Tag Heuer Connected Modular could arrive in March, will focus on customisation

Tag Heuer has already confirmed it will release a new smartwatch this year. CEO Jean-Claude Biver told the Swiss press that it would be released in May 2017, but now, sources familiar with the watch have told Android Central that it will in fact launch on 14 March instead.

• Tag Heuer Connected review: Android Wear gets its luxury tag

The same sources have also divulged a few of the watch’s features, most notably, interchangeable straps and lugs which will make the second Connected smartwatch – expected to be called Connected Modular – a lot more customisation than the previous model.

It’s also claimed the Android Wear 2.0 smartwatch will be able to switch between digital and traditional analogue faces, and use an automatic movement. It’s not clear if you’ll receive two different watch faces which can be interchanged, but considering the alleged name of the watch, it would certainly make sense. 

While the original Connected could already pass as a regular watch thanks to its looks, if the new feature is true it will make the Connected Modular a much more versatile wrist companion. You would theoretically be able to use it as a smartwatch or fitness tracker during the day, and switch it to a smart dress watch for the evening.

There’s no word on pricing at the moment, but automatic movements don’t come cheap. Add on built-in GPS and NFC for mobile payments, plus the Tag Heuer badge and it’s shaping up to be pretty expensive.

Tag Heuer will of course be hoping the second watch will be just as successful as the first. The company only expected to sell around 20,000 units in the first six months, but in fact sold around 56,000. As for how many of the $9,900 Rose Gold edition Connected have been sold remains to be seen.