Category: News

Movado isn’t the biggest name in the watch world. Even people who know nothing about watches have heard of Rolex and Omega, and those who have dipped their toes into the hobby will be familiar with brands like Seiko, Longines, and Tissot. But Movado is something of a hidden gem, which is exactly why I like them so much. 

There’s something special about a brand that feels like a well-kept secret. Movado has a rich history, solid craftsmanship, and a distinct design language, yet they somehow fly under the radar compared to some of their Swiss counterparts.

I don’t think that’s going to last forever, though which, selfishly, is a bit of a shame for people like me who like to keep the good stuff to themselves. But for Movado, it’s a good thing. They deserve more appreciation. 

Recently, they completely revamped their famous 1881 Automatic collection, making it feel more familiar. What do I mean by that?

Well, I’ll explain shortly. But these new models strike an interesting balance: they still have the unmistakable Movado DNA but they also feel a little more timeless, a little more approachable. They’re the kind of watches that won’t make you shy away but still offer something different from the norm. 

There’s a lot to unpack here, so let’s get into it.

A Quick History of Movado & the “Museum Dial”

Movado’s story begins in 1881 in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, one of the world’s great watchmaking hubs. It was founded by Achilles Ditesheim, a young entrepreneur with a vision of creating high-quality timepieces that balanced artistry with precision.

Over the years, Movado built a strong reputation, winning numerous awards for innovation and craftsmanship. They were never the biggest Swiss brand, but they carved out a niche with sleek, well-made watches that stood apart from the crowd.

But if there’s one design that defines Movado more than any other, it’s the Museum Dial. The Museum Dial was born in 1947, not from a watchmaker’s sketchbook but from the mind of an American industrial designer named Nathan George Horwitt.

It was originally created for a wall clock, inspired by the Bauhaus movement’s clean, minimalist aesthetic. Horwitt’s idea was simple yet bold: a single dot at 12 o’clock to symbolize the sun at high noon, with an otherwise completely blank dial.

It was a design meant to capture the passage of time in its purest form with no numbers and thus no distractions. 

Movado adopted the design in the 1950s, and it became their signature look. By the 1990s, the Museum Dial watch was everywhere in the company’s portfolios. It was one of those timepieces that seemed to define the era.

It was sleek, sophisticated, and unmistakably different. I remember seeing it on the wrists of adults when I was younger and I always associated it as being a statement piece that signified taste and style. 

But for all its popularity, the Museum Dial has always been divisive. Some people love its clean simplicity, while others find it impractical.

Let’s be honest, it’s not the easiest watch to read. With no hour markers and just a pair of hands, precision takes a backseat to aesthetics. If you need to know the exact time at a glance, the Museum Dial will not be your perfect display. And that’s exactly why some watch enthusiasts have never warmed up to it. 

Still, there’s no denying its impact. The Museum Dial is a design icon, the kind of watch that people recognize instantly. It’s been produced in countless variations over the years, from quartz models to higher-end Swiss automatics. Even today, Movado continues to offer it in different forms. 

That brings us to the new Movado 1881 Automatic collection, where you get the best of both worlds. This new family of watches still celebrates the essence of the Museum Dial, but with a more contemporary, functional twist.

Now, things are clearer, more precise and hopefully less polarizing. And yet they’re still distinctly Movado. It’s a refresh that makes sense, one that blends the past with the present in a way that feels effortless. And that, in my opinion, is exactly what Movado needed.

Case 

One of the first things you notice about the Movado 1881 Automatic is its sleek and understated case. It doesn’t scream for attention, but it has an effortless elegance that suits the brand’s minimalist approach. The proportions are well thought out, offering both a smaller 30mm version and a larger 40mm model. 

I really appreciate that Movado doesn’t define their watches by gender because after all, watches are about personal preference, not labels. As a female who loves a larger watch, especially one with a design as distinctive as this, I’d go for the 40mm without hesitation.

But I also know plenty of gentlemen who love a small, vintage-inspired look, and for them, the 30mm version will be right up their alley. That said, the jump from 30mm to 40mm is quite significant, and with nothing currently in between, I can only hope Movado expands the lineup with more size options in the future. 

Material-wise, Movado keeps it classic. The case is available in stainless steel or gold PVD, with options in both yellow and rose gold finishes.

There are also some two-tone designs that mix steel and gold together for a bit of added versatility. The case design itself is unmistakably Movado. It’s simple, traditional, and perfectly round, just as you’d expect.

The case is fully polished, which gives it an elegant shine, though I wouldn’t call the finishing particularly remarkable. Still, it’s attractive and fits the refined, dressy aesthetic Movado is known for. 

The short, curved lugs allow the watch to sit comfortably on the wrist, and the dial is protected by a sapphire crystal which is a great inclusion at this price point. Not only is sapphire highly scratch-resistant, but it also enhances the watch’s premium feel.

Around the back, Movado has gone for an exhibition case back, using another sheet of sapphire crystal to showcase the automatic movement inside. I love this detail as it’s always nice to see the mechanics of a watch in action, and it adds an extra layer of interest to an otherwise minimalist timepiece.

For water resistance, the Movado 1881 Automatic is rated at 30 meters which is pretty standard for a dress watch. Realistically, this isn’t a watch you’ll want near water, and that’s fine as this is a timepiece designed for style, not swimming.

Dial 

The dial of the Movado 1881 Automatic truly brings the watch’s personality to life. It comes in several configurations that cater to different tastes.

Each model boasts a unique texture that adds a layer of depth and light play and of course, they all proudly display the signature “dot” at 12 o’clock, a nod to the iconic Museum Dial. This element, once exclusive to the Museum Dial era, now graces almost every Movado watch to solidify its identity.

For the 40mm models—and a select few of the 30mm variants—the dial features a distinct sunburst effect that starts at the centre and reaches the very edge of the display. This isn’t just a subtle engraving like you usually find on a sunburst dial.

No, it’s a real three-dimensional sunray design that catches the light beautifully. As the light shifts, the dial’s colors transition from dark to light, creating an almost mesmerizing visual play. The 40mm dials come in a range of striking colors, including classic black, dark green, silvery white, and a gorgeous dark navy blue. 

The remaining 30mm models offer a slightly different take. Here, the outer flange, where the hour markers reside, benefits from the same sunburst effect, while the central area is left clean and smooth.

This contrast adds another dimension to the overall aesthetic, making these dials particularly interesting. Instead of traditional straight hour markers, these models also feature eleven diamond dot indices that introduce a touch of sparkle to the design. You can choose from a simple black dial or two mother of pearl variants in black or white MOP. 

One of the biggest improvements in these new 1881 Automatic watches is the addition of hour markers. Earlier iterations of the Museum Dial were minimalist to the point of being challenging to read, relying solely on the hands.

Now, with clearly defined markers, you get better readability and more accurate timekeeping. Thankfully though, the design still opts out of a seconds hand to maintain the clean aesthetic as much as possible. 

