TAG Heuer Connected - How to identify each of the 4 generations

[Albert-AMG]

1st Generation (46mm)
From 2015 to 2017
TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E1
(SAR8A)


Info:
https://tagheuerforums.com/threads/...t-watch-update-and-2016-new-model-news.29014/

Only one lower bezel “wing” and asymmetric strap. Early models have a 'SWISS ENGINEERED' text on the lower wing.


Titanium case with black plastic caseback
Not 50 meters waterproof


Carrera Calibre 5 exchange watch for 1st Gen.
(SAR2A80)
#connectedtoeternity

Info:
https://tagheuerforums.com/threads/carrera-connected-calibre-5-exchange-watch.38252/

__________________________________________
2nd Generation (45 and 41mm versions)
From 2017 to 2020
TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E2 Modular 45
(SBF8A)




Info:
https://tagheuerforums.com/threads/ownership-experiences-2017-tag-heuer-connected-modular-45.54621/

Two bezel “wings”, upper and lower

'SWISS MADE' text on lower wing. This is the first Swiss Made smartwatch ever, and the only Swiss Made TAG Heuer Connected generation.

All E2 are made in titanium

Full titanium case, including caseback
We can find a '50 METERS WATERPROOF' (early versions) or just a '50 METERS' text on the caseback


Modular concept with quick-release system for lugs, straps, buckles, and with available mechanical modules (this is the only Modular generation)



Modular 45 buckle:


Specific links on the straps to fit the Modular lugs. E2 Modular straps only fit E2 Modular watch


From 2018 to 2020
TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E2 Modular 41
(SBF81)

Info:
https://tagheuerforums.com/threads/ownership-experiences-2018-tag-heuer-connected-modular-41.77364/

Modular 41 buckle is different from 45


Mechanical modules for Calibre E2 45mm
(AWBF2A80, ACBF2A80, ACBF5A80)
#connectedtoeternity


Info:
https://tagheuerforums.com/threads/...cal-modules-for-connected-modular-45mm.69628/

Carrera Calibre 5 mechanical module 45mm (AWBF2A80)


Carrera Calibre 16 mechanical module 45mm (ACBF2A80)


Carrera Calibre Heuer 02 Tourbillon mechanical module 45mm (ACBF5A80)



Mechanical module for Calibre E2 Modular 41mm
#connectedtoeternity
Carrera Calibre 5 mechanical module 41mm (AWBF2180)


__________________________________________
3rd Generation (45mm)
From 2020 to 2022
TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E3
(SBG8A)

Info:
https://tagheuerforums.com/threads/2020-tag-heuer-connected-discussions.110885/

Basic version in steel, and also available in titanium version. Made in China.


__________________________________________
4th Generation (45 and 42mm versions)
From 2022
TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4 - 45mm (SBR8A) and Calibre E4 - 42mm (SBR80)

Info:
https://tagheuerforums.com/threads/2022-tag-heuer-connected-discussions-thread.142026/

Basic version in steel, and also available in titanium version. Made in China.


At first glance it’s not easy to differentiate E3 from E4 45mm. This side by side pictures are helpful:

E4/E3



Calibre E4 - 42mm (SBR80)



Bezel is under the glass

 

[Anthony.]

Albert-AMG

1st Generation (46mm)
From 2015 to 2017
TAG Heuer Connected
(SAR8A)


Info: https://www.calibre11.com/review-tag-heuer-connected-smartwatch/

https://tagheuerforums.com/threads/...t-watch-update-and-2016-new-model-news.29014/

Only one lower bezel 'wing' and asymmetric strap


Black plastic caseback
Not 50 meters waterproof


Carrera Calibre 5 exchange watch for 1st Gen.
(SAR2A80)
#connectedtoeternity

Info: https://tagheuerforums.com/threads/carrera-connected-calibre-5-exchange-watch.38252/

__________________________________________
2nd Generation (45 and 41mm versions)
From 2017 to 2020
TAG Heuer Connected Modular 45
(SBF8A)


Info: https://www.calibre11.com/in-depth-review-tag-heuer-connected-modular-45-android-smartwatch/

https://tagheuerforums.com/threads/ownership-experiences-2017-tag-heuer-connected-modular-45.54621/

Two bezel 'wings', upper and lower
“SWISS MADE” text on lower wing (this is the only Swiss Made generation)

Full titanium case, including caseback


Modular concept with quick-release system for lugs, straps, buckles, and with available mechanical modules (this is the only Modular generation)



Modular 45 buckle:


From 2018 to 2020
TAG Heuer Connected Modular 41
(SBF81)

