A Unique Collaboration: Presenting New Balance x TAG Heuer
Authentic. Credible. Boundary-pushing. These are the terms I frequently encountered during my three days in Boston, where I delved into the realms of two brands that achieved a milestone never before accomplished. On the morning following our arrival, New Balance, the Boston-based sportswear brand established in 1906, and TAG Heuer, the Swiss watchmaker founded in 1860, unveiled a partnership—not just a simple logo collaboration. As Brian Lynn, New Balance's global vice president of lifestyle and basketball, explained from a stage beside the brand's iconic indoor track, this collaborative effort has been three years in the making—an extensive process filled with trials and discussions to ensure it was fundamentally authentic, credible, and boundary-pushing. Having both wear-tested the resulting products and heard directly from the team that created them, I can confidently say it was all worthwhile.
Both TAG Heuer and New Balance prioritize craftsmanship above all, a quality that became evident to their respective teams while developing two products: The TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E5 40MM x New Balance Edition watch and the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite V5 sneakers. "Both brands are meticulous about details that many people may never notice, but that precision is essential for real performance," Lynn stated. "It's a genuine partnership," he continued. "It's something we've been cultivating together over time." Due to this dedication to precision and perfection, they successfully formulated a seamless approach to entering and remaining in running—without fears or anxieties—by combining TAG Heuer's watchmaking prowess with New Balance's deep understanding of running dynamics and athletic performance.
Let’s explore the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite V5 sneakers, which are incredibly lightweight, featuring a PEBA midsole and carbon plate that truly propel you forward, ensuring enhanced speed on race day. While they're not intended for beginner runners—these shoes are designed for record-breaking performance—they offer something to aspire to. New Balance crafted a running shoe for the day you achieve the goals you’ve been training hard for. (I have worn them recreationally once, and although it's not recommended, I can attest they feel fantastic: bouncy yet stable and incredibly fast.) Similar to the connected TAG Heuer watch, this sneaker's mesh exterior is dyed a vibrant shade of violet accented with bold green. This color scheme was a deliberate choice, and the two brands extensively debated it over the three years leading up to the launch. They could have chosen a more understated palette, and design team members mentioned this was a strong consideration. "We had three options, one of which leaned more towards a subtle, lifestyle approach," said one of New Balance's shoe designers. But since the FuelCell SuperComp Elite V5 sneakers were meant for competition, going bold felt appropriate. After all, these aren't shoes for everyday use; they're for victory.
The TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E5 40MM x New Balance Edition watch, while equally prepared for race day, was also crafted for the moments leading up to that highly charged event. This watch is one of five newly released Connected Calibre E5 models, marking the fifth luxury smartwatch introduced by TAG Heuer in the past decade, during which many competitors have entered and exited the market. What makes this version particularly thrilling is its proprietary TAG Heuer OS, an interface developed in-house that grants the Swiss team full control over the watch's digital experience. They designed everything, from customizable running programs included with the $2050 timepiece (which can connect to a smartphone app) to digital golf features that allow users to access over 40,000 courses and utilize GPS tracking for their time on the course (and to log their strokes).
The running programs are especially interesting and set apart from current offerings for runners. These personalized programs are crafted to help individuals maintain consistency, incorporating gamification to make running enjoyable, even on rainy days or after long nights. The watch's sensors also track your heart rate, GPS, and altitude, demonstrating the impact of these metrics. Soon (expected this winter), users will gain access to wellness features such as sleep tracking, SpO2 monitoring, and heart rate variability. Ultimately, it serves as the ideal running companion for everyone, from novices to elite athletes like the collaboration's ambassador, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone.
"It's a stunning blend of performance and exquisite, uncompromising design," George Ciz, CMO of TAG Heuer, remarked about the limited-edition connected watch. "This timepiece allows you to look fantastic while running, but it’s equally suitable for a business meeting." This rings especially true when considering the other options in the Connected Calibre E5 line, which includes five models such as a rose-gold variant, 45-millimeter versions, and one with a metal bracelet for a traditional mechanical look. TAG Heuer also ensured that strap changes were quick and easy with a quick-release system—I timed one designer, and it took him precisely
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A Unique Collaboration: Presenting New Balance x TAG Heuer
"It's a genuine partnership—something we've developed together over time."
