World-renowned watchmaker TAG Heuer is set to battle the Apple Watch in the growing market for smartwatches, with the company unveiling its luxury TAG Heuer Connected Watch on Monday in New York City. Made in partnership with Google and Intel, the Connected is the first true smartwatch from a Swiss luxury watchmaker, according to Bloomberg Business.
The device seems hefty at first glance, with a diameter of 46 mm (about 1.8 inches). Despite its relatively large size, however, TAG Heuer was able to keep the smartwatch lightweight, mainly due to its titanium body and its replaceable rubber straps.
What makes the Connected truly stand out is the fact that its frame is modeled after the company's classic Carrera model, a timepiece used in auto racing since 1963. Unlike the Apple Watch or other Android smartwatches, which utilize a minimalist design that is obviously virtual, the Connected features a real watch face, with lifelike hands, numbers and even a date window, reports The Independent.
Apart from access to the Google Play Store, the Connected also has its own suite of exclusive apps, such as a golf app that tracks shots and shows information about the course and a dedicated motor racing app, among many.
Another unique deal consumers would get with the Connected is that after the two-year warranty is up, owners would be able to exchange the then-dated device for a regular mechanical TAG Heuer Carrera watch.
With a world-class design from a world-class watchmaker comes a pretty hefty price tag, however. The Connected is priced at $1,500, competing directly with the Apple Watch's luxury editions. Then again, smartwatches such as these are not meant for everyone.
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