As the F1 season for 2026 is about to get underway, official timing partner TAG Heuer has released a special Connected Calibre E5 X Formula 1 edition that puts you right in the action!
The Formula 1 season is upon us again, and 2026 marks TAG Heuer’s second year as the sport’s official timing partner. To kick off the season, which starts next week in Melbourne, TAG Heuer has released a special edition Connected E5 smartwatch designed with Formula One fans in mind.
Based on the new Connected E5 45mm models released last year, this isn’t just a cosmetic redesign. The watch delivers real-time Formula One data, giving fans up-to-date information throughout the season and across each race weekend via a direct link with the F1 App and the FIA.
I reviewed the Connected E5 last year in the 40 mm case size, and it proved excellent for tracking my fitness goals. If you haven’t read that review, it’s worth revisiting for a full understanding of the Connected E5 and its functionality. When I got my hands on this new Formula 1 Edition in the 45 mm size, I was skeptical about how it would differ beyond the obvious colour and styling changes. Thankfully, the differences turned out to be far more meaningful for me than expected.
Before diving into the Formula 1 specific features, it’s worth addressing how the 45 mm version compares to the 40 mm model in everyday wear. The difference is significant. As mentioned in my previous review, the smaller variant felt less suited to my wrist size, and the reduced screen space made the interface slightly harder to use. That’s not a criticism — the smaller case is clearly aimed at slimmer wrists and a broader female audience — but for my usage, the larger case works far better. The 45 mm version felt more comfortable, easier to navigate, and noticeably more practical during workouts.
The styling also suited me better, with a distinctly sportier feel. The black and red accents on the Grade 2 titanium case keep the watch extremely light, while the black carbon fibre-effect rubber strap with red stitching reinforces the motorsport aesthetic. The result is a piece that feels less like a typical smartwatch and more like a Carrera-inspired sports model, similar to perhaps the Carrera Extreme Sport models.
Wearing the watch over an extended period also shifted my perception of the larger case size. While this isn’t a formal review, I found myself appreciating the usability benefits of the bigger display, as will others who have larger wrists and/or hands. The larger screen genuinely improves the experience and usability, but the standout was battery life — recharging is only needed every two days. Combined with the quick charging capability, this made daily wear much easier. A short charge while showering or getting ready was more than sufficient for a full day’s use if not fully charged.
Core smartwatch and fitness functions remain intact, including heart rate monitoring, steps, calorie tracking, and recovery metrics, alongside custom and pre-designed workouts accessible via the watch face and companion app. Again, if you see my previous review, you will get a good idea of how these all work together cohesively, along with the customisable watch faces. Where this edition truly distinguishes itself, however, is its integration with the Formula One ecosystem.
The Formula One Edition includes a dedicated watch face displaying the race track of the current or upcoming race. This changes automatically as the season progresses, so you are always up to date on the next race, and the small dot on the track moves around it over 60 seconds in place of a minute hand, with the hour and minutes behind in a race-track style.
Alongside this, a specialised widget provides direct access to race information. From session schedules and start times to driver and team standings, the watch functions as a compact race companion. Practice sessions, qualifying times, results, and standings are all readily accessible, delivering exactly the kind of information F1 fans actually want at a glance.
Adding to this, the watch is equiped with special sounds that mimic the pit radio communications, in an effort to enhance the F1-style experience. All of which adds up to a watch that is designed to immerse the wearer and connect them with Formula 1 in a more meaningful way outside of aesthetics. This is one benefit of a smartwatch over a mechanical one, as there are limitless possibilities with technology to do this.
Final Thoughts
The new TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E5 X Formula 1 Edition is designed to capture the hearts of F1 fans who want a watch that feels more like a traditional TAG Heuer than a typical smartwatch — and TAG Heuer has nailed it. It transcends the smartwatch genre and lends itself to storytelling, something the brand does exceptionally well. More than that, the Connected E5 Formula 1 Edition simply feels like a ‘normal’ watch in everyday wear.
The 45 mm titanium case is effortless to wear, and the rubber strap with its adjustable push-button clasp ensures a perfect fit. The strap is subtly shaped to contour to the wrist, enhancing comfort. Thanks to the longer battery life, the watch face dims slightly when not in use, but with a quick flick of the wrist, it lights up to full brightness, and the second hand and other moving elements spring back to life.
Overall, I enjoyed wearing the Connected E5 X F1 edition; my only negative was that I had to hand it back before the 2026 Formula One season starts, and I wasn’t able to experience the full F1 functionality!
Reference: SBT8A85.EB0417
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 45mm x 14.8mm thick
- Case Material: Titanium grade 2 coated with black DLC and Sand-blasted
- Display: OLED display 1.39″
- Operating System: TAG Heuer OS, Android-based, compatible with iOS
- Functions: Display customisation, heart rate monitoring, calorie/step counters, compass, accelerometer, gyroscope, barometer, blood oxygen saturation, breathing rate, heart rate variability, & dual band GPS (Sleep tracking features coming soon)
- Battery Life: 2 days with full performance / 3 days in “Low Power Mode”
- Charging Time: 100% in 90 min at temperatures between 15° and 45°C. 1 day’s power with 30-minute quick charge
- Water Resistance: 50m (5bar)
- Straps: Black rubber strap with carbon fibre-effect outer and red stitching. Second flexible stretch textile strap with self-fastener closing system.