Tag Heuer Partnering With Google and Intel to Build Connected Smartwatch

[apolloa]

No, what you don't understand is that Apple doesn't care about making a mechanical watch. Why would they? The fact that Tag has outsourced all tech to Intel and Google essentially makes them just another OEM which proves my original point that they can't compete from an engineering standpoint.

And Apple doesn't have to create the chips. The IP is in the design, not manufacturing. And judging by how badly Intel is losing the mobile chip war, no I don't think they have the same level of engineering talent that Apple has acquired.

I didn't say Apple invented the link bracelet or a flush clasp but that combo and the ability to add/remove individual links is to my knowledge a first.

That has to be one of the most hypocritical comments ever written on this site! You just stated you have proved that Tag lacks engineering skills because it has to partner with Intel, then in the same comment stated oh but it's Ok for Apple to out source everything for it's watch...

And the IP is in the design, well yeah and Tag will have that in the design of the watch, Apple is essentially one gigantic OEM as it doesn't make a thing itself bar software..
I also think you need to provide proof that Apple has 'invented' a new watch bracelet, before you claim they have.

But you have pretty much summed up your lack of knowledge in this one sentence:

And judging by how badly Intel is losing the mobile chip war, no I don't think they have the same level of engineering talent that Apple has acquired.

You have now stated the Intel does NOT have the same engineering skills as Apple enough said I believe..

 

[chris975d]

No, what you don't understand is that Apple doesn't care about making a mechanical watch. Why would they? The fact that Tag has outsourced all tech to Intel and Google essentially makes them just another OEM which proves my original point that they can't compete from an engineering standpoint.

And Apple doesn't have to create the chips. The IP is in the design, not manufacturing. And judging by how badly Intel is losing the mobile chip war, no I don't think they have the same level of engineering talent that Apple has acquired.

I didn't say Apple invented the link bracelet or a flush clasp but that combo and the ability to add/remove individual links is to my knowledge a first.

----------



I get that luxury watches aren't bought for utility and I agree the current Apple Watch isn't for everyone, especially people like yourself. But I've no doubt that the smart watch will eventually replace the iPhone and the iPhone will become an iPod touch for those times you might need a bigger screen. To me, that much is a given. The only question is when. And when that happens, I think even people such as yourself may have to find new expensive toys to buy. Maybe it'll be a $20,000 Apple Watch!

Lol. I think we are a LONG way away from watches replacing phones. Has to be a huge jump in battery tech, etc. And I don't personally think the wrist is where the phone will end up.

Again, even if it started to happen, I still think the largest Swiss companies like Rolex (again, my favorite and one I'm the most knowledgable about) are safe. If ANY of them are safe, I'd say it's Rolex. There's a reason they are ranked in the top 100 of Forbes most valuable brands (#72 last list I've seen). Ranked above companies like Lexus, Chanel, EXXON MOBIL, Ralph Lauren. And all they sell is $5000 and up watches. The average person can't even fathom buying one, but the average person can spend money with Exxon Mobil and Ralph Lauren. So they obviously know how do to something right. I'd never count them out, even IF watches moved to the wrist.

But, good debate. You've made a lot of good points.

 

[Karma*Police]

That has to be one of the most hypocritical comments ever written on this site! You just stated you have proved that Tag lacks engineering skills because it has to partner with Intel, then in the same comment stated oh but it's Ok for Apple to out source everything for it's watch...

And the IP is in the design, well yeah and Tag will have that in the design of the watch, Apple is essentially one gigantic OEM as it doesn't make a thing itself bar software..
I also think you need to provide proof that Apple has 'invented' a new watch bracelet, before you claim they have.

But you have pretty much summed up your lack of knowledge in this one sentence:

And judging by how badly Intel is losing the mobile chip war, no I don't think they have the same level of engineering talent that Apple has acquired.

You have now stated the Intel does NOT have the same engineering skills as Apple enough said I believe..

You've no idea what an OEM is and yes, Intel is getting pummeled in the mobile chip war and has recently announced that their revenues will miss by a billion dollars this quarter while mobile chip companies (such as NXP and Avago) are growing and beating estimates.

As for a link to a source, I did say it was to my knowledge, right? Taking those hate glasses off will help with reading comprehension, btw. And if you want to read about how awesome Apple's bands are, you can read about it on this blog for wristwatch enthusiasts: http://www.hodinkee.com/blog/hodinkee-apple-watch-review

Seeing as how your hatred for all things Apple makes an intelligent dialog impossible, this will be my last reply.

