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Verdict: The 2017 TAG Heuer Connected Modular 45 is still an unusually handsome, well-made luxury smartwatch, but its appeal is now mainly physical and historical. Premium case options, TAG Heuer styling and genuinely interchangeable exterior parts make it interesting to collectors. The aging Android Wear platform, roughly daily charging, discontinued status and uncertain serviceability make it a poor choice as a practical smartwatch in 2026 unless you find a healthy example cheaply and specifically want the design.
What the Connected Modular 45 is
The Connected Modular 45 was TAG Heuer’s 45 mm smartwatch generation introduced in 2017, following the original 46 mm Connected. TAG Heuer support identifies the 2017 Modular models as Calibre E2. It launched with Intel hardware and Android Wear 2.0, and sat above ordinary Android Wear watches through its case finishing, branding and watch components rather than through radically different software.
It is easy to confuse with the later Connected Modular 41, the 2020 Connected Calibre E3, the 2022 Calibre E4 or the current Calibre E5. Those are different generations with different processors, batteries, sensors, operating systems and phone requirements. The original 45 mm model is a digital watch: there is no mechanical TAG Heuer movement inside it.
As of August 16, 2026, TAG Heuer’s US pages label Modular 45 references discontinued. They remain useful historical specifications, not proof that new stock or factory support is available. Examples include the titanium reference, black-PVD titanium reference, titanium/steel-bezel reference, and blue- and black-strap configurations (blue; black).
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#1 Best Overall
Design and wrist feel
The Modular 45 looks more like a TAG Heuer Carrera than a generic piece of consumer electronics. A physical crown and pushers frame the round display, while the bezel, lugs, clasp and strap are designed as watch components rather than tech accessories. Depending on the reference, TAG Heuer used titanium, black PVD/DLC finishes, steel bezels, ceramic details, sapphire crystal and different rubber, leather or bracelet options. A titanium version can feel surprisingly light for its size, although the case remains visibly chunky.
That 45 mm measurement is only the starting point. Case thickness, lug geometry and your wrist circumference determine whether it sits neatly or overhangs. On a smaller wrist it can look top-heavy and interfere with shirt cuffs; owners of large traditional watches are more likely to find the proportions natural. Sleep wearing is also less appealing because of the bulk and the need to charge every day.
Hands-on reports described a substantial but well-built watch. The premium impression varies by reference: a titanium case with sapphire and a good clasp feels convincingly luxurious, while a less expensive configuration can feel closer to an expensive gadget with a luxury logo. Inspect the exact reference rather than assuming every Modular 45 has identical materials or comfort.
What “Modular” really means
Modularity is real, but it is external. TAG Heuer’s guide describes “inter-modularity,” including changing lugs and buying additional accessories. You can swap straps and bracelets and, where supported by the reference, alter the lugs, bezel and other visible combinations to move between sportier and more traditional looks.
Rank #2
- TAG HEUER SMARTWATCH - Includes waterproof TAG Heuer Smart Watch Connected Calibre E4 42 mm Golf Edition, white strap, and black/green interchangeable rubber straps with titanium grade 2 buckles, USB-C cable, main socket, charging dock, and 3 Tag Heuer Golf balls.
- WHERE LUXURY MEETS SPORTS & FITNESS - Tag Heuer fitness watch features include heart rate, wellness, fitness, steps, calling, SMS, emails, compass, microphone, barometer readings, and more. Pre-installed apps & features include TAG Heuer Sports (Running, Cycling, Fitness, Swimming, other sports), TAG Heuer Wellness, TAG Heuer Golf, NFT Viewer.
- MAXIMIZED FOR HIGH PERFORMANCE - Tag Heuer Watches men or women is crafted in ultra-light grade 2 titanium and integrating ergonomic black steel pushers, the sandblasted, black DLC-finished case is built to endure.
- A MUST HAVE FOR EVERY GOLFER - TAG Heuer Golf Watch has a stunning 2D high resolution display showing hazards and distances of more than 40,000 golf courses worldwide.It's the perfect caddie on the wrist; one has just to glance at the watch to know the distance for the next shot while seeing the club recommendation.
- TAG HEURER WATCH POWER & CONNECTIVITY - Running on an impressive Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 4100+ chipset with a Sapphire Crystal AMOLED display 1.28". With smart watch features that connect with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, NS GNSS.
- External modularity: interchangeable lugs, straps and selected case or bezel components.
- Electronic modularity: not user-replaceable; the processor, battery and display are a sealed watch module.
- Mechanical conversion: do not assume a Modular 45 automatically turns into a mechanical watch. Any trade-in or mechanical-module offer was a separate, region- and package-specific arrangement and should be confirmed for the exact reference.
This distinction matters when buying used. A box of spare straps adds value, but it does not make the electronics upgradeable.
