TAG Heuer and Intel show off modular smartwatch
TAG Heuer and Intel have unveiled their latest luxurious wearable, the Connected Modular 45. The smartwatch, which runs on the Android Wear 2.0 platform, offers hundreds of personalisation options, including the ability to swap out the smart module for a traditional mechanical watch. TAG Heuer is selling 11 standard models in satin or polished grade 5 titanium. Another 45 versions will be available only upon special request. Bases can be adapted with a wide range of modules including dials and buckles. The Connected Modular 45 will retail from $1,600.

This luxury smartwatch actually provides some extra value with its modular capabilities.

This luxury smartwatch actually provides some extra value with its modular capabilities. Credit: tAG Heuer

The TAG Heuer Connected was possibly the most luxurious, expensive smartwatch to launch on the Android Wear platform -- so the iconic Swiss watchmaker decided to up the ante for its Android Wear 2.0 release.

TAG Heuer just unveiled its latest wearable, the Connected Modular 45. The watchmaker teamed up with Intel, its partner from the previous model, to create the latest fusion of Swiss craftsmanship and Silicon Valley tech.

The watch's name gives its most distinctive feature away right off the bat: it's a modular device, and TAG Heuer says it will offer hundreds of options for personalization, including the choice to swap out the smart module for a more traditional mechanical watch or the luxe Heuer 02T Tourbillon Chronograph(opens in a new tab) if you're feeling extremely fancy and don't actually want a smartwatch at all.

TAG Heuer is offering 11 standard models of the smartwatch in satin or polished grade 5 titanium for general purchase, with 45 more versions only available upon special request. Those bases can be tricked out with a wide range of modules, horns, dials, bracelets and buckles for a one-of-a-kind look, which gives it an edge over other wearables that can only offer customization with different bands and digital faces.

The company hasn't specified exactly how many of those interchangeable options will come along with the base version of the wearable -- so switching things up will probably cost you even more. But if you're dropping $1,600 for an Android Wear 2.0 watch, you're probably not too concerned about that.

This smartwatch won't let you forget its luxury roots. Credit: TAG Heuer

The base watch face is a 1.39-inch AMOLED touchscreen display, complete with 2.5 sapphire cover glass and a titanium case. It's water resistant for up to 50 meters.

There's a good amount of brains behind all that Swiss beauty -- the smartwatch is powered by Intel's Atom Z34XX processor and offers 4 GB of memory along with built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Google Voice control, GPS, and Near Field Communications (NFC) tech. You can track a workout, get directions and make payments without needing a connection to your phone, giving the wearable an impressive level of standalone capability.

The smartwatch runs on Android Wear 2.0, so it will also have Google Assistant functionality. There's also a separate TAG Heuer Connected app available on Android for more direct connection between the wearable and smartphone. TAG Heuer says the battery lasts for over a day, but we're guessing that's kept vague for a reason.

If you're looking to upgrade your stale wearable and you have plenty of cash to blow, the Connected Modular 45 is available for order today directly from TAG Heuer or wherever you typically pick up your high-end watches for $1,600.