The report shows that couples are searching for vintage and antique rings, gold jewelry, pearls, and colorful pieces.
TAG Heuer Launches Smartwatch, Version 2.0
In a sign of the times, the watch was introduced at complementary press conferences held in Switzerland and Silicon Valley.
Brunnen, Switzerland & San Francisco--TAG Heuer held complementary press conferences Tuesday to introduce the Connected Modular 45, its second smartwatch.
Those press conferences took place some 5,800 miles apart, and their respective locations were a definite sign of the times: Switzerland, the center of old-school watchmaking, and Silicon Valley, the center of everything that’s the exact opposite of old school.
Like its first smartwatch, which came out in November 2015, TAG Heuer’s Connected Modular 45 is a Carrera model watch that was engineered in collaboration with Intel. (TAG Heuer, in fact, now has an office on the Intel campus in Silicon Valley.)
It’s powered by an Intel processor and operates on Android Wear 2.0; Android Wear is the version of Google’s Android operating system developed for smartwatches and other wearables.
While developed in conjunction with companies based in Silicon Valley, the watch, including the motherboard that powers its “smart” functions, was produced in Switzerland, with the final assembly step and testing taking place at TAG Heuer headquarters in La Chaux-de-Fonds.
The new Connected is slightly smaller than the first version--45 mm vs. 46 mm--and is available in satin or polished grade 5 titanium, 18-karat plated rose gold or black ceramic, with or without diamonds.
In addition to connecting to the wearer’s smartphone, the watch has built-in GPS, a small microphone that allows the users to communicate with it using Google Assistant (the Siri of Androids), is water resistant to 50 meters and has a NFC chip, which means it can be used to make purchases at enabled points of sale using the Android Pay app.
TAG Heuer said it has 11 standard models of the Connected Modular 45 it will offer in stores, and will be able to create 45 others on request.
The brand also is selling a 3-hands Calibre 5 or Tourbillon Heuer 02-T mechanical movement module for sale that can be attached to the various bands available with the second generation smartwatch. “In this way,” TAG Heuer said in a news release announcing its new watch, “you can very easily change … your watch … from a connected watch to a mechanical watch and back again.”
TAG
It starts at $1,690 retail and goes to $17,000 for a deluxe box set that include the titanium version of the new Connected with a brown leather strap and a rubber strap plus the Heuer-02T tourbillon mechanical module.
One of TAG Heuer’s press conferences introducing the Connected Modular 45 took place in Brunnen, Switzerland. Jean-Claude Biver, the president of LVMH’s watch division who also has been running TAG Heuer since late 2014, along with Intel’s Josh Walden and Google’s David Singleton, were among those in attendance.
Of the new smartwatch’s launch, Biver said, “After the huge success of the first TAG Heuer Connected watch, today I am proud to present the Connected Modular 45 … This innovative, unique and distinctive watch is at the forefront of the latest technologies available in Silicon Valley and, at the same time, a genuine Swiss watch, bearing the Swiss-made label.”
The second event took place in San Francisco and included Intel CEO Brian Krzanich, TAG Heuer General Manager Guy Semon and Tom Foldesi, the former Intel executive TAG tapped to lead its smartwatch program when it opened its Silicon Valley office in November 2016.
The Latest
He’s remembered as a “font of passion,” leaving behind a legacy of dedication to his craft and community.
The first one will take place next month during the Jewelers of Louisiana’s and Mississippi Jewelers Association’s conventions.
For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
The redesigned boutique features interactive displays and a workshop space for hands-on learning about watchmaking.
There is a willingness to comply with new government-mandated regulations, with an insistence that they should be practical and realistic.
A combination of factors is driving growth in the industry despite the precipitous drop in prices across the board.
Ho Brothers offers scalable solutions for the future of custom jewelry.
The zone’s modernization will enhance and increase India’s jewelry manufacturing capabilities while aiding small and mid-sized businesses.
By the end of this year, SRK’s diamond manufacturing complexes will achieve net zero emissions, one of an impressive array of achievements.
The company plans to invest $25 million in marketing initiatives to boost awareness around its namesake and licensed brands.
Optimism about the current state of the economy was offset by anxiety around inflation and the political environment.
The former WJA executive director is MFM’s new managing director.
DDG encourages retailers to educate customers on the positive impact of purchasing natural diamonds.
Highlighting the most iconic Tiffany collections, it’s inspired by the company’s late window designer, Gene Moore.
Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen explore how jewelers can save time and money by using AI to analyze engagement and create content.
The retailer previously turned down an $8.4 billion offer in 2018.
The Florida store’s owner Miguel Gonzalez is retiring.
The lab stresses the importance of accurate identification, as the difference in price is “substantial.”
One is reserved for a NAJA member, the other for a non-member.
Longtime employees Carie Lehrke and Megan Mattice have received promotions.
Three guests joined National Jeweler and Jewelers of America to discuss trending time periods, spotting reproductions, and more.
Chris Clipper and Robert Lepere join the company with 50 years of combined experience.
JSA said a man and woman pulled the safe out of an Oakland jewelry store but couldn’t quite get it into their van.
The miner’s March auction generated $19 million.
Helen McCluskey will succeed H. Todd Stitzer when he meets his 12-year term limit in June.
“Chopard x Julia Roberts” showcases the first gems cut from the 6,000-carat-plus “Insofu Emerald."