Along with the 45mm Connected E5 release last month, TAG Heuer also introduced a sleeker, more refined take on its luxury smartwatch lineup – the Connected E5 40mm.
In October, TAG Heuer unveiled its new Fifth Generation Connected range, the E5. Jumping on a call to see the presentation from Switzerland, it was clear that the brand is bridging the gap between traditional Swiss watchmaking and wearable technology. One of the main standouts was the two sizes that are now available, the 45mm collection, which we have covered here, and making sure there is a smartwatch for all wrist sizes, TAG Heuer has shrunk the connected down, with the introduction of the Connected Calibre E5 40mm
The new 40mm Connected E5 retains the TAG Heuer DNA, but in a more compact, better-proportioned model designed for those who want the same performance in a sleeker form. Its smaller dimensions give it a noticeably more refined wrist presence and more wearable for everyday use. In fact, Sam and I have tested it out for over a week, so we’ll be reviewing it shortly.
The new Connected E5 40mm range comes in two steel models, mirroring (almost) that of the 45mm models – one with a steel bracelet and one with a rubber strap, both with the TAG Heuer quick change functionality. The main difference is the lack of the black ceramic bezel found in the 45mm. Instead, the domed crystal takes up all the watch face real estate.
A third model is available in a rose gold coloured PVD steel case and a beige interchangeable rubber strap; incidentally, this is the model we have been reviewing, and while I haven’t included it here, the TAG Heuer x New Balance model is also a 40mm. As it’s a special edition, we’ve covered it on its own, and I’ve left it out of this collection as it deserved its own breathing room.
At 40mm, the case balances sport and sophistication. Where the 45mm offers more wrist presence, the new 40mm model caters to those who have a slightly smaller wrist, or don’t like a larger watch. And with a slimmer case thickness of 14mm, it is slightly better to wear too.
TAG Heuer’s decision to scale down the Connected E5 isn’t just about comfort; I feel it is more in line with the market, but also about versatility. The 40mm case and integrated bracelet system make it an easy transition piece from office to outdoors, while interchangeable straps allow wearers to swap between leather, rubber or steel in seconds. It’s lighter, slimmer, and designed for more wearing situations.
The other main difference is the battery life. Where the 45mm has 2 days with full performance, or 3 days in low power mode, the smaller 40mm has 1.5 days of full performance and 2 days in low power mode. It doesn’t sound like a big difference, but it means that for the 40mm, you do need to charge it effectively each night, as you won’t get a full two days’ worth of charge if using it regularly. The good news is you do get 1 day of battery life in only 40 minutes, thanks to the fast charge, and it will bounce back to full charge again in 90 minutes.
Initial Thoughts
As we have had the rose gold PVD 40mm model on our wrists, I won’t go into too much detail on my initial thoughts on the collection, but rather a few comments on the range in general. I said in my write-up on the 45mm Connected E5 that smartwatches weren’t really my jam, and I don’t think they’ll ever be. But I also said I see a place for them in a collection if you are into sports and fitness, and this is where the TAG Heuer Connected plays.
It does a good job bridging the gap between the traditional watch and the smart watch, and in TAG Heuer’s case, it allows those who love TAG Heuer as a brand the ability to wear both a mechanical and a smart watch in combination across the day. The new, smaller, more refined 40mm size will appeal to a wider range of people as well, as the 45mm won’t suit a lot of wrists, especially the female market, who, in general, have smaller wrists. If you want to hear more of my thoughts, as well as Sam’s, then stay tuned for our review in the coming weeks.
References:
- SBT8010.BT0002 – Steel on Rubber
- SBT8010.BA0002 – Steel on Steel
- SBT8011.BT0036 – Rose Golden PVD
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 40mm x 14mm thick
- Case Material: Fine brushed polished steel / rose gold coloured PVD steel
- Display: AMOLED tactile display 1.20”, 390×390 (326 dpi)
- 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: 1.5 days with full performance / 2 days in “Low Power Mode”
- Charging Time: 100% in 90min at temperatures between 15° and 45°C. 1 day’s power with 40-minute quick charge
- Water Resistance: 50m (5bar)
- Straps: Black perforated interchangeable rubber strap or steel bracelet/ Beige interchangeable rubber strap on the rose gold coloured PVD