The Hourstriker Verdict
The new Connected Calibre E5 x Formula 1 Edition is a super interesting additional to the Connected line. With TAG Heuer now sponsoring Formula 1, the brand has now created a digital watch that directly ties into the sport. Depending on the which Grand Prix is currently active, the watch face changes to display that track. During the race weekend the watch also displays live telemetry. I've never been huge on smart watches, but this is actually extremely interesting as a huge Formula 1 fan.
— Peter, Editor-in-Chief
TAG Heuer’s involvement in motorsport timing dates back to the mid-20th century, establishing a documented operational history with teams like Ferrari, McLaren, and currently Oracle Red Bull Racing. The brand served as the Official Timekeeper of Formula 1 from 1992 to 2003, a period that cemented its association with trackside data measurement. As automotive engineering advanced, the horological landscape necessitated a shift toward integrated digital platforms capable of processing live telemetry with exact accuracy. The luxury smartwatch segment, which TAG Heuer entered in 2015, represents this transition from purely mechanical timing to multi-layered digital functionality. The newly released TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E5 45mm x Formula 1 Edition operates within this specific operational envelope, utilizing a digital infrastructure to track real-time race data.
This release coincides with the start of the 2026 Formula 1 season, positioning the device as a dedicated tool for following the 24-race calendar. By utilizing a proprietary operating system paired with Qualcomm hardware, the Connected Calibre E5 attempts to replicate the dense data streams available to trackside engineers. The integration of live race data directly into the device's primary interface marks a departure from static smartwatch faces, requiring continuous data synchronization. Furthermore, the physical architecture of the watch is derived directly from the brand’s traditional mechanical chronographs, retaining the tactile interface of physical pushers and a rotating crown. The objective of this specific reference is to merge the physical operational experience of a conventional high-end sports watch with the processing capabilities of a modern wearable device, creating a distinct category of digital wrist instrument.
Courtesy of TAG Heuer
The Case and Dial
The case of the Connected Calibre E5 x Formula 1 Edition measures 45mm in diameter and is machined from Grade 2 titanium. It is highly corrosion-resistant and significantly lighter than standard 316L stainless steel, but its softer surface necessitates a specific manufacturing approach to ensure long-term durability. TAG Heuer utilizes a combination of brushed and sandblasted finishes across the case flanks and lugs to create a uniform, non-reflective texture. Following these finishing processes, the entire titanium case is treated with a black Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coating. The resulting matte black aesthetic effectively resists the standard scuffing and oxidation associated with bare titanium sports watches subjected to heavy daily wear.
The fixed bezel surrounding the digital display is constructed from black polished ceramic. Zirconium oxide ceramic is favored in modern sports watches for its extreme Vickers hardness rating, rendering the component highly scratch-resistant and entirely immune to the ultraviolet fading that plagued earlier aluminum bezel inserts. The surface of this ceramic bezel features deeply engraved markings filled with a contrasting white material, indicating the specific chronological phases of a Formula 1 race weekend. These markings correspond to Free Practice (FP1, FP2, FP3), Qualifying (Q1, Q2, Q3), and the Grand Prix (GP). On the right side of the case, the hardware configuration intentionally mimics a traditional mechanical chronograph layout. Two shaped pushers, located at the 2 o'clock and 4 o'clock positions, are machined from solid steel, treated with a matching black DLC coating, and feature a recessed channel filled with red lacquer. These physical buttons provide critical tactile feedback for navigating the operating system, which is vital when touchscreen functionality is compromised by gloves or moisture.
The black steel central crown at 3 o'clock is wrapped in a knurled rubber ring to ensure consistent friction and grip during rotational inputs. A flat sapphire crystal protects the primary display interface, providing exceptional optical clarity and structural durability. Sapphire is utilized specifically for its 9 out of 10 rating on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, a mandatory specification for a 45mm watch where the expansive crystal area is highly susceptible to impact and abrasion. The primary display beneath this crystal is a 1.39-inch AMOLED tactile screen outputting a resolution of 454x454 pixels, which calculates to a pixel density of 326 dots per inch. The default Race Track interface displays oversized digital numerals in red, the specific circuit outline in white, and the corresponding host country's flag at the 6 o'clock position. A moving digital dot acts as a running seconds indicator, traveling around the track perimeter continuously.