As mentioned, every dial features the classic Museum Dial motif at the 12 o’clock position. It’s smaller than before but still boldly noticeable, practically screaming “Movado” from across the room.

The only other markings are the discreet Movado logo and “Swiss Made” at 6 o’clock, and “1881 Automatic” quietly printed below the Museum Dial motif. 

Movement 

When it comes to the inner workings of the Movado 1881 Automatic, the details on the website are pretty vague. We’re just given a simple “Swiss Automatic” description that leaves us watch collectors wanting more.

For the average wearer, that might be enough, but for someone like me who’s a bit of a horology nerd, the specifics matter. So, I did a bit of digging, and yes, I even spent a little extra time studying the back of the watch, to uncover what’s really powering these timepieces. 

It turns out that the movement under the hood is the tried and tested Sellita SW-200. This movement is a favorite among enthusiasts for good reason. It operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour or 4Hz to ensure smooth and reliable timekeeping.

With 26 jewels to reduce friction and enhance durability, the SW-200 is built to stand the test of time. And let’s not forget its power reserve of 38 hours, which means you can take it off for a day or two and still have a bit of juice left. It’s also automatic winding, so as long as it’s on your wrist, it’ll stay fully wound and fully powered.

Straps 

When it comes to the strap options for the Movado 1881 Automatic, Movado has clearly made a thoughtful choice that aligns with the dressy vibe of the watch.

The standard option is a calfskin leather strap featuring a deployant clasp that feels both secure and of decent quality. Personally, I’d only consider swapping it out for a higher quality leather if I were really inclined, as I think this would enhance the watch greatly. 

Movado also offers alternatives in stainless steel or two-toned five-row link bracelets, which lend a more modern, polished look. However, for a dress watch like this, the leather strap really hits the mark.

The leather features a lovely grained finish that not only enhances the visual appeal but also gives the watch a slightly retro vibe which I think is a perfect match for the 90’s Museum dial. The leather comes in classic black or brown, providing options that can easily complement a variety of dressy outfits. 

What’s more, the deployment buckle on the leather strap is nicely designed to match the rest of the case hardware, whether that’s stainless steel or gold PVD. This attention to detail reinforces the watch’s overall refined look.

While some might explore rubber or textile straps, I can’t imagine the Movado 1881 looking any better in anything but leather or metal. And rest assured, should you ever wish to change the strap, there are plenty of quality replacement options available 

On-Wrist Experience 

Wearing the Movado 1881 Automatic feels like a perfect balance between elegance and presence. The watch’s well-thought-out proportions make it comfortable for daily wear, whether you opt for the 40mm or the 30mm version.

Personally, I lean towards the 40mm model because I love the bold statement it makes, even on my 5.5 inch wrist. It carries a bit more heft, which gives it a substantial presence without feeling cumbersome. That said, the 40mm is ideal for those with larger wrists than mine, probably anything up to around 7.5 inches. 

For those with smaller wrists or simply a love of smaller watches, the 30mm model is an equally attractive option.

It fits naturally without overpowering your look, making it an excellent choice for a more understated, vintage-inspired style. The sleek design transitions effortlessly from day to night. I paired it with both formal attire and smart-casual ensembles, and it elevated my look every time.

Price & Availability 

The Movado 1881 Automatic collection offers remarkable value for what you get, starting at a retail price of $1,195. The most affordable models are the classic steel-cased versions paired with a refined leather strap, which strike the perfect balance between sophistication and practicality.

If you’re looking for a bit of extra flair, the gold PVD models push the price to around $1,295, while the steel bracelet options come in at $1,495. 

For those who appreciate a touch of luxury, the lineup tops out with the full bracelet 30mm models that feature diamond dot indices, retailing for $1,595.

These watches not only bring a historic design and Swiss automatic movement to the table but also include intricate details that are hard to find for under $2,000. It’s genuinely refreshing to see a timepiece that combines the prestige of Swiss watchmaking, a dial steeped in history, and a design that features subtle diamond accents all without breaking the bank.

Since this is a new collection, there aren’t any pre-owned examples available yet, which means that buying new is currently your best and only option. Just be sure that when you go to buy, you choose an authorized Movado retailer.

Conclusion

While I never personally found the traditional Movado Museum Dial overly divisive, the new Movado 1881 Automatic collection has managed to strike a brilliant balance between heritage and modernity.

Movado has taken an iconic design, the minimalist “dot” at 12 o’clock, and refreshed it for today’s watch enthusiast. The dial is now more legible than before, thanks to the introduction of clearly defined hour markers, yet it still carries that unmistakable Museum Dial motif that gives it a strong sense of identity. 

The movement upgrade to the reliable Sellita SW-200, with its impressive 28,800 vibrations per hour and 38 hour power reserve, shows that Movado isn’t just resting on its laurels. They’ve managed to combine the nostalgic charm of their past with modern-day functionality.

And with a wide range of design options from the subtle charm of the leather strap models to the bold look of diamond dot indices, there’s truly something for every collector without straying too far from the core DNA of the brand. 

Price-wise, these watches are fantastic. They’re ideal dress watches for someone that wants Swiss automatic precision, elegant design details, and a rich history all wrapped up in a single package.

My only wish is that Movado will one day expand the case size options further. I’d love to see the 1881 Automatic in 36mm or 38mm and I know many others will agree with me.

If you’re even remotely into dive watches, Seiko is a name that needs no introduction. The brand has been churning out legendary divers for decades, and the Prospex SNE589 is one of the latest in that lineage. It’s a solar-powered, no-nonsense tool watch with all the classic Seiko DNA.

But here’s the thing—classic Seiko DNA is exactly that: classic. And sometimes, it can feel like a repeat. The same bold case, the same familiar look. But if something works, why change it? 

The real question is, does this formula still work? Is it an aesthetic we’ve grown bored of, or is there more going on here than meets the eye?

Is the Seiko Prospex Divers SNE589 watch just another run-of-the-mill Seiko, or has the brand slipped in some magic that makes this one worth your time? These are exactly the kind of questions I’m going to be answering in today’s review. 

Seiko’s History With Dive Watches 

Seiko’s history with dive watches dates back to 1965, when they introduced the legendary 62MAS (Ref. 6217-8001). This was Japan’s first professional dive watch, featuring a 150 meter water resistant stainless steel case, a simple yet highly legible dial, and an automatic movement.

It set the foundation for Seiko’s future dive watches, combining functionality with rugged reliability. Today, the 62MAS remains a sought-after collector’s piece, and its design influences many modern Seiko divers. 

Following the 62MAS, Seiko continued innovating with the release of the 6105 in 1968. This watch, often nicknamed the “Willard” after its appearance in Apocalypse Now, was a favorite among soldiers during the Vietnam War due to its durability and affordability.

It featured a cushion-shaped case, 150 meter water resistance, and an upgraded movement with hacking seconds. 