 

[RockSpider]

Jeeez. I'm so sick of these 'competitive' companies. Makes me want to puke.

If Apple were to build a smart candy dispensing machine, no doubt Microsoft (aka small & limp), google and et al would line up and make their own version.
Use your imagination, get a life and stop copying others' improvements.

I'm pretty sure you've got that the wrong way around, it's Apple that comes in late and copies everyone else, but I'm sure you already knew that.

 

[apolloa]

You've no idea what an OEM is and yes, Intel is getting pummeled in the mobile chip war and has recently announced that their revenues will miss by a billion dollars this quarter while mobile chip companies (such as NXP and Avago) are growing and beating estimates.

As for a link to a source, I did say it was to my knowledge, right? Taking those hate glasses off will help with reading comprehension, btw. And if you want to read about how awesome Apple's bands are, you can read about it on this blog for wristwatch enthusiasts: http://www.hodinkee.com/blog/hodinkee-apple-watch-review

Seeing as how your hatred for all things Apple makes an intelligent dialog impossible, this will be my last reply.

Ah, so now because I don't agree with your 'opinion' you have labelled me as 'hating all things Apple', that's a typical stereotyping blanket statement, does that then make you an Apple Fanboy who adores and loves every single thing Apple does?
I don't hate Apple, but I will argue people that think they do no wrong and they will always dominate any market they enter, ignoring the players that invented said market let alone dominate it at present.

In your case you are neither, but you seem ignorant of Google, Intel and Tag Heuer?

You stated Intel cannot match Apple's engineering talent, think about that for a second, Intel cannot match Apple's engineering talent... Intel... the one who makes all the CPU's in every single Apple Mac computer you can buy on the Apple store..

If you didn't know, Intel were only late to the mobile market, they haven't gained anything to lose yet, as you stated. They are only now gaining market if anything as more devices start to utilise their chips. I think they are much more then capable to design a chip to work in a smart watch.

And Apple is an OEM, I know what it is, Apple does not make or design all it's components.

 

[SHNXX]

But, but... I thought there "wasn't a market for a high-end luxury smartwatch."

"It's... It's just a piece of technology that will be outdated in a year! Who would buy something like that anyway? That's not an investment!"

-Sincerely, all the MacRumors naysayers.

Nobody would think of Tag Heuers as high end or an investment.
Tag Heuer does have some high end complication watches, like the Monaco V4 ($80000), but their release of smart watches is not surprising at all.
I wouldn't even be surprised if LVMH's high-end brand (price wise) like Hublot released a smart watch.

What I would be shocked is if Patek Philippe, A. Lange & Sohne, Breguet, Vacheron Constantine, et al released smart watches.
That will never happen.

----------

I understand what you're saying. But what I'm not sure you're getting is that there has always (in my lifetime at least) been a competition for wrist space. We don't pick and buy $10,000 watches cause they are the "best at what they do"...hell, there are $30 Quartz watches that tell time, date, day of the week far more accurately than the Sub I have on right now. So we aren't buying them solely for their "utility" anyway. So that point is relatively moot.

And as it stands right now, and for years to come, a smart watch isn't a necessity. Hell, the Apple watch barely works unless you have an iPhone on your person. So it has no added utility over the iPhone. So the ONLY threat I see to the Rolexes and more premium watches is IF the watch ever completely replaced the phone. And that's not going to happen. People are going to browse the web or compose work emails on their wrist.

So again, the upper crust of the Swiss watch world is ok for the foreseeable future. Those watches aren't bought for their utility anyway. They are bought for totally different reasons. I've bought about $60,000 in watches in the past 12 months. Not a single one of them does more than tell the time and maybe the date. And at no point in time would an Apple watch, if it was on the market then, have entered into my buying decision. I have an iPhone in my pocket than can do everything that watch can do, BETTER than the watch can do it.

wow! 60K?
which did you buy?
clearly not just subs, unless you're buying some auction pieces.

 

[SHNXX]

Hahahahahahaha what a utterly ridiculous comment!

Its pretty obvious you have no idea what your saying. Tags engineering skills far supersede anything Apple has.

seriously?

tag better at software engineering and electrical engineering than apple?

----------

If Apple are not going after the high end Swiss market, then why has it priced the Apple Watch as a direct competitor to the pricing of the Swiss high end watch market? It has named the device 'Watch' and it has priced it at the high end of the market, it is competing with them.

The Edition is going to be a limited run product.