Courtesy of TAG Heuer
The Movement and Software
Powering the Connected Calibre E5 is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 5100+ chipset. The integration of this specific processor architecture represents a significant step up in energy efficiency and computational speed compared to earlier iterations of wearable hardware. This thermal and power efficiency is critical for managing the high draw of the AMOLED display and the continuous sensor polling without requiring a physically larger internal battery cell, which would detrimentally increase the overall case thickness. Under a full performance load, the battery yields a two-day operational life, which extends to three days when the device is switched into its restricted Low Power Mode. The charging infrastructure utilizes a fast-charging protocol capable of delivering a full day of battery life in exactly 30 minutes. A complete zero-to-one-hundred percent charge cycle is achieved in 90 minutes when ambient temperatures remain strictly between 15°C and 45°C.
The caseback of the watch, also machined from black DLC-coated Grade 2 titanium, houses a comprehensive biometric sensor array. The central raised cluster contains an arrangement of light-emitting diodes and photodiodes that utilize photoplethysmography to measure heart rate, blood oxygen saturation (SpO2), and heart rate variability. Additional internal hardware includes a high-axis accelerometer, a gyroscope, a barometer for altitude calculations, and a digital compass. Positioned around this sensor array are engraved specifications including the water resistance, which is rated to 50 meters. This specific depth rating indicates the case is sufficiently sealed against dynamic water pressure suitable for surface swimming.
Navigational and positional accuracy is handled by a dual-band Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver that actively tracks both L1 and L5 frequencies. Tracking multiple satellite networks simultaneously allows the receiver to correct for ionospheric signal delays and multipath errors caused by signal reflections. This dual-band setup results in significantly more precise path tracking than standard single-band receivers. The overarching software environment is governed by TAG Heuer OS, which includes a dedicated Formula 1 application accessible directly via the primary menu. This application continuously pulls live telemetry, delivering post-race results, updated driver standings, and session schedules. The software also utilizes custom audio profiles and internal haptic motors to deliver tactile notifications that mimic the specific auditory tones of trackside pit radio communications, integrating the F1 data feed directly into the core user experience.
Courtesy of TAG Heuer
The Strap
The TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E5 45mm x Formula 1 Edition is supplied with two distinct strap options, each engineered for specific environmental use cases. The primary strap features a bi-material construction that visually aligns with motorsport aesthetics. The top layer consists of black leather that has been heavily stamped with a diagonal carbon fiber weave pattern, intersected down the center by two parallel lines of heavy-gauge red stitching. This upper leather layer is thermally bonded to a black vulcanized rubber base, effectively isolating the leather from the wearer's skin.
The underside of the rubber base layer is molded with deep chevron-patterned channels and clearly marked with UP and DOWN directional indicators near the lugs. These molded channels significantly reduce the overall contact patch against the wrist, promoting internal airflow and allowing trapped moisture to escape during intense physical activity. The strap connects to the titanium case via a quick-release spring bar mechanism, allowing the user to instantly detach the strap without the use of specialized horological tools. The primary closure system is a black DLC-coated steel folding clasp equipped with twin safety push-buttons to prevent accidental deployment. A secondary, flexible stretch textile strap utilizing a hook-and-loop closure is also included, primarily intended to provide a low-profile fit during sports activities.
Courtesy of TAG Heuer
Pricing and Availability
The TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E5 45mm x Formula 1 Edition, designated by the official reference number SBT8A85.EB0417, is scheduled for commercial release in March 2026. The watch will be available through authorized channels, with an exclusive 48-hour early access window starting March 3 on the brand's website.
The estimated suggested retail price for the complete set is 2,400 CHF. The timepiece is delivered in a highly specialized, multi-stage presentation box designed to heavily reflect the automotive racing theme. The exterior of the box features soft-touch matte black panels contrasted sharply with glossy checkerboard patterns reminiscent of a finish line flag. The physical structure of the packaging opens outward in a winged, multi-hinged configuration to expose the watch mounted centrally within a recessed compartment.
Courtesy of TAG Heuer
Technical Specifications
Case: 45mm diameter, Grade-2 titanium with black DLC coating, brushed and sandblasted finish, black polished ceramic bezel, flat sapphire crystal, 50m water resistance.
Movement: Calibre E5 with Qualcomm Snapdragon 5100+ chipset, dual-band GNSS, comprehensive biometric sensor array, up to 3 days battery life.
Dial: 1.39-inch AMOLED tactile display, 454x454 resolution (326 dpi).
Strap: Bi-material black leather with carbon pattern and rubber base, plus secondary flexible stretch textile strap, black DLC steel folding clasp.
Price: 2,400 CHF (Estimated)
Reference Number: SBT8A85.EB0417
Notes: Features exclusive TAG Heuer OS with integrated Formula 1 application, live telemetry, and 24 dynamic Grand Prix watch faces.