Remembering Ayrton Senna: The Latest TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Is a Heartfelt Tribute to the F1 Legend

Some of the sports icons are often considered synonymous with the sports they represent because of their exemplary skill, passion, and dedication. Take Michael Jordan (basketball), Cristiano Ronaldo (football), Muhammad Ali (boxing), Tiger Woods (golf), Sachin Tendulkar (cricket), Roger Federer (tennis), and Ayrton Senna (F1), among others. Insofar as the world of motorsports is concerned, TAG Heuer is one of the luxury watch brands that are most closely identified with racing. The watchmaker’s association with Senna in particular began in 1988 and ended with the legendary racer’s tragic death in 1994 at the San Marino Grand Prix. On his 30th death anniversary and prior to the release of Netflix series Senna, TAG Heuer has unveiled the Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon x Senna (Ref. CBU5081.FT6274) timepiece. As a limited-edition variant, it’s based on the latest Carrera Extreme line, and decked out with iconic colours and allusions to the world of F1.

From his early days in Brazil to becoming one of F1's finest drivers, Senna's climb to stardom will be depicted in the six-episode Netflix series, which is premiering on November 29. The series also features heritage watches, such as the TAG Heuer Senna S/EL Link Chronograph S25.706C that had two digital windows at 4 o’clock and 8 o’clock on an egg-shell dial.

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The new watch looks quite identical to the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon x Porsche Panamericana, released last month. The 44 mm Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon x Senna timepiece has a Grade 2 titanium, fine brushed, and sandblasted case, with two fine brushed, polished, Grade 5 titanium, round push buttons at 2 o’clock and 4 o’clock; the crown at 3 o’clock has a green lacquered ring. There is a forged carbon 400 km/h tachymeter fixed bezel with the ‘S’ and ‘SENNA’ logos in yellow. The lugs sport vertical brushing and sandblasted rims.

The outer periphery of the dial has a blue flange with a 60-second/minute scale and a green outline, while the skeleton dial has black-plated fine brushing, showcasing a grained black centre decor. The two chronograph counters have snailed blue rings; there’s a yellow lacquered 'S' on the 12-hour subdial at 9 o'clock while an openworked steering wheel can be spotted on the 30-minute counter at 3 o'clock. Elapsed times are shown by lacquered yellow openworked hands that complement the central seconds hand. The tourbillon regulator, located at 6 o'clock, completes the tri-compax configuration. Both the applied hour markers and the hour and minute hands are rhodium-plated and faceted. While the hour markers have a black decor, the hands are filled with white Super LumiNova®.

Powering the watch is Calibre Heuer TH20-09 featuring a new gear train. This column-wheel chronograph calibre, equipped with a tourbillon regulator, operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour and provides a 65-hour power reserve. When the watch is turned over, the caseback displays a famous image of Senna wearing his helmet, presented by Senna Brand (an entity that identifies premium products that embody Ayrton’s essential values like passion for high performance and determination to overcome limits). This image, combined with limited edition markings indicating only 500 pieces, emphasises the uniqueness and strong demand for this outstanding clock. The TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon x Senna comes with a blue rubber strap with a fine brushed and sandblasted decor; the Grade 2 titanium folding clasp has double safety push buttons and TAG Heuer shield.