Display, controls and software
The round OLED screen was bright and high-resolution by 2017 standards, with touchscreen navigation supplemented by the crown and pushers. TAG Heuer’s own faces, chronograph layouts and colour treatments are the strongest visual software differentiators. Notifications, app screens and settings otherwise feel recognisably like Android Wear 2.0 on other watches of the same period.
Launch-era functions included notifications, downloadable Android Wear apps, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, NFC and voice interactions where the relevant service was available. TAG Heuer’s original guide lists those radios and an ambient-light sensor. A 2017 capability is not a promise that the corresponding Google service, payment system or app still works in 2026.
Pairing has an unusual two-app dependency. TAG Heuer’s support page identifies the 2017 watch as Calibre E2 and says the Wear OS app handles pairing while the Connected Modular app supplies TAG Heuer-specific features: TAG Heuer pairing guidance. The company does not establish current compatibility with every modern Android phone or iPhone, nor does it promise ongoing software support for this discontinued generation.
Rank #3
- 🧩 [PERFECT FIT] BoxWave Screen Protector Compatible With Tag Heuer Connected Modular 45. Two (2) Award-winning, crystal clear screen protectors, PRECISION-CUT to fit your Connected Modular 45's exact dimensions! Save the extra one for later, or share it with a friend!
- 💎 [CLARITY] Amazing GLASS-LIKE clarity; ultra-high 99% visual transparency produces vibrant colors
- 💪 [STRENGTH AND STABILITY] Made from high-grade thermoplastics designed for durability; ClearTouch Crystal PROTECTS your screen from scratches and dust
- 💦 [CLEAN] A GLUELESS adhesive bonds perfectly to your screen and will never leave a sticky residue after peeling
- 💼 [INCLUDED] Each package contains 2 ClearTouch Crystal screen protectors for your Connected Modular 45, a ClearTouch Applicator card, and microfiber cleaning cloth. [Please be advised] The special low-tack adhesive takes a little time to fully adhere around the edges and when it does, the air gaps clear out.The gaps will go away in about 2 days after regular use.
Everyday smartwatch performance
Notifications and watch faces
For basic alerts and a custom watch face, the Modular 45 can still resemble a luxury watch at a glance. The crown and pushers make common actions less fiddly than touchscreen-only designs. The limitation is longevity: old app dependencies, account requirements and changing phone operating systems can break an otherwise functional watch.
Fitness, GPS and NFC
GPS, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and NFC were part of the intended feature set, but current tracking, payment and voice-service behavior must be tested on the exact watch and phone combination. Do not buy it expecting the health ecosystem, sleep analysis, sensor breadth or update schedule of a current Apple Watch or Wear OS model.
Battery and charging
Battery life was a daily-charge proposition, not a multi-day one. GPS sessions, frequent notifications, Wi-Fi, high brightness and third-party apps reduce runtime further. The proprietary charging hardware adds another ownership risk.
A used Modular 45 is now approximately nine years old. Battery chemistry degrades even when a watch has spent most of its life in a drawer, so a launch review cannot predict the endurance of a secondhand unit. Assume materially worse battery life unless the seller documents a recent battery replacement or a measured test. Rapid percentage drops, shutdowns during GPS use, heat while charging, contact sensitivity or a watch that works only on its charger are serious warnings.
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- Aerospace grade patented material engineered for your specific device wet application
- IPG’s unique ingredients provide self-healing for your existing scratches
- Free lifetime replacement warranty for the life of your IPG Hydrogel TAG HEUER Connected - 45mm Screen Protector
- Virtually invisible, protects your display from unwanted scratches and repels dust, while reducing signs of daily wear
- Anti Fingerprint. Not Interfere with Touch screen Technology
Confirm that the original charger is included, that the contacts are clean and that the watch reaches a full charge consistently. TAG Heuer’s user guide directs owners to use the supplied charging accessories and qualified TAG Heuer service for malfunctioning equipment. No model-specific 2026 battery-replacement price or availability is established.
Water resistance and durability
TAG Heuer rates the Calibre E2 Modular 45 at 50 m / 5 ATM. The company’s guidance allows shallow-water activities such as swimming but excludes scuba diving, water skiing and high-velocity water exposure: TAG Heuer water-resistance guidance.
That rating is not permanent. Impacts, opened cases, aged seals and previous repairs can reduce protection, and leather straps and charging accessories are not water-resistant. Do not deliberately swim with an old example before a qualified inspection; treat a used watch’s original rating as historical, not guaranteed.
