Since its introduction in 2015, TAG Heuer Connected has played a key role in the luxury smartwatch space. While the basic concept of a “luxury smartwatch” may be inherently mysterious to traditional enthusiasts, the genre has steadily grown in popularity as a growing number of people not only appreciate the functionality of a smartwatch but also seek a more advanced ownership experience than standard consumer electronics like Fitbit or Apple Watch offer. For its latest release in 2024, TAG Heuer has partnered with Oracle Red Bull Racing to create a themed version of the 45mm Connected Calibre E4 smartwatch. The new watch is intended to be a premium lifestyle accessory for die-hard fans of the Red Bull F1 racing team.
This is not the first time that an LVMH brand has developed a smartwatch for sports enthusiasts; Hublot produces several versions of the Big Bang Bang E smartwatch for the football world. These themed luxury smartwatches are often misunderstood by enthusiasts who do not fully understand the position of these models in each brand’s lineup. These themed smartwatches are often purchased by wealthy individuals who already own multiple luxury watches, rather than as a smartwatch alternative for those who would normally purchase the brand’s entry-level models. These buyers see these sports-themed models as a relatively affordable way to enhance their viewing experience and indulge their passion for watches at the same time.
Aside from the Red Bull team-colored strap, the new TAG Heuer Connected Caliber E4 45MM x Oracle Red Bull Racing Edition is nearly identical to the standard production 45mm titanium model in the current Connected Caliber E4 series. The case is made of grade 2 titanium with a black DLC finish, while the bezel is made of black ceramic. The crown and pushers on the right side of the case are made of DLC-finished stainless steel. A sapphire crystal protects the touch screen, while the titanium caseback houses the PPG sensor and the watch’s charging port. Additionally, like the standard TAG Heuer Connected Caliber E4 model, the new Oracle Red Bull Racing Edition is water resistant to 50 meters, providing protection when used as a fitness tracker or sports watch.
The strap that comes with the TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4 45MM x Oracle Red Bull Racing Edition has a bi-material construction with leather covering a rubber interior. The exterior of the strap is dark blue with a red stripe down the middle, reminiscent of the Red Bull team colors. The strap is completed with a grade 2 titanium folding clasp operated by a double push-button release, which has a black DLC finish with a gray lacquered TAG Heuer shield logo. Additionally, for those who don’t want to wear the Red Bull livery on their wrist every day, TAG Heuer includes an additional black rubber strap that can be easily replaced using the brand’s quick-release system located at the bottom of the strap, near the lugs.
Equipped with a variety of sensors including a heart rate monitor, compass, accelerometer, gyroscope, microphone and barometer, the TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4 45MM x Oracle Red Bull Racing Edition uses Wear OS by Google as its operating system. In addition to the brand’s usual suite of apps, which offer everything from stopwatches and alarms to wellness and activity tracking modes, it includes software specific to sports like running and golf. TAG Heuer’s Connected model has a one-day battery life, which is significantly shorter than the likes of the Apple Watch Ultra (not to mention Garmin). But the real reason to buy this Oracle Red Bull Racing version of the TAG Heuer Connected is because you want the F1-specific watch faces and apps.
At launch, the TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4 45MM x Oracle Red Bull Racing Edition will feature four F1-themed watch faces, although only one of them appears to offer any additional F1-related functionality. The hero face (named “Session”) features small flags around the perimeter of the display representing the countries where that season’s F1 races will be held, and the display changes throughout the year to highlight the countries in which teams will compete that weekend. From there, the additional F1-themed watch faces get less and less interesting, with one of the faces being a digital version of the 2022 TAG Heuer Formula 1 x Red Bull Racing Special Edition watch, while the “Asphalt” watch face features a textured background inspired by the surface of a race track, and the “RB20” watch face appears to simply display a photo of Red Bull’s car for the 2024 season.
While the “Session” watch face tracks the progression of the race calendar throughout the season, the TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4 45MM x Oracle Red Bull Racing Edition’s more comprehensive F1-related functionality comes from the Oracle Red Bull Racing application. Before each race weekend, the app displays a countdown to the race and showcases imagery of the Red Bull team throughout the weekend, from Friday’s free practice through to Sunday’s race. After the race, the app updates to show Red Bull’s driver results and the team’s current standings. Owners also have the option to subscribe to updates to stay on top of the latest news from the Oracle Red Bull Racing team.
Unlike Hublot’s soccer-themed Big Bang Bang E smartwatch, which will appeal to fans of any team equally, the new TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4 45MM x Oracle Red Bull Racing Edition (Ref. SBR8A80.EB0365) is entirely dedicated to the Red Bull F1 team and, with an official retail price of $1,950, will only appeal to the most die-hard Red Bull fans. With that in mind, rumors are swirling that TAG Heuer will become the official timekeeper of F1 when Rolex’s current deal with the F1 series ends at the end of the year. If that all comes to fruition in 2025, we can only assume that we’ll see another F1-themed TAG Heuer smartwatch to celebrate the new partnership. Find out more about the TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4 45MM x Oracle Red Bull Racing Edition smartwatch here. Brand website.