Info: https://www.calibre11.com/first-look-2018-tag-heuer-connected-modular-41-smartwatch/

https://tagheuerforums.com/threads/ownership-experiences-2018-tag-heuer-connected-modular-41.77364/

Modular 41 buckle is different from 45


Mechanical modules for 2nd Gen.
(AWBF2A80, ACBF2A80, ACBF5A80)
#connectedtoeternity


Info: https://tagheuerforums.com/threads/...cal-modules-for-connected-modular-45mm.69628/

Carrera Calibre 5 mechanical module (AWBF2A80)


Carrera Calibre 16 mechanical module (ACBF2A80)


Carrera Calibre Heuer 02 Tourbillon mechanical module (ACBF5A80)


__________________________________________
3rd Generation (45mm)
From 2020 to 2022
TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E3
(SBG8A)


Info: https://www.calibre11.com/first-look-tag-heuer-connected-series-3/

https://tagheuerforums.com/threads/2020-tag-heuer-connected-discussions.110885/


__________________________________________
4th Generation (45 and 42mm versions)
From 2022
TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4 - 45mm (SBR8A) and Calibre E4 - 42mm (SBR80)

Info: https://tagheuerforums.com/threads/2022-tag-heuer-connected-discussions-thread.142026/


At first glance it’s not easy to differentiate E3 from E4 45mm. This side by side pictures are helpful:

E4/E3



Calibre E4 - 42mm (SBR80)



Bezel is under the glass

Great job Albert.

 

[neowatch]

Great post showing the history of design and development, they all have their good and bad points. For pure classic looks and innovative deign the modular gen 2 remains a big favourite even today.

 

[Robert Simony]

Thank you for this ! I really appreciate the effort that went into this. And yes I see that the modular gen 2 still commands a hefty price compared to the E3 models. I feel like the gen 2 would be nice to own considereing it is Swiss made even though the processor is a bit outdated. It's going to take me awhile to study all this info.

 

[Robert Simony]

Anthony.R

Great job Albert.

Yes Albert, fantastic job! I actually thought that something was missing on the 2016 model and I see you pointed out that it only has one bezel wing. That is kind of an odd design choice IMO.

 

[neowatch]

Robert Simony

Yes Albert, fantastic job! I actually thought that something was missing on the 2016 model and I see you pointed out that it only has one bezel wing. That is kind of an odd design choice IMO.

The gen 2 will be collected and spoken about for years to come, helped by its modular design and mechanical heads. The others however will be here then gone. Please read the gen 2 combinations are discover for yourself

 

[danwel]

I absolutely would love to have this display or at least one like it, guess i can try and hunt for something similar lol

 

[Albert-AMG]

Anthony.R

Great job Albert.

Thanks Anthony! Glad you like it

 

[Albert-AMG]

neowatch

Great post showing the history of design and development, they all have their good and bad points. For pure classic looks and innovative deign the modular gen 2 remains a big favourite even today.

Thanks!

Yes, of course Gen2 Modular is also my favourite. Being the only Modular (with available mechanical modules) and the only Swiss Made generation makes it unique, together with a very personal and distinctive design.


It’s also the generation with more available straps and bracelets, with more Special and Limited Editions, with more customization options (many different bezels, four different types of lugs)…

so TAG Heuer really invested in this generation, the last one under JC Biver management

neowatch

The gen 2 will be collected and spoken about for years to come, helped by its modular design and mechanical heads. The others however will be here then gone. Please read the gen 2 combinations are discover for yourself

Totally agree

 

[Albert-AMG]

Robert Simony

Thank you for this ! I really appreciate the effort that went into this. And yes I see that the modular gen 2 still commands a hefty price compared to the E3 models. I feel like the gen 2 would be nice to own considereing it is Swiss made even though the processor is a bit outdated. It's going to take me awhile to study all this info.

You’re welcome! Glad you like it

Yes, Gen2 Modular 45 is the most special smartwatch, being Swiss Made and having three available mechanical modules (only one for Modular 41).


And its Intel processor (from a smartphone) runs the watch faces by WatchMaker better than E3, so it still works well

Robert Simony

Yes Albert, fantastic job! I actually thought that something was missing on the 2016 model and I see you pointed out that it only has one bezel wing. That is kind of an odd design choice IMO.

Thanks again

Yes, Gen2 was a real improvement vs Gen1, adding the Swiss Made label, the Modular concept, an AMOLED screen, GPS, NFC, 50 meters waterproof, a full titanium case… and I also think that a more balanced design

 

[Albert-AMG]

D danwel

I absolutely would love to have this display or at least one like it, guess i can try and hunt for something similar lol

Yes, this display is very nice Good luck with the hunt

I was lucky to find this other Modular 45 display, slightly bigger



Recently improved with a new hexagonal module with battery charger

 

[danwel]

That's a nice display too, i need to keep my eyes out for a nice display for the bits i have managed to a get hold of. I have managed to get so many more parts since my last picture so should update again lol

 

[Robert Simony]

Albert-AMG

You’re welcome! Glad you like it

Yes, Gen2 Modular 45 is the most special smartwatch, being Swiss Made and having three available mechanical modules (only one for Modular 41).