Was it a good smartwatch for its price?
| As a luxury watch object | As a smartwatch |
|---|---|
| Recognisable TAG Heuer styling and large-watch presence | Android Wear 2.0 software is obsolete compared with current platforms |
| Titanium, ceramic, sapphire and quality straps on selected references | Usually requires daily charging and an aging proprietary charger |
| Interchangeable lugs and straps provide meaningful visual variety | App, phone and service compatibility may fail without warning |
| Interesting piece of smartwatch history | Limited future-proofing, health features and parts certainty |
Contemporary coverage found the watch attractive and well built but noted that its core software experience was broadly similar to other Android Wear 2.0 products. TAG Heuer’s differentiation was primarily design, materials and branded faces, not a unique app platform. WIRED’s hands-on account is available at WIRED; Engadget’s review also challenged the implication that “modular” meant a user-upgradable electronic device (Engadget).
Best Value
- 9H Hardness can effectively resist daily scratches.
- Dust-free,bubble free,one-push super easily installation.
- Oleophobic Screen Coating protects against sweat and oil residue from fingerprints.
- 0.33mm thick keep the screen responsive to every touch and tap.
- Extreme clarity preserves the original screen brightness and definition, ensuring viewing experience.
What it cost, and what that means now
WIRED reported a UK starting price of £1,400 at launch (launch pricing context). Surviving TAG Heuer US pages show historical reference prices from roughly $1,700 to $6,250, depending on materials and configuration. Those are launch or list-price signals, not verified 2026 used-market values.
There is no honest single “fair price” today. Condition, exact reference, battery health, charger, box and papers, spare modules, seller location and evidence of successful pairing determine value. A low price does not compensate for a dead battery or unavailable charger.
Buying a used Modular 45 in 2026
- Identify the reference. Photograph the case, box and paperwork. Record the case material, bezel, strap, clasp and any included lugs.
- Check setup before paying. Ask the seller to show the watch reaching its setup screen and, if possible, pairing with a current phone. The Wear OS and Connected Modular apps are both relevant.
- Test the battery. Start at 100 percent, record overnight drain and run a short GPS or exercise session. Treat any result as specific to that aged unit.
- Inspect charging. Verify the original cradle or cable, clean contacts and stable charging when positioned correctly.
- Inspect physical condition. Look for crystal chips, crown or pusher damage, loose lugs, case impacts, corrosion and strap cracking.
- Ask about service in your country. Request a written answer from TAG Heuer or an authorised boutique about battery replacement, module replacement and parts availability. Do not treat a forum anecdote as policy.
- Assume water caution. An old watch should not be trusted in water without a current pressure test and intact seals.
Common failure paths
- Pairing failure: update the phone and both apps where possible, remove the watch from Bluetooth settings, reset it, reinstall both apps and retry. A different compatible Android phone may help isolate the problem, but compatibility is not guaranteed.
- Battery failure: rapid drops, heat, charging cut-outs and exercise shutdowns usually make the watch uneconomical unless service is confirmed.
- Missing charger: replacement hardware may be difficult to source, so price the watch as incomplete until availability is verified.
How it compares with alternatives
Later TAG Heuer Connected watches
The E4 is a closer Wear OS-era replacement with newer Snapdragon 4100+ hardware and a larger battery, but regional pages may show it as out of stock or discontinued. The current Connected Calibre E5 is TAG Heuer’s direct modern successor. Its official page lists a 45 mm case, 50 m water resistance, 1.39-inch OLED display, 419 mAh battery, TAG Heuer OS, Snapdragon Wear 5100+, Wi-Fi, GNSS and Bluetooth 5.3, with up to three days in low-power mode and a full day after 30 minutes of charging: Calibre E5. It remains a luxury-priced watch and its TAG Heuer OS ecosystem may be less appealing than mainstream platforms.
Mainstream smartwatches
Choose a current Wear OS watch or Apple Watch if your priority is active software support, health tracking, sleep features, payments, broad apps and predictable phone compatibility. Exact model recommendations and prices change too quickly to infer from the 2017 Modular 45.
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If the goal is lasting horological ownership rather than notifications and fitness data, a mechanical TAG Heuer is the more coherent purchase. The Modular 45 offers luxury styling, not a mechanical movement.
Final verdict
| Category | Assessment |
|---|---|
| Design and materials | Strong on premium references; distinctly TAG Heuer |
| Modularity | Useful external customization, not electronic upgradability |
| Software | Historically capable, now aging and uncertain |
| Battery | Daily charging at launch; likely weaker in used units |
| Fitness and services | Hardware was equipped for GPS and NFC, but current support must be verified |
| Value in 2026 | Collector/style purchase only at a suitably low, condition-adjusted price |
The Connected Modular 45 remains compelling as a TAG Heuer-styled object and a landmark luxury smartwatch. It is difficult to justify as a functional smartwatch in 2026 unless you specifically want its 45 mm design, accept daily charging and obtain a fully working example with a healthy battery, charger and realistic expectations about software and service.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