$10-17K can be considered high-end but even so, high-end watch brands' entry level watches cost upward of $15000.

Just as Tag is not considered high-end despite making a high-end 80K watch and Nissan is not considered high-end despite a high-end car (GT-R), apple watch lineup cannot be considered high-end.

 

[ninethirty]

TAG is a middle ground brand. They aren't Rolex, and they aren't Fossil. So, Apple probably scares them somewhat. What they're doing isn't outsourcing - they're trying to adapt. Will they beat Apple? Probably not. But that's besides the point because TAG doesn't really represent swiss mechanical watches.

The ability to remove links is not a new technology. I've been doing this with Rolex watches for YEARS.

You can argue back and forth all you want, but the reality is, the Apple watch doesn't threaten fine swiss watchmaking. It just doesn't. Nobody who was considering a Rolex (which quite frankly is the low end of the scale) or a Patek Philippe is now thinking Apple Watch. I say this as an absolute gadget geek. I'm an early adopter, lover of all gadgets, and that's just the harsh reality. Apple made a watch - great! But it isn't for people who wanted a fine timepiece of some kind. It isn't even on their radar. I have no idea why this offends Apple fanboys, but it does - but you'd better get over it. Nobody who's buying the $1000 version of the Apple Watch was about to spend 10k on a Rolex Daytona, because if they were wondering between the two, the Daytona would be the winner hands down, every single time. You're talking an entirely different group of buyer here.

No, what you don't understand is that Apple doesn't care about making a mechanical watch. Why would they? The fact that Tag has outsourced all tech to Intel and Google essentially makes them just another OEM which proves my original point that they can't compete from an engineering standpoint.

And Apple doesn't have to create the chips. The IP is in the design, not manufacturing. And judging by how badly Intel is losing the mobile chip war, no I don't think they have the same level of engineering talent that Apple has acquired.

I didn't say Apple invented the link bracelet or a flush clasp but that combo and the ability to add/remove individual links is to my knowledge a first.

----------



I get that luxury watches aren't bought for utility and I agree the current Apple Watch isn't for everyone, especially people like yourself. But I've no doubt that the smart watch will eventually replace the iPhone and the iPhone will become an iPod touch for those times you might need a bigger screen. To me, that much is a given. The only question is when. And when that happens, I think even people such as yourself may have to find new expensive toys to buy. Maybe it'll be a $20,000 Apple Watch!

 

[vvswarup]

No one is going to be able to prove that TAG Hauer is teaming up with Google and Intel because of Apple.

But one thing is for sure-smartwatches are for real. Many thought and still think that Apple is foolish for entering the wearables space. They say that wearables are gimmicky. If they're so gimmicky, why is a luxury watchmaker partnering up with two tech companies to make a smart watch? Also, Google and TAG Hauer are pretty dissimilar. Exclusivity isn't something that comes to mind when one thinks of a Google product/service. Yet exclusivity is one of the first things that comes to mind when thinking of TAG Hauer.

 

[Ramchi]

I would think that Heuer's customers might be more offended by the linkage to Android than Apple's customers would be.

Unfortunately, Swiss Watch makers seems to have good Engineering expertise in Mechanical and Metallurgy subjects (similar ones), but lack Software Engineers who can design and develop propriety OS for Smart Watches.

 

[RMferrer]

TAG is certainly not a high end luxury watch brand.

Neither is Apple's "watch."

 

[the-msa]

Exactly. If implementation doesn't matter, then even Google Wallet was a me-too product, coming second to the first person who put their credit card next to their smart phone in their phone case.

apple didnt invent the modern smartphone, there were people before that put their phone on top of a computer

is that seriously the logic we're going by now? arent these pissing contests getting boring?

Neither is Apple's "watch."

dont forget, apple will ruin the business of rolex, huehuehue.

 

[cambox]

Lets see if this message gets passed the MacRomours police. Apple have an idea that the watch will be the new big thing, but they also thought that the 5C was a great idea too! Sorry that is a bad slur on Apple so maybe this will be pulled?

 

[9646829]

Neither is Apple's "watch."

I've never in my life said, on here or in person that Apple's "watch" is high end, luxury or even a watch.

 

[Shanghaichica]

Right. Not much in Android is as polished as iOS.