Then came the 6309 in the late 1970s, another cult classic. With its round case, integrated crown guards, and 150 meter water resistance, it became a favorite among recreational divers and remains one of the most recognizable Seiko divers to this day.

It also marked the beginning of Seiko’s iconic “Turtle” design with its overly round shell-like case which continues to be a staple in their lineup. 

In 1975, Seiko took dive watch technology to new heights with the introduction of the “Tuna” (Ref. 6159-7010). This was Seiko’s answer to deep-sea diving needs, boasting a monocoque titanium case, a protective shroud, and an incredible 600 meters of water resistance.

The Tuna series has since evolved, with modern iterations reaching depths of 1000m while retaining the original’s iconic design.

Seiko didn’t stop there. The 1980s saw the release of the H558-5000, better known as the “Arnie” due to Arnold Schwarzenegger sporting it in movies like Predator and Commando.

This was the first analog-digital hybrid dive watch, featuring a built-in alarm, chronograph, and dual time functionality. It was a futuristic timepiece ahead of its time and remains a fan favorite even today.

 Seiko has continued to innovate, refining their dive watch designs while staying true to their roots and the Seiko Prospex SNE589 is a perfect example of that.

Sure, it still maintains all the necessary traits of a good diver’s watch but it’s also a watch in its own right. It’s not too oversized like Tuna nor is it futuristic like the Arnie. It’s almost the perfect balance of everything; modern but classic, simple but functional.

The Seiko Prospex was launched in 2022 as part of the Japanese watchmakers’ Prospex Solar Diver lineup. This innovative family brought a modern, eco-friendly twist to the brand’s dive watch heritage by introducing three solar-powered models: the black SNE589 (the model we’re reviewing today), the Pepsi-bezel SNE591 and the blue SNE593.

Each features a 42.8mm stainless steel case, a sleek flat dial, and the reliable V157 solar caliber. Unlike some of Seiko’s previous solar divers, they also ditch the date magnifier for a cleaner look, something that’s bound to divide opinions among fans. 

Case

The case of the Seiko Prospex SNE589 follows classic Seiko design principles, and if you’ve ever worn an SKX, you’ll feel right at home. Measuring 42.8mm in diameter, 10.7mm thick, and with a lug-to-lug of 49.2mm, it has that perfect balance of wrist presence and wearability.

It’s substantial enough to feel like a real tool watch but compact enough for everyday use. Seiko knows how to make a dive watch that hugs the wrist, and this one is no exception. 

The case shape sits somewhere between two of Seiko’s most famous designs. It’s not as rounded as the Turtle, nor as aggressively angular as the Samurai.

Instead, it strikes a middle ground with a barrel-shaped silhouette that combines soft edges with enough sharp corners to keep things modern. It’s a great mix of vintage inspiration and contemporary execution.

The finishing is typical of a Seiko diver in this price range with mostly brushed surfaces for that rugged, tool-watch look, with just enough polished accents to keep it from feeling dull. The brushed finishing extends across the lugs, while the polished case sides give a subtle contrast, catching the light nicely. 

Then there’s the bezel. It’s a proper unidirectional rotating bezel with a 60-minute diving scale, finished in black with crisp white printing.

It has a knurled edge for easy grip, even with diving gloves on, and a pearlescent pip at 12 o’clock for quick orientation in low-light conditions. The action is what you’d expect from a Seiko at this level, firm but smooth, with minimal back play. 

The crown is positioned at 3 o’clock and screws down tightly to ensure a full 200 meters of water resistance. It’s easy to grip, and Seiko adds a little detail that enthusiasts of striking design will appreciate, a red rubber gasket that not only adds to the water-tight seal but also ties in nicely with the red seconds hand on the dial.

It’s only a small hint of colour but one that makes a huge difference to the overall aesthetic of this Seiko Prospex, giving it a little more oomph compared to an all-black and steel model. 

The caseback of the Seiko SNE589 is solid and screw-down, as you’d expect, with Seiko’s classic tsunami logo proudly stamped in the center. No display caseback here, but honestly, for a serious dive watch with a 200 meter water resistance, I’d expect nothing less. 

Finally, we have the crystal and this is where Seiko throws in a pleasant surprise. Rather than opting for mineral crystal, which is what you’ll find on both diving watches at this price range, the Japanese watch brand has opted for sapphire crystal.

Even many of Seiko’s more affordable divers opt for Hardlex, so getting a proper scratch-resistant sapphire crystal at this price point is a nice touch. It’s flat, which keeps reflections to a minimum, and gives the dial a clean, no-nonsense look and added scratch resistance.

Dial 

The dial of the SNE589 is pure tool-watch functionality. There’s no frills, no unnecessary embellishments but just clear, purposeful design. The smooth black surface provides the perfect backdrop for the bold indices to ensure maximum contrast and legibility.

The hour markers are large and rounded, filled with generous amounts of Seiko’s famous LumiBrite for excellent low-light visibility. The 12 o’clock marker stands out with its iconic trapezoid shape, while the 6 and 9 o’clock positions feature thick baton markers to keep the symmetry balanced. 

At 3 o’clock, there’s no traditional marker. Instead, you get a date window with a white date disc and black text. This gives it a marker-like appearance but with some essential functionality.

One key detail to mention is that this date lacks any sort of cyclops magnifier which is a rare omission for a Seiko’s solar diver. This decision has its pros and cons: on the one hand, it keeps the dial cleaner, more modern and less cluttered, but on the other, it may make the date slightly harder to read for some users. 

The hands follow Seiko’s classic diver format. The hour hand is one large and overly bold arrow that is easy to distinguish at a glance, while the minute hand is a broad pipette shape for precise reading.

The seconds hand is thinner but finished in a striking red, adding a much-needed pop of color to the otherwise monochrome dial. It also serves a functional purpose making it easier to see that the watch is running at a quick glance. 

Other printed elements on the dial include the Seiko logo at 12 o’clock and the standard Prospex markings at 6 o’clock, indicating its solar-powered movement and 200m water resistance. It’s all kept minimal, ensuring nothing detracts from the dial’s primary function: pure, effortless readability.

Movement

As we’ve already mentioned, the Seiko Prospex SNE589 isn’t an overly complicated mechanical watch nor is it a classic quartz model.

Instead, it’s powered by Seiko’s V157 solar quartz movement. Sure, it might not be the kind of movement that gets collectors talking, but it’s an absolute workhorse in terms of reliability and convenience. 

Unlike mechanical movements that require regular winding or servicing, this solar-powered engine keeps ticking as long as it gets exposure to light. And with a fully charged power reserve of around 10 months, you could leave it in a drawer for weeks and still pick it up with the correct time and date.

During my time with the watch, I made a conscious effort to take it outdoors as much as possible. I mainly took it hiking and of course, swimming and for me, the charge level was never an issue, and despite tracking the time against an atomic clock, I didn’t notice any deviation over the weeks I wore it.

