If you are a hardcore motor sport enthusiast, there’s no way you would need an introduction to the legendary Ayrton Senna. Three world championship titles (1988, 1990 and 1991), 65 pole positions, and 41 Grand Prix victories, “Magic Senna” is truly one of the greatest drivers the world has ever seen.
Alright let’s hit the rewind button for a bit. TAG Heuer’s association with Senna goes way back; not just as a sponsor but having an actual say in McLaren’s engine development process; a partnership that only grew stronger over the years in the world of Formula 1. In the mid-1980’s TAG owned approximately 50% of ‘McLaren-TAG’, with the legendary Ayrton Senna being the official driver of the team.
Last night, to celebrate the 30th anniversary of his victory at the Monaco Grand Prix, which he won for the very first time in 1987, TAG Heuer introduced 3 new adrenaline pumping limited editions in tribute to the driver. These were unveiled at an exclusive preview during the inauguration of the new boutique in Monaco, attended by, Bianca Senna, the champion’s niece.
Carrera Heuer-01 Chronograph
Piping hot straight out of the oven, the new Carrera Heuer-01 Chronograph is presented in a 43mm black brushed steel case with touches of red. This baby has Senna written all over it, particularly the iconic bracelet with S-shaped links which was adopted by Ayrton at the height of his achievements. In terms of ergonomics and wearer comfort, each link on the Carrera Heuer-01 model is rounded on the top, bottom and sides for an exceptionally smooth feel on the wrist. The bezel and dial proudly display the famous stylised red lacquer “S”, the exclusive Senna symbol. The dial itself is semi-skeletonised with double digit minute markers and the sapphire case back allows the precision engineering of the Manufacture movement to be admired. You’ve basically got the best of both worlds here.
TAG Heuer Formula 1 Ayrton Senna Limited Edition Heuer-01 Chronograph
TAG Heuer Ayrton Senna Limited Edition ‘Motor Racing’ and Ayrton Senna Limited Edition ‘Chronograph’
The other pieces in the series are two 43mm Formula 1 models, one of which is a “chronograph” version and the other a “motor racing” model; once again offered in black, highlighted with touches of red, a combination which is a clear nod to the spirit of high speed racing. The dial features 3 red lines hinting at the tracks left by a speeding race car. The chronograph version features a quartz movement accurate to a tenth of a second – an indispensable feature in a motor racing watch – powering the small counter at 6 o’clock, with the minute counter at 9 o’clock and the running seconds counter at 3 o’clock. Once again you simply cannot miss the stylised red lacquer “S”, the exclusive Senna symbol, on the dial and bezel.
TAG Heuer Formula 1 Ayrton Senna Limited Edition Chronograph
TAG Heuer Formula 1 Ayrton Senna Motorsport Limited Edition
Three sporty and classy watches, reflecting the spirit of the man who featured in the original #DontCrackUnderPressure campaign in 1991.
Prices of the new 2017 Ayrton Senna Limited Edition in Australian Dollars:
TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer-01 Ayrton Senna Limited Edition: RRP AUD $7,950
TAG Heuer Ayrton Senna Limited Edition Formula 1 Motorsport: RRP AUD $1,850
TAG Heuer Ayrton Senna Limited Edition Formula 1 Chronograph: RRP AUD $2,100