I read through the Galaxy Gear S developer message boards - here's links to a couple of the threads. Look around there. Interesting stuff - both positive and negative. A lot more reliable than the Gear zealots on mac rumors.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/gear-s/general/finally-giving-gear-s-t3018618
http://forum.xda-developers.com/gear-s/general/returned-gear-s-t3051048

It's so typical of Android stuff - the watch gets uncomfortably warm - almost hot, loses bluetooth connections, charger breaks, Gear S GPS doesn't work reliably, or when connected to the phone, frustrating to use, doesn't work on Canadian carriers....

All stuff we don't expect from Apple products, but is the norm with Android products. The people in my office think nothing of their Android phone not working for a few days after they install an update. They spend all night figuring out 'fixes' to some issue. It's really ridiculous. But, I guess they love tinkering, something they can't do on Apple phones. I work on computers during the day, I do NOT want to work on my phone too - I just want it to 'work'.

I've never owned an android watch. However I've owned several android smartphones and tablets and none were bricked after software updates. I think you are making sweeping statements that simply are not true.

 

[JohnWick]

"Apple’s Watch presents a unique challenge by targeting every level of the market, from $350 to $17,000. Ultimately, though, it’s fundamentally the same product across the board."

... conflicting feelings... do I LMAO at this?... or cry?...

 

[apolloa]

seriously?

tag better at software engineering and electrical engineering than apple?

----------



The Edition is going to be a limited run product.

$10-17K can be considered high-end but even so, high-end watch brands' entry level watches cost upward of $15000.

Just as Tag is not considered high-end despite making a high-end 80K watch and Nissan is not considered high-end despite a high-end car (GT-R), apple watch lineup cannot be considered high-end.

You have taken the discussion I was having with someone else out if context in regards to engineering skills, if you read the whole discussion rather then one post you would have seen that.
And as I already said, you may not consider a 2000 doller watch as high end, plenty if people will though, its all about their perception. And people on here and in general public do consider Apple products to be expensive and high end. So they will think the same of the watch.

 

[SHNXX]

TAG is a middle ground brand. They aren't Rolex, and they aren't Fossil. So, Apple probably scares them somewhat. What they're doing isn't outsourcing - they're trying to adapt. Will they beat Apple? Probably not. But that's besides the point because TAG doesn't really represent swiss mechanical watches.



The ability to remove links is not a new technology. I've been doing this with Rolex watches for YEARS.



You can argue back and forth all you want, but the reality is, the Apple watch doesn't threaten fine swiss watchmaking. It just doesn't. Nobody who was considering a Rolex (which quite frankly is the low end of the scale) or a Patek Philippe is now thinking Apple Watch. I say this as an absolute gadget geek. I'm an early adopter, lover of all gadgets, and that's just the harsh reality. Apple made a watch - great! But it isn't for people who wanted a fine timepiece of some kind. It isn't even on their radar. I have no idea why this offends Apple fanboys, but it does - but you'd better get over it. Nobody who's buying the $1000 version of the Apple Watch was about to spend 10k on a Rolex Daytona, because if they were wondering between the two, the Daytona would be the winner hands down, every single time. You're talking an entirely different group of buyer here.

In general agreement, but I would add, as someone who owns an entry level Patek that the entry level Apple watch is a pretty cool toy and I'm definitely going to get one

 

[bbeagle]

I've never owned an android watch. However I've owned several android smartphones and tablets and none were bricked after software updates. I think you are making sweeping statements that simply are not true.

Where did I EVER say that Android updates BRICKED the phones? I just said there were things that didn't work very often. I know this by experience.

Wow - you can't say 'boo' against Android on these forums, or you're lashed out at. Android is not perfect, I hate to break it to you.

 

[thekeyring]

apple didnt invent the modern smartphone, there were people before that put their phone on top of a computer

is that seriously the logic we're going by now? arent these pissing contests getting boring?



dont forget, apple will ruin the business of rolex, huehuehue.

You just proved my point. A desktop computer that also had a phone isn't good, yet argubably was 'first'... Implementation matters, and people who say Apple Pay is Apple catching up/copying Google Wallet fail to grasp that.

 

[finnns2000]

Interesting thread. I've read all 13 pages from the shadows but there seems to be some serious delusion in here. This thing isn't going to replace classic Swiss timepieces ever.

Also, Tag is not an ultra luxury brand but it's still out of reach to most people. Even the lowly Tag Formula 1 on my wrist right now was over $1000, most would never think to spend that much on a watch.

*Future Apple Watch Sport owner

 

[thewordiz]

if you knew

Don't think rich folks would like Google tracking their every move.

The round watch photo is probably not the final product. I suspect they'll abandon the round Android watch "design" and go with the square with rounded corner is obvious for a smartwatch excuse.