That’s the beauty of a well-executed quartz movement. You get effortless accuracy with none of the maintenance headaches.

The V157 also comes with a quick-start function, so even if you do somehow manage to drain the battery completely, just a few minutes in the sun will bring it back to life.

There’s also an overcharge prevention feature, ensuring that no matter how much time it spends in bright light, you won’t have to worry about damaging the movement.

Straps 

Unlike many Seiko divers that come on rubber straps, the Seiko Prospex SNE589 ships with a three-row stainless steel bracelet. While it’s nice to see a diver on a bracelet and it does help to bring a dressier look to the design, I have to be honest, it’s probably my least favorite part of the watch. 

The links themselves are decent enough, with a mix of brushed and polished finishes that match the case well, but the clasp is where things start to fall apart.

It’s a basic stamped clasp that feels flimsy, especially for a watch at this price point. It gets the job done, but it’s not exactly confidence-inspiring. 

But thankfully, it’s a bracelet that is more than easy to swap out, thanks to the standard 20mm lug width. If you’re anything like me, you’ll probably want to throw this on a rubber strap almost immediately.

A black silicone band would give it that classic dive-watch feel, but honestly, I think a red strap could be a fun way to tie in the red seconds hand and crown seal. NATO straps are another great option, especially if you want something lightweight and breathable. 

At the end of the day, the bracelet isn’t a deal-breaker, but it’s not exactly a selling point either. Thankfully, it’s the one part of the watch that’s easy and relatively inexpensive to change, so if you love the Seiko SNE589 but aren’t sold on the bracelet either, there’s nothing stopping you from making it your own.

On-Wrist Experience 

Despite its 42.8mm case diameter, I found the Seiko Prospex SNE589 to wear incredibly well. Thanks to its relatively slim 10.7mm thickness – something that’s not a common sight in a 200 meter water resistant dive watch – and a well-balanced lug-to-lug measurement of 49.2mm, it sits comfortably without feeling bulky.

The case shape plays a big role here too with the barrel design with soft edges hugging the wrist nicely, making it feel more compact than the numbers might suggest. 

If you have a 7-inch wrist or larger, you’ll have no problem pulling this off, but even those with a 6.5-inch wrist should find it wearable.

That said, if your wrist is on the smaller side, around 6 inches or below, you might want to check out some of Seiko’s mid-size Prospex divers in the 38mm range. Finding smaller dive watches isn’t always easy, but the Prospex collection offers some great options. 

Price & Availability 

The Seiko Prospex SNE589 retails for $525 brand new, which is pretty reasonable considering its solar movement, sapphire crystal, and full ISO-certified dive watch credentials.

Since it’s been out for a couple of years now, you can also find pre-owned examples on the second-hand market, typically ranging between $400 and $450, depending on condition and whether they come with the full set of box and papers. 

Unlike some of Seiko’s more exclusive releases, the SNE589 isn’t a limited edition and instead a permanent part of the Prospex lineup. That means availability shouldn’t be an issue and there’s no immediate rush to make a purchase if you’re still unsure. 

If you’re buying new, it’s always best to go through an authorized Seiko retailer like Exquisite Timepieces. That way, you can be sure you’re getting a genuine Seiko, complete with the official box, paperwork, and manufacturer’s warranty.

Conclusion 

So, is the Seiko Prospex SNE589 just another Seiko diver, or does it bring something fresh to the table? The answer is a bit of both.

Yes, it follows the tried-and-true Seiko dive watch formula because it’s ultimately a no-nonsense tool watch with a classic black dial, a well-sized stainless steel case, and rock-solid water resistance. But at the same time, it introduces some meaningful upgrades that make it stand out. 

The sapphire crystal is a major plus, offering far better scratch resistance than Seiko’s usual Hardlex. The solar-powered V157 movement is another key addition, delivering hassle-free, low-maintenance accuracy with months of power reserve.

It’s the kind of movement that makes this watch an ideal “grab-and-go” piece because you can just pick it up, throw it on, and never worry about winding or battery replacements. 

While the bracelet leaves something to be desired, that’s a minor gripe when you consider how easy and affordable it is to swap out.

And with a comfortable, well-sized case that wears well on most wrists, this is a dive watch that can handle anything. So if you were to ask me what I’d recommend if you wanted a durable, water-resistant, worry-free diver that doesn’t break the bank, I’d most likely answer with the Seiko Prospex SNE589.

Rolex is easily the most well-known watch brand on the planet. It has legions of devoted fans, and many horology buffs dream of owning one. With a long history that dates back more than a century and a variety of collections ranging from classic dress watches to divers to chronographs in stylish colorways, there are plenty of Rolexes to choose from. 

Like any luxury brand, Rolex also makes excellent GMT watches. Originally designed for pilots of PanAm in the 1950s, these watches helped usher in the jet age by allowing wearers to track more than one time zone. A useful function for world travelers as well as aviators, Rolex continued to evolve these beautiful tool watches from the GMT Master to the GMT Master II collections.

Today, those seeking one of Rolex’s classic fine timepieces can choose between the Rolex GMT Master 16700 and the GMT Master II 16710. Which is right for you? Let’s take a closer look at these two luxury watches.

The Rolex GMT Master 16700

The Rolex GMT Master Ref. 16700 is the older of these two timepieces. In production from 1988-99, the 16700 is the culmination of the GMT Master series that started in 1955. Jet-powered aircraft and international business made the world a smaller place.

A watch that could track multiple time zones was useful to pilots and travelers as well as anyone who worked or did business with others across the globe.

The Rolex GMT Master 16700 is powered by the brand’s caliber 3175 automatic movement. It has a non-independent GMT hand with a date complication and a hacking function. It’s COSC-certified and has a 48-hour power reserve.

The case is stainless steel and 40 mm in diameter. With a screw-down crown, this watch is water resistant to 100 meters, a good number for a non-diver.

With a black dial and Rolex’s classic handset, consisting of a sword minute hand and the Mercedes hour hand, it’s easy to read, as all of the brand’s watches are. It also has a red arrow GMT hand and a needle second hand. Early models used a tritium lume, while the later ones have Luminova.

The bi-directional 24-hour bezel has an aluminum insert and was available in either two-tone red and blue, called the Pepsi, or all black. You have the option of a bold or subtle dial and bezel combination.

The key feature of the 16700 is its ability to track two time zones. The hour hand goes around the dial once every 12 hours, as is standard, while the GMT hand makes one circuit every 24 hours. The two hands are tied together and cannot be set independently.

The GMT hand essentially displays military time. So, for example, at 9 am, the hour hand will point to the baton at nine on the dial, while the GMT hand points to the nine on the bezel. At 9 pm, the hour hand again points to the baton at nine, but the GMT hand will point to the 21 on the bezel.

The way to track an extra time zone is to turn the bezel so the correct time in the zone you desire is lined up with the GMT hand. All you have to do is read the hand the corresponds to the time zone you are monitoring.

