Just weeks out from the release of Netflix‘s long-awaited Ayrton Senna series, Swiss watchmaker TAG Heuer has paid its own tribute to the Formula 1 (F1) legend. The maison, in collaboration with the Senna Brand, has unveiled an exclusive limited-edition Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon timepiece that honours the Brazilian racing dynamo‘s remarkable career.
A 41-time Grand Prix winner and three-time Formula One World Drivers’ Champion, Senna is considered one of the greatest motor racing drivers of all time. Throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, the Brazilian star’s domination over the sport birthed a new legion of South American fans, increasing the popularity of F1 and inspiring a generation of drivers that included Sir Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso and Pierre Gasly. Tragically, Senna’s remarkable life was cut short in 1994, when the driver suffered a horrifying crash at the San Marino Grand Prix in Italy. More than 30 years year later, his legacy lives on.
Paying homage to the F1 legend, TAG Heuer’s latest timepiece captures the essence of Senna’s unwavering pursuit of performance and perfection. A TAG Heuer ambassador from 1988, the driver famously wore a Senna S/EL Link Chronograph S25.706C throughout his career, and in the years since his tragic passing, the watchmaker has unveiled a series of special references in his honour. This time around, TAG Heuer has crafted a Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon that speaks directly to Senna’s on-track prowess.
“Ayrton Senna has marked us all at TAG Heuer and has marked the world of motorsports, both on the track and in life,” Antoine Pin, CEO of TAG Heuer said. “With the launch of the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon x Senna, we celebrate his enduring spirit and inspire future generations of champions just as he inspired us. This timepiece embodies the passion and precision that defined his remarkable journey.”
Arriving in a 44mm case crafted from grade-2 titanium, the limited-edition release features a carbon bezel inscribed with “Senna” and a tachymeter scale reaching up to 400 km/h—a reference to the “speed and precision” that defined Senna’s career. Naturally, TAG Heuer has incorporated the driver’s classic colours, with the bold yellow counter featuring prominently on the nine o’clock sub-dial. It’s a standout design choice that vibrantly contrasts the soft, deep blues of the rubber strap and flange, which also cops a 60-second scale outlined by the same green observed on Senna’s most famous livery.
The skeletonised dial adds a nice touch and is complemented by multiple finishes and even a checkered flag motif, but the real easter egg arrives when you flip the watch over. On the back of the 44mm titanium case, you’ll find an image of the great man himself, which TAG Heuer explained was provided by the Senna Brand. The depiction, which shows Senna with his helmet, is accompanied by markings denoting only 500 pieces, which Bianca Senna, CEO of Senna Brand, said was a ‘privilege to see’.
“We are incredibly proud to continue our collaboration with TAG Heuer in creating exceptional timepieces like the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon x Senna,” Bianca Senna said. “It is a privilege to see Ayrton’s legacy endure and to have TAG Heuer as a partner in this journey. Ayrton would be deeply honoured by our efforts, and we hope this tribute not only celebrates his remarkable life but also inspires future generations to strive for greatness.”
Importantly, the timepiece isn’t just for show. Mirroring Senna’s incredible desire for premium performance, TAG Heuer has fitted the new chronograph with the Calibre TH20-09 tourbillon movement. A calibre that produced 65 hours of power reserve, the TH20-09 is among TAG Heuer’s most technologically advanced creations, and a fitting tribute to the track master.
The timepiece’s announcement comes just a few weeks before the release of the highly anticipated new Senna series. The first trailer, which was released earlier this year, depicted Senna’s historic hometown win at the 1991 Brazilian Grand Prix, with a second teaser shedding fresh light on the relationships at the centre of the driver’s unique story. Brazilian actor Gabriel Leone is the man tasked with portraying the driving legend in the series and described Senna as a ‘huge responsibility’.
“It is a huge responsibility and also a great honour to be able to represent an icon who inspired so many people throughout his life, showing the world Brazilian sporting talent,” Leone said in a statement. “Knowing that we will bring this story to millions of people in so many countries, through Netflix, inspires me to see this as one of the great roles of my career.”
The TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon x Senna will be released in November to coincide with the Netflix series. Priced at AUD$56,350, the timepiece is by no means a drop in the ocean, but for fans of the F1 who want to hold a piece of horological and sporting history in their hands, it’s worth diving in.
TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon x Senna
- Brand: TAG Heuer
- Model: Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon x Senna
- Reference: Ref. CBU5081.FT6274
- Diameter: 44mm
- Thickness: 15.10mm
- Movement: Calibre TH20-09
- Power Reserve: 65 hours
- Water-Resistance: 100 metres
- Price: AUD$56,350