Preview: TAG Heuer Connected Modular

elbeik
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My issue with smartwatches is viewing them as gadgets.
We are already glued to our phones and having a duplicata on the wrist is something I have yet to justify.

I still love glancing at my watches, appreciate the craftsmanship and beauty in its finest details.

If I were to buy to a smartwatch, it will not be something as part of the watch stable, but rather something to satisfy my appetite for tech gadgets, similar to say, buying a smart scale for the house.
 
C
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Ablogtowatch has a whole article on the upcoming TAG Heuer smartwatch to be released on March 14, 2017. Ariel Adams confirms that the next smartwatch will have a modular design, although the details are still not known.

For the TAG Heuer Connected Modular, TAG Heuer will still rely on an Android Wear operating system (though a newer version of it), but Mr. Biver now claims that the watch was entirely designed and developed in-house. Of course, that means production will likely be aided by a range of important third-party suppliers. With that said, TAG Heuer now claims to have a dedicated assembly line in Switzerland to producing smartwatches. This shows that the Swiss watch industry is taking more charge over how their smartwatches will look and feel - which is likely a very good thing when it comes to the product design and wearing experience.

The TAG Heuer Connected Modular adds the "Modular" part of the name to the smartwatch - with people now wondering what it means. Some have correctly wondered if the implication of "Modular" is that the strap and outer-case will be separate from a removable inner-case. The notion being that modules can be swapped out offering different functionality, and even offer a mechanical module in addition to smartwatch modules. If this is the case, then the TAG Heuer Connected Modular may be similar to something like the Halda Space Discovery watch (review here).


What I don't understand is why you would modularity such that there is an empty case body with an inner piece that can be swapped between a mechanical watch and a smartwatch. Why not just make the lugs and case body part of the inner piece -- just like with a normal watch? Then it's the straps that are swappable rather than the inner piece -- again, just like with a normal watch.
 
Hubert
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C calibre11user
What I don't understand is why you would modularity such that there is an empty case body with an inner piece that can be swapped between a mechanical watch and a smartwatch. Why not just make the lugs and case body part of the inner piece -- just like with a normal watch? Then it's the straps that are swappable rather than the inner piece -- again, just like with a normal watch.
IMHO, because if that were the case, then it would be like any other time-piece. The novelty will in the modular aspect, which will make it unique (at least for the time being) and put it in a class of it's own. Plus that way, only them can sell you official modular components that will fit.
 
Hubert
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elbeik elbeik
Do you remember these?

og-logo.png Rush Hour PWBB109 Pop Swatch.JPG
Yes; these were a big hit. I never had one, but many of my friends did. When the modular concept was leaked, I also thought of these, in addition to the new Mikrograph.
 
Calibre11
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As mentioned in one of the articles above, the launch will be before Basel on 14 March...stay tuned
 
Hubert
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New competition from Movado
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-rele...ch-a-new-smartwatch-collection-300419596.html
upload_2017-3-8_13-30-57.png

NEW YORK, March 8, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- MOVADO GROUP, INC. (NYSE: MOV) - Movado announces a partnership with Google to launch Movado Connect, a smartwatch collection powered by Android Wear 2.0, Google's newly redesigned platform. Movado Connect is one of the first watches designed specifically for Android Wear 2.0 and will launch fall of 2017 introducing five men's styles with a starting price of $495 available in the US, the Caribbean, Canada and the UK. The collection will be unveiled at Baselworld 2017.

"The launch of Movado Connect marks another new milestone in Movado's longstanding history of creativity and innovation in watch design," stated Efraim Grinberg, Chairman & CEO, Movado Group. "We are very proud of our collaboration with Google and for the opportunity to provide our customers with an incredibly designed timepiece, powered by the latest, cutting-edge technology platform. Movado Connect, with our proprietary edge-to-edge crystal design, is iconically Movado."

This collaboration showcases each company's respective expertise in building brand-relevant hardware and software capabilities in the connected category. Movado Connect features five unique customizable dials designed and inspired by Movado's iconic Museum dial that empower the wearer to tailor their experience through multiple expressions of Movado's innovative approach to design. Each dial design also includes 3-4 customizable elements including features such as a wide array of complications, backgrounds, and watch hands creating a multitude of possibilities for consumers to create the look they desire. With access to thousands of apps, including Android PayTM, these new watches meet the demands of today's digital age with an updated user interface optimized for round screens, an 'always-on' display, improved fitness tracking, iOS and AndroidTM compatibility and the powerful Google Assistant for performing tasks and getting answers, directions, and timely reminders.

"We are thrilled to partner with Movado, a longtime leader and one of the most iconic brands in the watch industry," said David Singleton, Vice President of Android Engineering at Google. "With our combined expertise in watchmaking, design and software, we are able to create a beautiful yet functional timepiece that helps people live their everyday lives."

Tommy Hilfiger and Hugo Boss, two brands in the Movado Group portfolio, are also partnering with Google. Collections will launch fall of 2017.
 
C
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Too early press release?
[Redacted]

Edit: if you click on that link, the subsequent page is a preview of a press release. If you find the page via Google, then the entirety of the press release is available. The content says that the event is for 3/14, but it was (accidentally) released on 3/7.
Edited by a mod:
 
Hubert
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All official partner sites are under embargo; links and content of the press release have been redacted to ensure Calibre11.com follows the agreed rules.

Please don't repost unless David @Calibre11 authorizes it.

upload_2017-3-9_1-51-33.png
 
Calibre11
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Thanks @Hubert

Yes, on this one please don't publish the release or any information until the 14th. It will be worth the wait- promise
 
Hubert
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Official announcement date published
upload_2017-3-10_8-26-3.png
 
Calibre11
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yes...and about 1 minute after the official launch you'll see all the info on the new range at the calibre 11 homepage 😉
 
Hubert
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elbeik elbeik
So it's made in Switzerland.
Assembled for sure, but we already knew that from previous interviews where JCB talked about the new "clean room" facility and specialized hires. The better question is if they have enough to satisfy the regulations to warrant "Swiss made" stamp. Rumors suggest that they do.
 
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