Sometimes the golf world creates some really cool collaborations, and this is definitely high up on my list. TAG Heuer and TaylorMade are coming together for a special edition release that includes a TAG connected golf watch and TAG Heuer edition Spider ZT putter along with some TaylorMade x TAG gear. Let’s see what makes the collection so special, and why this partnership makes a lot of sense.
Both TaylorMade and TAG have a mirrored history in technological progression within their respective industry. For TaylorMade it’s been through shaping modern golf equipment dating all the way back to the introduction of the first metal wood, as well as the first “family” of drivers launched together leading to today’s TaylorMade that includes clubs, balls, apparel and digital platforms supported by players around the world. They’ve also amassed quite the braggadocious tour staff with current World Number 1, Number 2, Number 7 (TAG and TaylorMade Ambassador Tommy Fleetwood) and Number 9.
TAG Heuer’s progression came from their work in chronograph engineering that helped to define its reputation in precision timing. There are so many parallels to draw between watch-making and the world of golf. TAG states, “Golf unfolds without the pressure of a clock, yet it demands constant precision and focus. Each shot produces an immediate result, while the reasons behind it often remain subtle, shaped by technique and state of mind. This interplay between what is felt and what is executed has shaped the brand’s approach to the sport.”
The hero piece for the collaboration is the new TAG Heuer x TaylorMade Calibre 45mm E5 Connected Golf Watch. As a special edition of TAG’s golf watch, the TaylorMade collaboration brings in some new styling with a beautiful deep navy and black band that compliments the fine-brushed, lightweight grade 2 titanium case; a perfect combination of comfort and durability. The ceramic bezel features an 18-hole scale with TAG and TaylorMade branding with dedicated watch faces available only for this model. It also comes in a very cool special edition box for the collaboration.
The E5 Connected Golf Watch is powered by TAG’s in-house developed TAG OS, which not only promotes normal health monitoring via several sensors (heart rate, compass, accelerometer, gyroscope and altimeter) but of course gives some golf specific tracking, including on-course shot tracking, GPS maps and the new Automatic Strokes Gained feature. This is a big one for the collaboration, and when I spoke with the TAG team about the new release, they considered this one of the two “can’t miss” features of the watch collaboration. Knowing essentially in real time what you’re doing well in and what could use a little bit of work as measured by strokes gained is a great way to stay up to date with your performance on the course. The other can’t miss feature? The duality of the watch.
Representatives from both TaylorMade and TAG spoke very highly of the sophistication of the watch off the golf course. Connected watches can sometimes feel like they’ve lost their premium luster. Trading beauty for technology can be a difficult balance to manage, but TAG refuses to budge on what makes them such a premium offering. With the new collaboration you can feel just as comfortable wearing it on the golf course as you can changing the watch face back to a “standard” option with just the click of a button to enjoy a night out on the town. Just ask shared ambassador Tommy Fleetwood.
The watch features an AMOLED touchscreen with sapphire glass and the battery can last up to three days of standard use, with two days of use being a more average target and seventeen hours of screen time for their sport mode, including twelve hours of dedicated golf use.
On top of the watch collaboration, there’s also some goodies in the collection from the TaylorMade team, including what I think is probably the most gorgeous rendition of the Spider ZT putter yet.
The limited-edition TaylorMade x TAG Spider ZT is finished with a deep, rich navy color with silver accents and polished chrome for the sole plate. The alignment bug is the TAG logo, and the weights on the bottom have a “watch-like” design to them as well. The putter comes with a special premium head cover as well as a special-edition SuperStroke grip that matches the build. After unboxing the very TAG inspired packaging, you’ll also be greeted with a dual-logo ball marker as part of your purchase.
The collection also includes a curated TaylorMade x TAG Heuer duffel bag, hat options, and a golf glove.
The collection is available for purchase on June 25th.
