New: TAG Heuer Ayrton Senna Formula 1 Chronographs

February 27, 2013

Few names are as closely linked in motorsport-themed watchmaking as TAG Heuer and Ayrton Senna. The latest TAG Heuer Ayrton Senna editions continue that relationship with two Formula 1 chronographs that pay tribute to the Brazilian drivers legacy.Rather than chasing nostalgia, these models acknowledge Sennas influence with a modern interpretation. Both watches - one automatic, one quartz - echo and update the brands late- 80s design language. They are released during the S?o Paulo Grand Prix, adding another chapter to a partnership that began at the height of Sennas Formula 1 dominance.TAG Heuer and Ayrton SennaI assume Ayrton Senna da Silva (1960C1994) is quite famous among our readers, but let me introduce the man to the very youngest of the Fratelli, just to be sure. Senna was a Brazilian Formula 1 driver celebrated for his precision, intensity, and unmatched skill in wet conditions. Over his 10-year F1 career, Senna achieved 41 victories and three World Championships (1988, 1990, 1991), earning a reputation as one of the best racers ever. His tragic death at Imola during the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix only deepened his legendary status.Beyond the racetrack, Senna became a national hero and global symbol of integrity. His legacy continues through the Instituto Ayrton Senna, which supports education for millions of children in Brazil.Ayrton SennaThe collaboration between TAG Heuer and Senna began in 1988 and was formalized in 1993 when the racer made the TAG Heuer S/EL chronograph his watch of choice. Its distinctive S-shaped bracelet became synonymous with his name. Since 1994, TAG Heuer has released a series of Senna editions, each paying tribute to the driver and supporting the Instituto Ayrton Senna. More than 30 years on, the partnership remains alive, which should say something about the mans legend.The automatic TAG Heuer Formula 1 Chronograph SennaThis new 44mm automatic model is crafted from lightweight Grade 2 titanium with a black DLC coating. It features a forged carbon tachymeter bezel engraved with Sennas signature S logo. Bright yellow accents on the crown, hands, and flange echo the colors of his iconic helmet. With a 14.3mm thickness and 200m water resistance rating, it offers a feature set and aesthetic about as sporty as they come.Inside ticks TAG Heuer s caliber 16, a Valjoux 7750-based automatic chronograph movement. In addition to the central hands, this caliber drives a Brazilian-flag-colored 12-hour counter at 6 oclock, a 30-minute counter at 12, and running seconds at 9 with a yellow Senna logo. You get a flat sapphire crystal up top and a titanium case back decorated with an etching of Senna gazing out of his helmet.The black sunburst dial features applied indexes with green-glowing Super-LumiNova. A bright yellow rubber strap secured with a black DLC-treated steel pin buckle completes the design. Priced at CHF 5,550 / $5,750 / US$5,850, the watch will be available from November 2025.The quartz TAG Heuer Formula 1 Chronograph SennaThis 43mm quartz edition channels Sennas late-1980s style with a brushed and polished steel case and the revival of the S/EL bracelet. The latter was a defining element of his signature TAG Heuer watch. Its uniquely shaped interlocking links are about as period-specific as can be.The black sunburst dial contains three sub-dials - a 1/10-second chronograph register at 6 oclock, a 30-minute counter at 9, and running seconds at 3. As with the automatic version, the sub-dial at 6 combines yellow, green, and blue accents, echoing the Brazilian flag. Then, a red pointer above it provides a nice bit of contrast. The watch s skeletonized and black-plated hour and minute hands with white Super-LumiNova and the two yellow chronograph hands enhance this. A black aluminum tachymeter bezel engraved with SENNA frames the layout. Finally, a?screw-in case back engraved with Sennas portrait reinforces the tribute.Priced at CHF 2,550 / $2,650 / US$2,700, the 43mm Formula 1 Chronograph Senna is limited to 3,000 pieces and will also become available in November 2025.Initial impressionsAlthough Senna was a bit before my time (I was six years old when he died), he still managed to influence me. I found the excellent documentary about his life deeply inspiring. Seeing him fly over wet asphalt, seemingly over the limit of control, is simply breathtaking. That said, the style of the time, as represented by these watches, isnt really for me.Usually, this will trigger me to go into an analysis of the design. This time, however, I will restrain myself. There is little point in writing about how these are a bit much in terms of colors, forms, and details, as these pay tribute to Senna, his Brazilian heritage, and the aesthetic of his era. As a result, I reckon these are hate-it-or-love-it releases that will find their intended audience without any trouble at all.It is fascinating to see how, three decades after his passing, this man is still influential enough to warrant a release like this. To see the connection to the charity in his name still improving lives is equally impressive. Keep this alive, TAG Heuer, for as long as you can!What do you think of the new automatic and quartz TAG Heuer Formula 1 Chronograph Senna models? Let us know in the comments section below!Watch specifications Brand TAG Heuer Model Formula 1 Chronograph SennaReference CBZ2081.FT8092 (44mm automatic) / CAZ101AX.BA0637 (43mm quartz)Dial Black sunburst with applied luminous indexes, three sub-dials, date window, and yellow, green, and blue accents / Black sunburst with painted luminous Arabic numerals, three sub-dials, date window, and yellow, green, blue, and red accentsCase Material Grade 2 titanium with sandblasted finish, black DLC coating, and forged carbon bezel / Stainless steel with brushed and polished finishes, DLC-coated crown and pushers, and black aluminum bezel insertCase Dimensions 44mm (diameter) 47.3mm (lug-to-lug) 14.3mm (thickness) / 43mm (diameter) 48.2mm (lug-to-lug) 12.4mm (thickness)Crystal Flat sapphireCase Back Grade 2 titanium with black DLC coating and engraving of Ayrton Senna, screw-in / Stainless steel with engraving of Ayrton Senna, screw-in Movement TAG Heuer 16 (ETA 7750 base): automatic chronograph with manual winding and hacking seconds, 28,800vph (4Hz) frequency, 42-hour power reserve / Quartz chronograph caliber (unspecified)Water Resistance 200 metersStrap Yellow rubber with sandblasted and black DLC-coated pin buckle / Stainless steel S/EL-style bracelet with brushed and polished finishes and folding claspFunctions Time (hours, minutes, small seconds), chronograph (12-hour and 30-minute registers, central seconds), date, and tachymeter / Time (hours, minutes, small seconds), chronograph (30-minute and 1/10-second registers, central seconds, date, and tachymeterPrice CBZ2081.FT8092: CHF 5,550 / $5,750 / US$5,850 | CAZ101AX.BA0637: CHF 2,550 / $2,650 / US$2,700 Special Note(s) Reference CAZ101AX.BA0637 (43mm quartz) model limited to 3,000 pieces