Although the 16700 can only track two time zones, a nice feature is the quick set date, which comes in handy at the end of the shorter months, especially February. 

The GMT Master 16700 comes on either a stainless steel Oyster or Jubilee bracelet, both of which pair nicely with the case.

This timepiece was one of Rolex’s best sellers until it was phased out in 1999 in favor of the GMT Master II 16710. You can still get one on the used market, and they remain popular with horology fans. 

The Rolex GMT Master II 16710

In 1989, Rolex upped its game with the release of the GMT Master II 16710. It offered the ability to track three time zones as well as a new movement and an additional colorway. Production of this update GMT watch ran until 2007, and it was a hit and is still popular on the preowned market.

The early 16710 models were powered by the caliber 3185 movement, with the later ones upgraded to the caliber 3186.

Both movements offer a slightly upgraded power reserve of 50 hours and are COSC-certified. Both movements have a date complication, a hacking function, and a quick set GMT hand. The stainless steel case comes in the same 40 mm size as the 16700 and has a screw-down crown and 100 meters of water resistance. 

Like the 16700, the 16710 has a black dial and the same classic Rolex handset, including the red arrow GMT hand. Up until 1997, the 16710 used a tritium lume and switched to Luminova in 1998 and 1999. For the rest of its run, this watch used Superluminova.

The bi-directional bezel is made from anodized aluminum and is a 120-click bezel. In addition to the red and blue Pepsi and all black bezels, Rolex added a third option. A red and black bezel, which came to be known as the Coke, offers a compromise between the subtle all black and the bold Pepsi. 

The main additional feature of the 16710 is that it can track three time zones. The hour hand travels around the dial once in 12 hours and the GMT hand once in 24 hours, just like the older 16700. However, each hand can be set separately.

This allows the user to track one time zone with the hour hand and a second with the GMT. By adjusting the bezel to a third time zone, you’ve got a triple-threat GMT. There is no quick-set date adjustment, but it’s a small price to pay for the extra time zone tracking.

The 16710 comes on a stainless Oyster or Jubilee bracelet with an Oysterlock clasp. This clasp is more secure than the one that precedes it, and the steel has a greater chromium content. This makes it more corrosion-resistant, offering further protection from water. 

Rolex still makes GMT Master II watches, but the 16710 is out of production and only available as a pre-owned option. It nevertheless is still a popular choice for Rolex collectors.

Rolex GMT Master II 16700 vs 16710 – How to Choose

So, we have two very fine watches in the GMT Master 16700 and the GMT Master II 16710. If you’re looking for a classic Rolex, how do you choose? This depends on the features you need and desire and also the look you prefer.

Starting with aesthetics, if you have your heart set on the Coke color scheme, you will have to go with the 16710, since the 16700 only has the all black and the Pepsi. In these two colorways, the timepieces look virtually identical, and most people would be hard-pressed to tell them apart.

With its stainless bezel and aluminum insert, the 16700 has a slightly vintage look. If that’s important to you, take it into consideration. The anodized aluminum bezel of the 16710 has a subtly slicker look. You have to look very closely to see this, but it does matter to some watch collectors. 

The major difference between these two classic watches is, of course, the ability to track two vs. three time zones. For many people, two is sufficient for their needs.

When you add in the convenience of the quick-set date, the 16700 is a good choice. Not everyone needs to track three time zones, but if, say, you work in the New York office of an international company that has branches in London and LA, you may find the added time zone useful. 

The dials and handsets are identical, but there is the question of lume. If you are a tritium fan, there are far more 16700s out there with that option. The 16710 only used tritium briefly. You should have no trouble finding either of these watches with Luminova, but if you prefer Superluminova, you’ve got to go with the 16710. 

In terms of movements, the 16710 is available with the updated 3185 or 3186. However, the 3175 of the 16700 is every bit as accurate and reliable, so this is really just a matter of an additional two hours of power reserve. Both watches are available with either the Oyster or Jubilee bracelet, but if you are a fan of the Oysterlock clasp, that points you to the 16710. 

Conclusion

Throughout its long history, Rolex has produced a large number of classic watches that are stylish, reliable, and accurate. The GMT Master series watches are among the best timepieces of that type on the market.

Two of the most popular among horology connoisseurs are the GMT Master 16700 and the GMT Master II 16710. If you like the look of these timepieces, consider what options are most important to you, and search the pre-owned market for the one that floats your boat.

“Tudor is just an affordable Rolex”. This term needs to be thrown into the bin and burned into ashes because this is so untrue. Yes, Tudor is Rolex’s sister brand. Yes, they were both founded by the same owner. But as of late, Tudor is building a name of its own without its big brother’s help. 

Tudor has been killing it as of late, releasing new models after new models, and it does not seem to be slowing down. Thanks to their release of the Tudor Burgundy Heritage Black Bay in 2012, Tudor has properly cemented a place in the Swiss luxury watch world. 

The models within the Tudor range that attract the most people are undoubtedly their Black Bay heritage models, and we all love them for different reasons. However, there is another great collection from Tudor that is arguably often unmentioned enough – that’s the Tudor Pelagos. 

History

The Tudor Pelagos was first introduced in 2012 as Tudor wanted to prove to the world that they are one of the best brands for creating proper diver watches. 

During the same year of releasing the Black Bay model, which has a vintage-inspired diving watch design, the Pelagos is the opposite of that and has a modern design for people who go professional diving in the deep sea as just the name suggests (the Greek word for Pelagos is “deep sea”).

This release continues the legacy of Tudor since 1926, as Hans Wilsdorf always wanted to continue to strive making high quality watches that are built to withstand extreme conditions and pushing the limits. So much so that the marines even use the Pelagos for their important missions. 

There are four versions of Pelagos (Pelagoses?) this current day: matte black with contrasting white (2012), a blue dial (2015), Left Hand Drive (2016), and a Pelagos 39mm (2022).

Case

The Pelagos features a 42mm and 14.3mm thick case (39mm and 11.8mm thick), and the design of it is very utilitarian and is built to fit on the wrist well with a slight curve on the lugs to ensure maximum comfort. 

What impresses me the most is the build quality and the material of the Pelagos. It has a titanium case, and it weighs like nothing. I have handled the watch many times, and every time I pick it up, it always surprises me how light it is compared to other stainless steel watches of this size. 

To complete the look of the titanium case, it features a fully brushed, satin finish that has zero light reflections, giving it an extra sporty and utilitarian look. With a water resistance of 500m (200m for the Pelagos 39), it also features a screw-down crown and a nicely engraved Tudor logo on it. 

Furthermore, it has a closed case back, as most dive watches will have, but for the LHD (Left Hand Drive) model, it has an engraved caseback showing a numbered serial, indicating how many LHDs were made by Tudor, which is a very cool touch. 

