Tag Heuer Connected Calibre E4 Smartwatch
Introduction
The Connected Calibre E4 42mm in black with a rubber strap is Tag Heuer’s compact luxury smartwatch offering, marketed to buyers who want a premium mechanical-watch aesthetic combined with modern smartwatch functionality. Priced at approximately $1,250, this model targets golfers and luxury-watch enthusiasts who want Wear OS smart features, fitness tracking and a dedicated golf GPS experience packaged in a refined, everyday wearable.
Overview
Manufacturer: Tag Heuer
Product category: Luxury smartwatch / Wearable tech
Intended use: Daily timepiece with smart notifications, fitness and health tracking, contactless payments, and a rich golf GPS/analytics package for on-course use.
Appearance, Materials and Aesthetic
The 42mm Connected Calibre E4 keeps Tag Heuer’s design DNA—sporty-luxe and restrained. This review is for the black rubber-strap variant, which emphasizes a more athletic look compared with leather or metal bracelets. The watch head is compact at 42mm, making it more suitable for smaller wrists or anyone preferring a lower profile on the wrist.
Materials and finish aim to bridge luxury and durability: a metal case with a dark finish (black styling on this model) paired with a comfortable, textured rubber strap that sits well during activity. The touchscreen is flush with the bezel, and the watch retains distinctive Tag Heuer cues such as a crown and pushers that mimic traditional chronograph controls.
Unique design touches include Tag Heuer-branded watch faces that echo the aesthetic of their mechanical watches, tactile crown and pusher controls for quick access to apps, and a rubber strap designed specifically to complement on-course motion and sweat resistance.
Key Features & Specifications
- Case size: 42mm (compact profile for a smartwatch)
- Black rubber strap (sport-focused comfort and durability)
- AMOLED touchscreen display (high-contrast, vivid colors)
- Wear OS platform (access to notifications, apps, Google services)
- Built-in GPS and GLONASS for accurate outdoor tracking
- Dedicated Tag Heuer Golf app with course maps, distances, shot tracking and statistics
- Heart rate monitoring and activity tracking for running, cycling, gym workouts
- NFC for contactless payments
- Water resistance suitable for daily wear and light swimming
- Bluetooth and Wi‑Fi connectivity; smartphone syncing
- Proprietary battery life targeted at a full day of typical use (actual runtime varies with use)
- Customizable Tag Heuer watch faces and complications
Using the Watch: Real-World Experience
Daily Wear and Notifications
On a day-to-day basis the Connected Calibre E4 behaves like a premium Wear OS watch. Notifications arrive promptly, and the screen is readable in most lighting conditions. The smaller 42mm case makes it comfortable for office wear and evening events; the rubber strap keeps the look sporty but not out of place with smart-casual attire. Interaction via the crown and pushers makes navigating the interface quicker than tapping through every menu.
Fitness and Health Tracking
Fitness tracking is solid for day-to-day metrics: step counting, heart rate monitoring, and workout modes are accurate enough for general use. GPS tracking during runs and rides performs well and aligns closely with phone GPS. The watch handles sweat and short swims without concern, though if you’re a regular open-water swimmer you’ll want to confirm the degree of water resistance you need.
Golf Performance (Primary Selling Point)
Where this watch distinguishes itself is golf. The Tag Heuer Golf app is fully integrated and provides hole-by-hole maps, front/middle/back distances, hazards and shot tracking. The small form factor is convenient: it doesn’t interfere with your swing and the rubber strap is secure while walking. The GPS is reliable and the on-course UI is clean and focused on key information. For golfers who value a luxury look combined with strong on-course functionality, this is a compelling choice.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life for the 42mm model is typically one full day under standard mixed use. Heavy use—such as extended GPS rounds, continuous heart-rate monitoring, or multiple app sessions—will shorten runtime and require daily charging. Charging is magnetic/inductive and straightforward, but you should plan to top up nightly for consistent performance.
Software and Ecosystem
Running Wear OS provides access to a broad app ecosystem and Google services, which is a big advantage over proprietary OS watches. That said, Wear OS still can feel less fluid than some watchmakers’ bespoke systems depending on app choices and updates. Tag Heuer’s software polish and watch faces help deliver a luxury feel on top of Google’s platform.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Premium build and classic Tag Heuer styling in a compact 42mm size
- Dedicated golf app and accurate on-course GPS functionality
- Comfortable rubber strap suitable for active wear
- Wear OS provides broad app support and smooth integration with Android/Google services
- Tactile crown and pushers make navigation faster and keep a traditional watch feel
- Good display quality with vivid colors and excellent contrast
Cons
- Price is a trifle high (~$1,250) — positioned firmly in the luxury segment
- Battery life is limited compared with many fitness-first smartwatches (typically a day under normal use)
- Wear OS can be inconsistent between apps and may require occasional reboots/updates
- Smaller display (42mm) may feel cramped for heavy app users or those who prefer large screens
- Advanced athletes who want deep training metrics may prefer specialized sport watches with longer battery life
Conclusion
The Tag Heuer Connected Calibre E4 42mm in black with a rubber strap is a strong proposition if you want luxury watch styling plus modern smartwatch features and a best-in-class golf experience. It succeeds at blending a refined aesthetic with practical, sport-focused functionality—especially for golfers who want built-in course maps, shot tracking and a premium wrist presence.
However, the watch comes at a luxury price and compromises on battery longevity compared with many sport-focused devices. If you prioritize high-end design, tactile controls, and excellent golf features—and are comfortable charging nightly—this model is an excellent pick. If you need multi-day battery life or ultra-deep fitness analytics at a lower price point, there are more specialized alternatives.
Overall Impression: A premium, stylish smartwatch that excels as a luxury everyday watch and a dedicated golf GPS tool, but expect to trade some battery endurance and pay a premium for the Tag Heuer name and build quality.
Product listing: Connected Calibre E4 42MM Rubber Smartwatch, Black – Tag Heuer Golf GPS Unit — Price: $1,250
