, the new Connected Modular 45 on the left (still with its protective plastics), and the OG Connected on the right. The pictures are unaltered, so that we can evaluate their "natural" appearance.
    upload_2017-3-18_20-4-40.png

    Immediately when you take it out of its new and improved box, you'll notice how the quality and finish is a step above.
    upload_2017-3-18_20-7-1.png

    The bezel now looks much more like a luxury watch. The original bezel had much to improve.
    upload_2017-3-18_20-9-30.png

    upload_2017-3-18_21-43-52.png

    upload_2017-3-18_21-44-31.png

    upload_2017-3-18_21-44-55.png

    upload_2017-3-18_21-45-54.png

    The brushed titanium finish is far superior.
    upload_2017-3-18_21-54-21.png
    upload_2017-3-18_21-54-34.png

    upload_2017-3-18_21-54-53.png

    upload_2017-3-18_21-55-9.png

    The clasp was also redesigned to have a quick deploy mechanism for the "modular" exchanges.
    upload_2017-3-18_21-47-17.png
    upload_2017-3-18_21-55-28.png
    upload_2017-3-18_22-7-17.png

    The case itself is now fully metallic; a vast improvement compared to the OG's plastics.
    upload_2017-3-18_22-9-6.png

    The "deep black" of the new display is visibly apparent, even when its off.
    upload_2017-3-18_20-11-9.png

    upload_2017-3-18_20-12-7.png

    upload_2017-3-18_20-17-49.png

    upload_2017-3-18_20-18-41.png

    upload_2017-3-18_20-19-58.png

    upload_2017-3-18_20-21-25.png

    As most you know, I am a huge fan of the WatchMaker app, so here's are some comparisons to showcase the quality of the new display.
    upload_2017-3-18_20-24-51.png

    upload_2017-3-18_21-50-45.png

    upload_2017-3-18_21-51-4.png

    upload_2017-3-18_21-51-18.png

    upload_2017-3-18_21-51-34.png

    upload_2017-3-18_21-51-46.png

    The "ambient mode" improvement is astonishing.
    upload_2017-3-18_21-52-7.png

    upload_2017-3-18_21-52-20.png

    On the wrist.
    upload_2017-3-18_21-56-16.png

    The new Connected Modular 45 is the clear winner over the OG model, and for me it's well worth the price of admission, even if it's just to gain the new display and full metallic case. I just wish that TAG Heuer would have offered OG owners an upgrade path to the new model, instead of just the Calibre 5 Exchange watch. One can just hope that additional mechanical choices will be offered in the future. I certainly would "upgrade" my OG to a chronograph, if that option were to be offered once the 2-year warranty period expires.
    upload_2017-3-18_21-56-33.png
     
    Edited Mar 18, 2017
  2. ASW

    ASW Mar 19, 2017

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    Great comparison. I'm sold, but for me the biggest change is much improved iOS usage - the main reason I moved on my original Connected.
     
  3. Hubert

    Hubert TAG Heuer Forums Moderator Staff Member Mar 19, 2017

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    Thank you!
    The capabilities of Android Wear 2.0 are a game changer for iOS users. The original was completely limited on that front.
     
  4. dc42

    dc42 Mar 20, 2017

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    I wouldn't mind people posting their battery lives. I'm on my second unit and I fear the battery on this also lacking the advertised figures.
     
  5. Calibre11

    Calibre11 Editor of Calibre11.com Staff Member Mar 20, 2017

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    Hubert likes this.
  6. Calibre11

    Calibre11 Editor of Calibre11.com Staff Member Mar 20, 2017

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    I found in my review that the battery times were quite low- I put this down to the fact that I was continually playing with the settings and changing dials...I'm very interested to know how many hours can be expected with normal, real life use.
     
  7. jmagla

    jmagla Mar 20, 2017

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    I did two tests over the weekend: wifi off, display on automatic, NFC on, minimal use other than occasional emails, no downloading of apps, and I got 8-10 hours before hitting battery saving mode at 15%. With more use last week (not initial setup day) battery usage was around 15%an hour.

    Ive spoken to the jewellers I bought it from and their initial approach was it will have to be picked up and go back to TH for investigation. Obviously I'm not happy to do that for a watch I've had less than a week, they are calling Tag and will get back to me.
    They are citing battery life as 25 of normal use, either my unit is defective, or else they have a real problem......

    I have the original connected, so am aware of settings to prolong battery life and easily got a full day from the original, not so with the modular version.
     
  8. dc42

    dc42 Mar 20, 2017

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    You have the same issues I had on my first unit. Get it replaced.
     
  9. pault8084

    pault8084 Mar 20, 2017

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    Hi all, new here and received my Tag on Saturday.

    Today is the first normal days use without downloading apps and changing faces. So far I'm 7 hours in and have 55% battery. Is this comparable to others?

    Also, I'm on Apple and curious as to others experience and advice on iOS . I get notifications but unable to reply through Watch, is this correct? Any apps I should download (obviously app for phone not yet launched)

    Thanks in advance and great forum and info!
     
  10. dc42

    dc42 Mar 20, 2017

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    Hi. I'm on iOS as well. You cant respond to texts on the watch from what I can see. Rumours say that the iOS experience will improve after an update at some point.

    Your battery usage is similar to mine. Think today I will see between 18-20 hours with minimal usage. I have my always on screen set to off though.
     
  11. pault8084

    pault8084 Mar 20, 2017

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    I do have mine on always on and will probably see out the day with light usage.
     
  12. pault8084

    pault8084 Mar 20, 2017

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    14 hours and completely flat. Updated one app and downloaded another otherwise minimal use with wifi off and screen always on. Could do with a software update I think?
     
  13. Hubert

    Hubert TAG Heuer Forums Moderator Staff Member Mar 20, 2017

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    I left mine with the screen off, from Saturday afternoon - till today (Monday morning) and the battery was at 28%. Not bat at all.

    However, if I am going through functions, checking settings, and using Bluetooth (WiFi off), the battery drains pretty quickly (roughly ~24% in an hour and a half).
     
  14. Shevagol

    Shevagol Mar 20, 2017

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    Good article thank you so much. Looks like the gap between those 2 is very wide. The black looks 'blacker' making original Tag watchfaces looks sleeker.
     
  15. Hubert

    Hubert TAG Heuer Forums Moderator Staff Member Mar 20, 2017

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    Thanks!
    Yes, the AMOLED display is the best improvement by far. It really makes all the difference.
     
  16. ASW

    ASW Mar 20, 2017

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    On looking at this again it's interesting how the hour and minute hands are layered on top of one another differently in each Connected, assuming they are the same watch face design? Standard should be hour hand on the bottom - which the 45 is.
     
  17. Hubert

    Hubert TAG Heuer Forums Moderator Staff Member Mar 20, 2017

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    Hadn't noticed the order is reversed. Both are "official" (native) watchfaces, the one on the Modular was created using the "TAG Heuer Studio" app.
     
  18. jmagla

    jmagla Mar 21, 2017

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    Left work at 7am yesterday and was in battery saving mode by quarter past 3 and completely flat before I got home at 5, so again not even 10 hours. Awaiting a call back from shop who have been onto tag.......
     
  19. Hubert

    Hubert TAG Heuer Forums Moderator Staff Member Mar 21, 2017

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    @jmagla are you running the factory watchfaces?
     
  20. pault8084

    pault8084 Mar 21, 2017

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    Will be interesting to see what they say. I'm waiting for a call back as I never received the charger plug.

    I really want to keep the screen always on and if it will last 16 hours I think that's acceptable