What I think is the coolest and most unique feature of the Pelagos is its helium escape valve. It is located on the left side of the case (right side of the case for the LHD) and writes “GAS ESCAPE VALVE”. The purpose of this is to allow helium to escape from the watch during deep-sea diving to prevent the watch from exploding due to high pressure.

The Pelagos also has a unidirectional and ultra-durable ceramic bezel, which is virtually scratch-resistant.The bezel has very satisfying action with 60 clicks with virtually no play in it, making it more useful and reliable when using it under water or timing events. What’s also very scratch-resistant is the flat sapphire crystal and that improves legibility under water. 

As you can tell from its features, you will understand why the navies went for the Pelagos for their choice of watch. 

Dial

The Pelagos has three different dials that it comes with (technically 4 but I will get into that later), matte black with contrasting white, matte black with an off white on the LHD and a blue dial. 

All 3 dials feature a brushed and an almost grainy surface finish on the dial, and again, improving legibility as there will be no reflection of light, making it more contrasting with its applied bright white indices. It also features the iconic Tudor snowflake hour hand, a sword-like minute hand and a smaller snowflake seconds hand.

The dial on the Pelagos 39 is slightly more unique. It has a sunburst black dial, offering a more alluring look and will look differently depending on lighting. This provides the watch an entirely new look, making it slightly more dressy than its brothers. 

It also features a date window at 3 with a white date disc and a black date font. What’s also on the dial is the five lines of text written at 6, showcasing the reliability and the waterproofness of the watch, albeit being a little cramped on the dial. 

On a side note, on the Pelagos 39, it does not feature a date window, giving the watch a more symmetrical dial and this appeals to more watch enthusiasts (mainly because you don’t need a date when you’re diving if you’re a purist). But also, it might not be as functional as the 42mm Pelagos without the date. 

The bezel also has contrasting white markers with a clearer and more precise minute track going from 0 to 15 to more accurately track your diving time between those minutes. 

For the LHD, the indices, markers and hands feature an off-white color, making it more vintage looking. Also, the word “Pelagos” on the dial is red in color and the date window in the roulette style, meaning the numbers alternate between black and red, which again, is a very cool touch.

The Pelagos 39 also features a red “Pelagos writing” and without the date window, it offers a cleaner and classic look and with just a pop of color to prevent the watch from looking too dull.

As a diving watch, the lume is excellent, featuring a blue colored lume on the hands, indices and the markers on the bezel. The lume lasts around 6-8 hours according to the wearers of this watch. No matter if you’re doing deep-sea diving, or just wanting to check the time on your watch during the night, the Pelagos got you covered. 

Movement

The Pelagos is powered by the very reliable in-house caliber MT5612. This automatic movement is 100% COSC certified to provide high performance robustness, reliability and also a precision of -4s to +6s a day. It also features a “weekend proof” power reserve of 70 hours, meaning the wearer can take off the watch on Friday and back to wearing it on Monday without worrying about it stopping. 

On a day to day basis, wearers have also claimed that the watch is actually more accurate than what it suggests, around +1 to +3 seconds a day, making it very accurate and also very reliable. 

In the Pelagos 39, it features an in-house caliber MT5400. It has all the great features and reliability of the MT5612, just without the date. Arguably, in the long run, the Pelagos 39 might be more reliable than the others due to it having one less component. One less component means one less part for it to potentially go wrong. 

Straps

The Pelagos has a full titanium bracelet, including the clasp as well, making the overall aesthetic much more utilitarian. The design of the bracelet features a three-link design that is very functional but also looks stylish. 

The bracelet also has a unique, patented auto-adjustable buckle. It is a spring mechanism that allows the bracelet to auto adjust during diving, depending on the depth of diving, the wrist might be compressed and thus, making the watch looser. 

This spring loaded adjustable buckle will adjust automatically on the spot to ensure the watch is always on the wrist of the diver. The same will happen as the diver returns to the wrist and pressure decreases, the buckle will return back to the original size. This auto-adjustable buckle is available in the Tudor Pelagos 42 only, where deep diving is prioritized. 

The Pelagos 39 is equipped with Tudor’s proprietary T-fit clasp that allows the wearers to adjust the strap on the fly without any hiccups.

It allows the wearer to make small and instant adjustments with a total adjustment window of 8 millimeters. This unique, patented clasp also has a 25 millimeter bracelet extension, which allows the wearers to be worn over a wetsuit. 

From experience, the T-fit clasp is one of the best in the business. Its ability to just adjust easily and smoothly, but at the same time does it very sturdily makes it one of the best that I’ve used among most watches, let alone watches in the same price bracket. 

But, there’s more. It even comes with a flexible and comfortable black rubber strap along with a titanium pin buckle that also has a Tudor logo engraved on it.

The rubber strap also features solid end links so there are no gaps between the rubber strap and the case. The attention to detail that Tudor has in this watch is amazing. 

This allows the watch to be truly an everyday watch. Want something more versatile to match with a shirt or perhaps suit? Go for the bracelet. Going to the beach or doing sports? Change it to the rubber strap.

However, I wish Tudor included a spring bar tool in the package so that the wearers can change the strap on their own. Instead, they have to bring it to the store to change it, which might be a hassle for some people. 

On-Wrist Experience

I have personally held this watch several times and have also compared this model to other watches as well. The Tudor Pelagos always surprises me in terms of how great it feels. It feels extremely light on the wrist and sometimes you forget that it’s on your wrist, but at the same time when you handle the watch, it feels extremely sturdy. 

The curved lugged on the case gives a great wearing experience as it sits well on your wrist. The 42mm will fit people with larger wrists and because of the weight, it actually feels that you’re wearing something smaller. 

Thus, I would say the Pelagos will fit a 7 inch wrist or above easily. So if you’ve got a smaller wrist, do not worry as it fits most wrists out there and besides, you can always go for a different Pelagos if it’s too small/big. 

Bezel action is great and wearers have stated that after long term use, there are still no scratches on the bezel and the “clicks” remain to be very tactile and satisfying after long term wear.

When I tried this watch on, I was wearing a suit, and to be honest, you could get away with it. Obviously it is not a dress watch by any means but I can see people wearing this on a slightly more formal wear with this watch, especially on the titanium bracelet.

The only slight issue with this watch is the thickness. With a thickness of 14.3mm, it does not hide under the cuff very easily, but other than that, if you’re not always wearing a suit (which is 80% of the people out there), this watch will wear great.

For me personally, I will pick the Pelagos 39mm as I believe it will fit most people’s wrist. Depending on where you are located, during the hotter days as your wrist expands or during colder days where your wrist contracts, the T-fit clasp is a dream to have, making it a comfortable fit all the time.

It is more wearable, thinner and at the same time, it still includes all the same specs, the 70 hour reserve, the accuracy, the finishing, and everything important is still there except the 500m water resistance. But let’s be real here, nobody is going more than 10 metres deep let alone 500m. 

Price & Availability

You can purchase the Tudor Pelagos at your local authorized Tudor retailer such as Exquisite Timepieces and you can get them online or in store.

