TAG Heuer ditches Wear OS & keeps it premium with Calibre E5

TAG Heuer is back with the Connected Calibre E5, the fifth generation in its luxury smartwatch line that started back in 2015. It comes in 45 mm and 40 mm sizes, and runs on TAG Heuer’s own OS. But despite the hype, it doesn’t have a microLED screen. That rumour didn’t pan out, so Garmin still holds the crown when it comes to that kind of display tech.

A fresh start with a new OS

The biggest shift with the Calibre E5 is the move away from Google’s Wear OS. Instead, TAG Heuer has built its own software layer on top of Android. It’s called TAG Heuer OS and it’s designed to work just as smoothly with iPhones as with Android phones. That’s a calculated move, since Google has scaled back iPhone compatibility on Wear OS in recent years. The result is a device that holds on to its premium feel while stepping away from Google’s ecosystem.

This change brings some benefits. iPhone users get better Wi-Fi support and more reliable notifications. But the trade-off is obvious. Without access to the Play Store or Apple’s App Store, you’re mostly limited to TAG Heuer’s own apps and services. That may be enough for the audience this watch is aimed at. It’s not trying to replace a Pixel Watch or compete on app variety. It’s playing a different game.

No microLED, despite early rumours

Plenty of early leaks hinted that the E5 might arrive with a microLED screen. It would have been a first for a luxury brand and a direct challenger to Garmin’s Fenix 8 Pro. In the end, it didn’t happen. The watch sticks with an AMOLED panel. That’s not a downgrade, it’s still crisp, responsive and protected by sapphire crystal. But it means TAG isn’t the one to break new ground in screen tech.

The 45 mm version has a 1.39-inch display at 454×454 resolution. The 40 mm model steps down to 1.20 inches with a 390×390 resolution. Both hit 326 dpi and support haptic feedback for better tactile navigation.

Built for all wrist sizes now

This year the smaller option finally fits. At 40 mm, it’s more wearable than the 42 mm E4, which many still found too large. The 45 mm version sticks with a fixed ceramic bezel, while the 40 mm model ditches the bezel entirely and lets the screen extend to the edge of the case. That design choice makes the smaller size feel more modern and sleek.

Both models come in stainless steel, but there are some interesting finishes this time. The 40 mm gets a rose gold PVD option, the first time this treatment has appeared on a Connected. It gives off a more premium and slightly more feminine vibe. The 45 mm offers a black DLC titanium version for those after a bolder, more rugged look.

TAG also kept the sporty editions going. The 45 mm Golf Edition returns, again with a golf-hole-marked bezel and dimpled strap that mirrors a golf ball. The New Balance Edition, available in 40 mm, features branded rubber straps and ships alongside a special pair of New Balance FuelCell running shoes.

Hardware design and strap options

The overall case design leans heavily on the Carrera line, with faceted lugs and clean, mechanical-style pushers. Both models are water-resistant to 50 metres and have the kind of finishing you’d expect from a high-end Swiss watch. The crown is rubber-trimmed and doubles as a scroll tool, flanked by two mechanical pushers that make navigating feel more tactile than most smartwatches.

The strap system has been updated as well. It now integrates better with the case and offers a wider variety of options. There are rubber, leather, and metal bands, plus a lightweight nylon strap that adds a sportier feel. The integrated steel bracelet is still the classic choice and likely to be the best-seller.

Smarter interaction and faster performance

The interface builds on what TAG Heuer offered before, but improves the flow. You can still use the touchscreen for swiping, up for notifications, down for widgets. But it now supports more gestures and feels more responsive. If you prefer hardware controls, the crown and pushers work smoothly for menu navigation.

The watch runs on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Wear 5100+ chip. It should be noticeably snappier and will help drive a refined version of TAG Heuer OS. This time, voice calls are fully supported. You can talk directly through the watch, which wasn’t possible on the Calibre E4.

Battery life has also improved. The 45 mm model can last up to three days in low power mode and a little over 17 hours in GPS sport mode. You’ll get around two days in normal use. The 40 mm edition runs slightly shorter. A quick 30–40 minute charge gets you through a full day, and both models top up to 100 percent in 90 minutes.

Sports tracking and fitness features

TAG Heuer has focused on improving the sports experience, especially for running and golf. Strava integration is better, and there’s a new “chasing diamond” feature that visualises lap targets on the screen. Golf maps now show hole layouts with auto-zoom that adjusts as you move down the course.

Out of the box, the watch tracks basics like steps, calories, heart rate and active time. Dual-band GPS is also included, which is a welcome touch. Sports modes cover a decent range: running, cycling, swimming, golf, hiking and a generic “other” for everything else.

TAG Heuer says more features are on the way. A December update will bring sleep tracking, SpO2, HRV, and breathing rate. Running plans are included now, and the Golf Edition has course maps for 40,000 global courses that adjust automatically based on your location during play.

Custom dials and mechanical throwbacks

One of the more fun parts of wearing a Connected is the range of digital dials. The E5 takes that further. You can now choose from digital takes on TAG Heuer’s mechanical watch faces, like the Monaco, Carrera Glassbox or Dato. They plan to roll out more faces tied to their upcoming 2026 mechanical releases.

The most popular dial, according to TAG, is based on the Formula 1 model, which is their most affordable mechanical piece. It might seem surprising, but it works well in digital form. Whether you want something classic or something more smartwatch-like, the E5 gives you a decent amount of range.

Price and availability

Pricing for the Connected Calibre E5 is right in line with what you’d expect from TAG Heuer. The 40 mm stainless steel model on a rubber strap kicks off at 1,500 CHF, while the 45 mm DLC-coated titanium version tops out at 2,200 CHF. Both are available on the company’s website and availability starts this month.

The Golf Edition is 2,300 CHF, which seems fair if you’re already the type to own a $300 putter. The New Balance collab lands at 1,950 CHF and doesn’t include the matching sneakers, which sell separately for $270 USD. So if you’re going all in, your wrist and your feet might end up better dressed than you.

Tech specs of the 45 mm Connected Calibre E5

Subscribe to our monthly newsletter! Check out our YouTube channel.