And its Intel processor (from a smartphone) runs the watch faces by WatchMaker better than E3, so it still works well


Thanks again

Yes, Gen2 was a real improvement vs Gen1, adding the Swiss Made label, the Modular concept, an AMOLED screen, GPS, NFC, 50 meters waterproof, a full titanium case… and I also think that a more balanced design

That's a very helpful point about the processor - I didn't think about that. I am on the fence between the Gen 2 and the E3, due to the heart rate sensor. You tilted the scale a bit toward the Gen 2 with that piece of information!

 

[Albert-AMG]

Robert Simony

That's a very helpful point about the processor - I didn't think about that. I am on the fence between the Gen 2 and the E3, due to the heart rate sensor. You tilted the scale a bit toward the Gen 2 with that piece of information!

And you can pair a bluetooth belt (arm or chest) heart rate sensor to the Gen2 (which is more accurate than a wrist sensor on the watch), through the factory installed Google Fit app

 

[Akineton]

I wrote this for myself a while ago for my own mental sanity but after seeing this excellent post, I thought I could share it as a tech-spec-centered complementary list:


TAG Heuer Connected (46 mm – 2015)
Intel Atom Z3460 processor
1 GB RAM, 4 GB storage
410 mAh battery capacity
Titanium case
Swiss Engineered

TAG Heuer Connected Modular 45 (45mm – 2017)
Intel Atom Z3460 processor
512 MB RAM, 4 GB storage
410 mAh battery capacity
Titanium case
Swiss Made

TAG Heuer Connected Modular 41 (41mm – 2018)
Intel Atom Z3460 processor
1 GB RAM, 8 GB storage
345 mAh battery capacity
Titanium case
Swiss Made

TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E3 (45mm – 2020)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 3100 processor
1 GB RAM, 8 GB storage
430 mAh battery capacity
Steel or titanium case
Made in China

TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4 45 mm (2022)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 4100+ processor
1 GB RAM, 8 GB storage
440 mAh battery capacity
Steel or titanium case
Made in China

TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4 42 mm (2022)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 4100+ processor
1 GB RAM, 8 GB storage
330 mAh battery capacity
Steel case
Made in China


Post Scriptum:
Since the release of the E4s, people have been colloquially referring to 2015 as E1, 2017/2018 as E2, and 2020 as E3.


(Feel free to point out any possible inaccuracy, perhaps with a reference link )

Edited: Jun 6, 2022

 

[Albert-AMG]

Thanks @Akineton
Are you sure that the first TH Connected (46mm) was made in China?

 

[Akineton]

Albert-AMG

@Akineton , are you sure that the first Connected (46mm) was made in China?

Since I wrote this a while ago, I remember reading somewhere that yes, but they had to ship the parts. As far as I know, it does not have the 'Made in Switzerland' famous engraving of the E2s (anyone can confirm this?) - which demands a certain percentage of work done in-house. But that's something that merits further clarification indeed. Is anyone up for some research?

 

[Akineton]

I found something, and it has to do with that Intel processor being manufactured in a facility in China. However, the E2s have the same processor, and do have the engraving 'Made in Switzerland'. So either the processor manufacturing facility changed (unlikely) or TAG made a move to reach the percentage threshold for it to be legally considered made in Switzerland -- which the Swiss are very anal about (understandably). Perhaps for the E2s the parts stayed in-house and instead the processor was shipped to them for qualifying? (In that way only one part, albeit an important one, would be non-Swiss-made). In any case, if anyone has more *references* on this interesting bit, do share.

https://fashnerd.com/2015/11/swiss-made-tag-heuer-smart-watch-made-in-china/

 

[gmetrail]

Keep in mind that "Swiss made" doesn't mean 100% is from Switzerland. This article seems to summarize the legal requirements well - https://www.gearpatrol.com/watches/a596884/swiss-made-watches/

 

[Akineton]

G gmetrail

Keep in mind that "Swiss made" doesn't mean 100% is from Switzerland. This article seems to summarize the legal requirements well - https://www.gearpatrol.com/watches/a596884/swiss-made-watches/

Correct. That's what I referred to above with the 'percentage threshold' not being met for legally showcasing the 'Swiss Made' engraving.
The E1 apparently did not meet it.

Thank you for sharing this!