The Pelagos 42 is priced at $5,200 whereas the Pelagos 39 is $4,875. It is usually available in stores and because of how great of a watch this is, I do not think the Tudor Pelagos is going to be gone any time soon.

You can also get them at preowned stores at potentially a lower price but please buy at your own risk and only buy from a reputable dealer. 

I personally think at this price point, I can safely say this is probably the best priced luxury watch out there. You get a reliable watch from a very reputable brand that offers 5 years international warranty, full titanium case and bracelet, solid wearability and an appealing design. Compared to many dive watches around the market at this price point, this Tudor Pelagos is hard to beat. 

Conclusion

I’ve admired Tudor for a very long time, making bold and daring watches but at the same time maintaining its identity as one of the best Swiss watch brands in a very competitive industry.

Doing things outside of the box may often backfire, especially in the very enthusiastic and scary watch world. But the release of the Pelagos is precisely why I think Tudor is making a brand for itself, and even succeeded at that. 

The Pelagos is incredibly well-made and for the money, it’s one of the best dive watches out there that you can find. For around $5000, it offers a sporty, durable, comfortable and most importantly, versatile wearing experience.

The inclusion of the rubber strap just makes it even better for money, and for the versatility to switch styles depending on your mood. It will suit most people out there and it ticks all the boxes for it being an excellent daily beater and even more uniquely, it’s made entirely from titanium. 

The Tudor Pelagos does not only suit people for day to day wear, and is even chosen by the marines, making it a watch that you have to try for yourself in store or perhaps even better, own one.

Smartwatches are a pretty purpose-built genre. For the most part, they’re designed to exist unobtrusively on your wrist and are shaped entirely around their function. 

Popular companies such as Garmin and G-Shock love to use incredibly light materials, such as resin and titanium and are sure to advertise the utter weightlessness of their product.

But what if it didn’t have to be that way? What if you could find a smartwatch that didn’t hide its design but embraced it? A watch that wants to be seen and felt in its position on your wrist.

I know that was a bit of a theatrical intro, but the TAG Heuer Connected is really just that. It’s a smartwatch you’ll want to flash around a little. 

Not in a “look at me, I’m wearing a luxury smartwatch” kind of way (looking at you, Hublot Big Bang e Titanium Diamonds), but in a way that whispers, “this is a quality product that is built to last.”

If you’re still reading this, something about that speaks to you that’s worth investigating. So, let’s take a look at TAG Heuer’s Swiss smartwatches: the Connected E4 and the Golf Edition.

History

The TAG Heuer Connected collection turns one decade old this year. At its unveiling in 2015, then-CEO and industry legend Jean-Claude Biver proudly declared that the watch exemplified “Silicon Valley meets Switzerland,” and I think he was certainly right to do so. 

It was originally created through a partnership with Intel and Google since the watch is powered by Google’s Wear OS but features TAG Heuer’s iconic design. 

It was designed from the start to be a luxury Swiss smartwatch alternative, for those looking for just a little extra class on their wrist but with all the functionality of modern smartwatch tech.

The collection has evolved over the years—the current edition is the fourth, the E4—but the basic DNA remains the same. 

TAG Heuer didn’t want to create a distinctive smartwatch, but rather a smartwatch that looks in every way like a normal watch, with all the elegance that they know how to infuse in everything they make. 

This is reflected in the case profile and the ceramic bezel, as well as the display, which throughout the collection’s history has been based on various watch faces offered by TAG Heuer.

Case

At first glance, anyone could be easily fooled into thinking the TAG Heuer Connected is really a mechanical TAG watch, and a large part of creating that elegant appearance is the case structure. 

TAG offers either a 42mm or a 45mm case with two pushers and a crown, much like you might see on a chronograph. Thankfully, TAG Heuer is careful to compensate for the large diameter by adding shorter lugs, making for an overall very wearable smartwatch.

The buttons and crown are specifically designed to be extremely ergonomic, comfortable and easy to use, and they sure look it. Personally, I’m a big fan of the tapered pushers, which have such a sleek shape and really accentuate the structure of the lugs. 

The crown is engraved with TAG Heuer’s logo and looks much like a standard watch crown, really helping to sell its watch identity.

In particular, the PVD ceramic bezel is an exceptional luxury touch that you’d be hard-pressed to find in nearly any other smartwatch on the market today. 

Not only that, but the sapphire crystal actually extends over this bezel, meaning that it won’t impede your usage of the touchscreen—so you get a touch of luxury shine without sacrificing the practical usage of the watch. With this case, TAG Heuer has really pushed the boundaries of what a smartwatch can be.

Display

If the case is the outfit your watch wears, and the movement is the beating heart, the display is the face, perhaps the most important element in creating an overall elegant presentation. TAG Heuer definitely put quite a good deal of attention into creating the different display options for their Connected E4, and all of the dial options are available directly from the company. 

While this means you don’t have the incredibly wide variety that you’d get with a Garmin, where people can design dials and sell them on the Garmin store, this also ensures that each dial will be high-quality and have razor-sharp clarity.

The dial options are simple but very clean. Most come directly from watches that TAG Heuer offers—even some that are directly inspired by their mechanical offerings, such as one face that features a virtual flying tourbillon (which may just be the single most ironic thing I’ve ever seen on a watch, but I digress). Another that replicates a mechanical skeleton dial.

The display itself is a touchscreen covered by a hard sapphire crystal, so you won’t acquire too many scratches on that lovely clear display. The screen is AMOLED, so it’s very bright when it’s active. 

The dial will go into an ambient mode when not directly in use, but the screen merely dims instead of going fully dark, so you don’t have to flick your wrist around and get the watch to turn on fully just to be able to see the time. 

To me, this is yet another proof of TAG Heuer’s intentionality in producing a smartwatch that works just like any other watch they make—easy to use and just as easy to tell the time as a mechanical timepiece.

Depending on which edition of the watch you spring for, you can also get different faces. The Golf Edition, for example, comes with 5 unique golf-inspired faces. 

In the past, TAG has also made Connected collaborations with Porsche and—believe it or not—Super Mario, so if you pick up an older one of these, you can even get custom dials featuring everyone’s favorite cartoon plumber. 

Oh, and there’s a current collaboration with the Oracle Red Bull Racing team with plenty of special dials inspired by the team’s colors. Outside of the special editions, however, you’ll be stuck with the much more restrained standard dial features.

Smartwatch Features and Battery Life

Let me preface this section with a brief disclaimer. You will probably be disappointed by the features the Connected E4 has to offer. I was, anyways. It’s not exactly a winning combo. In TAG’s defense, however—that’s not really the point. 

The watch is elegant, simple, and made to have a luxury feel and design. It’s not about cutting-edge technology. Would that have been nice to see here for a watch of this price? Absolutely. But at its essence, that’s not what it’s all about.