Well, if you knew anything about "real" watches. 1, you wouldn't be so geeked out about a smart watch. 2 you would realize that not many "real" Swiss watchmakers are worried about Apple's newest gadget. 3 square/rectangular
or "tonneau" watch cases are really not the preferred watch case.

Oh, I mean in the real "watch" world. So for a sportwatch or a gadget, yea. Who really cares. And yes, I realize that in 1 month Apple will sell more watches than Rolex has in 110 years. But, in the real watch world, that is irrelevant. 50 years from now, if Apple is still in business an Apple watch will be 2 things, 1 unusable as a device because Apple will stop even supplying batteries for them (actually) 5 years because of Apple service policy 2 worthless (see previous statement) a thereabouts 50YO Rolex appreciates in price, some of them to the point of absurdity but nevertheless, still a good investment. Tech rarely, actually almost never now (with the exception of the very first few computers from the late 70s and 80s) appreciates in value.

To understand the flipside of the argument (if you care) try reading about "watches" real timepieces that will actually appreciate in value, and separate you from the ubiquity of the flock by owning something relatively rare.

http://www.hodinkee.com/features/reference-points-the-paul-newman-daytona

The Swiss high end watch market will be just fine.

But all of this boils down to "who cares" wear what makes you happy!

----------

Lets see if this message gets passed the MacRomours police. Apple have an idea that the watch will be the new big thing, but they also thought that the 5C was a great idea too! Sorry that is a bad slur on Apple so maybe this will be pulled?

The 5c would have been good except for corporate greed. Well actually 2 things. The 5c should have been Apple's device to grab market share away from all the crapy free Android phones if they wanted to play in that Arena. So, it should have been free with a contract from Any carrier with a contract and it should have been $99 without a contract "unlocked"

Also, they would have sold a CRAP LOAD OF THEM, if it came in BLACK, like the 3g/s

 

[OllyW]

The round watch photo is probably not the final product. I suspect they'll abandon the round Android watch "design" and go with the square with rounded corner is obvious for a smartwatch excuse.

If they intended to go square I'm sure they would have announced it was based around the Monaco but they have stated it is going to be a digital replica of the original black Carrera.

 

[chris975d]

wow! 60K?
which did you buy?
clearly not just subs, unless you're buying some auction pieces.

Lol. No, no auction pieces. I'm all about modern Rolexes. Just love how tough they are and how they can take a beating and still look great. I've had a spree on buying and trying most of the current stainless lineup. And since you asked this question this morning, I looked back through my Instagram feed to take a tally...it's actually much worse than $60K.

Past 12 months
-9 Rolexes (all new from dealer)
-2 Panerai Radiomir 1940 (both new)
-1 Tudor Ranger (new)

If you go back another 6 months, add 2 Omegas (used) and a Tudor Pelagos (new) to it.

Now don't keep every watch. Some I'm buying sight unseen and realize I don't like once I have them in hand (my dealer is out of state). So I take a hit on some that I turn. I usually keep 3-6 in the collection at any time. Right now it's 3, and I'm trying to figure out if I want to add the new rose gold Yachtmaster on rubber strap introduced at Basel this week, and the blue Tudor Pelagos. Definitely on the Pelagos, but not sure about the YM.

 

[Heltik]

If there's any one thing that will make or break the Apple Watch it's however much focus and emphasis they place on health and fitness, but even then, it's a fat chance I'll drop my Daytona for the Apple Watch. Different strokes for different folks I suppose, but I think for the majority of people that can afford and do own nicer timepieces, there's not going to be much of a struggle in terms of which to go with on a day to day basis.

I think there's a good chance you'll be surprised by the standard of Apple's engineering, and the watch's in hand feel as a quality item.

----------

If they intended to go square I'm sure they would have announced it was based around the Monaco but they have stated it is going to be a digital replica of the original black Carrera.

Image

The Monaco seems the logical choice. I'm guessing they are pushing based upon sales figures and trying to replicate their best selling piece. This would appear to show a lack of understanding of the technology and human interfaces, so it shall be interesting to see how one interacts with, and the success of this device.

Given it cannot be labelled Swiss made, and uses different mechanics to a Swiss watch (which is the compelling sales point) it will be interesting to see how well this sells. My feeling is it will need to be significantly less expensive than their other time pieces, but more expensive than an Apple Watch, and almost certainly shall be nowhere near as good. Therefore buyers of this piece shall most likely look like chumps with more money than sense.