Ah yes, modular gadgets – they promise so much, yet deliver…
The Nintendo Switch? Okay, modular tech hasn’t exactly had a glorious run of smash hits. And I say this as someone who’s been waiting three years for the amazing-in-theory Blocks watch. But you have to admit the idea makes sense for smartwatches. This sequel to Tag Heuer’s original Android Wear watch is onto something – it lets you swap out its sportier digital face for a fancy mechanical module. One face for playing squash with Matt and the other CEOs, another for afternoon drinks at that Saxonwold Shebeen we keep hearing about. An Android Wear watch to rule them all.
I don’t get it. Why not just buy two watches?
Because then you’ll have two inflexible norm-watches, rather than one infinitely tweakable, special one. Did I mention that the Connected Modular 45 also has interchangeable lugs, straps and buckles? Its digital module is up there with the best Android Wear 2.0 watches too, on paper – GPS, NFC, 4GB storage, and an AMOLED screen are all on board. Oh, and it’s water-resistant to 50m too. The only downside is that it starts at R21,000…
Starts at R21,000? That is just…wow.
Don’t worry, it’s only another R21,000 ($1,600) if you want the mechanical module too. So R42,000 in total for the full, module-tastic experience. But this thing is Swiss-engineered, right down to the motherboard. Those guys know their pinions from their ratchet wheels. And both of the modules are covered by a two-year warranty…
Yeah, but I don’t see Sonos bundling turntables with its speakers, just in case streaming doesn’t take off…
I’m not sure you’ve quite grasped the whole modular thing. Hot-swappable watch modules might be niche, but if the likes of Linde Werdelin and Halda’s Space Discovery have found an audience, there’s no reason why fat-walleted Tag Heuer fans won’t lap up this richer-than-cream-pie slice of Android Wear. In fact, the well-heeled will be able to splash out their pocket money on it from today at Tag’s site.