In any case, I’m not here to make an apology for the Connected E4, so it’s up to you whether the overall design and the features that are available are worth it for this watch. Let’s start off with the battery life, which is just one day (or two if you don’t use it late at night). It’s not exactly the 40-some days you can get on a Garmin with solar charging, but it’s also not built for the things the Garmin is, like adventuring off the grid. 

You’re wearing it around your home and around town, not to go explore uncharted waters. But a little bit longer would have been nice. Thankfully, the supplied charger is pretty cool, and I love the little TAG Heuer logo which lights up when it’s charging.

In terms of basic specs, the Connected E4 comes with a heart rate monitor, a GPS, and an accelerometer for swimming, running, and other activities. These all perform relatively well, with the possible exception of the heart rate monitor—I’ve heard a few complaints that it undercounts, which can also impact other calculations like your calories burned. These basic hardware features power each of the applications the watch has to offer.

If you’re a world-class athlete, you’d be much better off training with a Garmin or COROS than this TAG Heuer. TAG’s suite of wellness applications is relatively limited when compared to most others on the market. You do get real-time calories burned and energy management for races and other competitions, along with training sessions. 

In this latter category, you can actually follow programs made by top athletes (presumably TAG Heuer ambassadors), which is relatively compelling, and also follow along with a display of how to do specific exercises on the watch screen. It’s more of an everyday hitting-the-gym companion than an athletic trainer, to say the least.

Outside of the sports and fitness applications, you do get most of the other functions you’d expect from a modern smartwatch, like notifications, weather, calendar, and music syncing with your phone. The baseline is there, and it’s pretty strong, but it’s not exceptional cutting-edge tech.

Lastly, let’s touch on the golf-specific apps, which are, of course, exclusive to the Golf Edition of the Connected E4. These are actually pretty fantastic, and I was pleasantly surprised to see pretty much everything a golfer could ask for here. You’ve got automatic scoring for you and scorecard-keeping for everyone golfing with you. 

2D and 3D maps of 40,000 golf courses around the world, plus 3D mapping of all your shots over the map as you progress. Stats and feedback on how you did after your trip is over. Recommendations on which club to use for each shot. 

I’m not much of a golfer, but I really can’t think of much more you could ask for. If you’re looking for a golf companion, the TAG Heuer Connected really stands out from its competition.

Straps

There’s not too much to say about the different strap options here, as TAG Heuer has kept it pretty simple. Almost every option comes—if you don’t configure it—on a rubber strap, which is perfectly fine, honestly. Not much to comment on, but it gets the job done and is what 99% of people who are wearing a smartwatch will be looking for. 

Can you easily swap it out for leather if you so wish? Absolutely, TAG even gives you that option upfront when buying the watch, and you can just as well swap out for your own leather strap. But it’s a simple, workhorse option that comes right with the watch, and most people won’t have any need to swap anything out. 

If you spring for the Golf Edition, you’ll get a rubber strap with a little extra texture, inspired by golf balls in a way that’s not super obtrusive or gimmicky, but actually works pretty well.

That said… TAG Heuer does also offer the option to pair a steel bracelet with a steel case watch in either size. I can’t help but love it. It feels so ridiculous in so many ways. A luxury steel integrated bracelet on a smartwatch? Where do I sign up? It’s like Hublot putting their dress watches on a rubber strap. 

It just makes no sense, and yet it works perfectly for this watch. The bracelet itself is pretty darn good, too, with very little gap between links and mirrored central links contrasting with the brushed ends. Frankly, it has no right to look this good.

On-Wrist Experience

TAG Heuer manages to nearly perfectly accomplish what they set out to do: create a smartwatch that has an immaculate luxury look and feel. The watch is big, to be sure, and for those with smaller wrists, you’ll definitely want to go for the 42mm size. 

That said, TAG shortened the lugs a little to make for a watch that’s ever so slightly more wearable than how its measurement sounds. This means you get a larger display, which is perfect for its smartwatch nature, with extra wearability.

The look is definitely the biggest draw of the watch because most of the smartwatch features won’t cut it for a lot of people who are looking for a serious tool to wear. The heart rate monitor and pared-back fitness features are perfectly fine for a guy like me who just drops by the gym to stay relatively in shape and spends most of his time safely ensconced within civilization. 

For me, I really appreciate the luxury look and feel of the watch, and I don’t mind as much not having the latest tech and tactical features. It’s a watch I feel comfortable wearing with most outfits and even taking out to more formal events. That’s really the draw of the watch for almost anyone, I’m sure.

A last thing I want to touch on in terms of the watch’s everyday wearability is the way it integrates with your phone. It doesn’t have any sort of built-in cellular, so everything comes directly from Bluetooth with your phone. Since it runs on Google’s Wear OS, this can cause some problems for some (but not all) iPhone users. 

I’ve heard a few reports that the watch often struggles to pair with their phone. To really get it to work well with your iPhone, you end up needing to download the Google Wear OS app, as well as the TAG Heuer Connected app, which can be problematic for both your storage and the space on your home screen. 

You also can’t directly reply to notifications on the watch with an iPhone. It just integrates a lot better with Androids as a consequence of its Google-powered innards and can be a little frustrating at times to use with an iPhone. 

If you’re an Android user, this is all well and good and can be a little extra advantage with having the watch. If you’re an Apple fan, be sure to save a little screen and storage space for the apps you’ll need.

Price & Availability

The TAG Heuer Connected E4 currently goes for around $1,450, or $1,950 for the Golf Edition. This is sort of an average value, since there are different prices for the normal one depending on case material and how you choose to configure it, but it hovers around there.

Interestingly, the retail price of the watch has been steadily going down over time, which I actually really appreciate. TAG Heuer has shown an awareness of the market, and of how competitive their product is with other smartwatches that are available right now, and since the technology of the E4 has been outstripped in several ways recently, the price has gone down accordingly. It’s still not cheap, but it’s significantly lower than it was before (well over $2,000!), and I appreciate the intentionality from TAG here.

It’s certainly an expensive smartwatch option, but it’s also a luxury item that comes with the TAG Heuer brand name and is built to last. Yes, it costs more upfront, but it can also last you longer even while others are upgrading to the latest iterations of whatever smartwatch they’re into and end up spending more money.

Note as well that TAG also offers a trade-in program, where you can sell your E4 to get some money back towards a newer edition of the watch. If they release a new collection in the future, you won’t have to worry about missing out just because you got an older version of the watch.

You can find the TAG Heuer Connected E4 for sale on the company’s website at around $1,450.

Conclusion

It’s not a watch that’s going to stun your friends with its crazy features and long battery life, but it sure is beautiful. And in the end, that’s what TAG wanted. Whether you like it as it is or not, TAG Heuer hit their goal dead-on with this one, and I think there’s something to be respected in that. 

A luxury Swiss watchmaking house stuck to its guns and made something following its own ideals, its own design, and its own character, and this is the product. Love it or hate it, it’s a pretty darn good watch that deserves a round of applause.