TAG Heuer’s Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon x Senna: A High-Tech Homage to Formula 1 Icon Ayrton Senna


TAG Heuer is no stranger to the racetrack. Whether it’s Steve McQueen sporting a TAG Monaco in *Le Mans* or Ferrari drivers wearing Carrera chronographs, the brand’s deep-rooted ties to motorsport are undeniable. Now, TAG Heuer brings its motorsport legacy full circle with a watch honoring one of the most iconic drivers in Formula 1 history: Ayrton Senna. To commemorate the late Brazilian driver’s legacy and to coincide with the upcoming Netflix series *Senna* premiering in late November, TAG Heuer unveils the Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon x Senna, a watch designed to honor Senna’s remarkable career and spirit.

Senna was more than a TAG Heuer fan—he wore the brand on his wrist during his illustrious career. His watch of choice, the digital TAG Heuer Senna S/EL Link Chronograph S25.706C, will make an appearance in the Netflix series as a nod to the driver’s style and connection to the brand. But TAG Heuer’s latest tribute piece, the Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon x Senna, takes Senna’s legacy a step further, envisioning a mechanical marvel he might have worn had he been racing in the modern era.

Housed in TAG Heuer’s Carrera model, the new watch is a true blend of modern technology and motorsport history. The Carrera, a timepiece originally designed by Jack Heuer in 1963, was revamped in 2023 with a new “Glassbox” design that removes the bezel, giving it a sleeker, more streamlined look. This Carrera is more than just visually striking—it’s a complex piece of horology crafted to mirror the advanced technologies and high-speed performance of Formula 1 racing.

The Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon x Senna comes in a robust 44-mm Grade 2 titanium case, known for its lightness and durability, essential qualities in motorsport. The watch’s bezel is forged from carbon and engraved with “Senna” and a tachymeter scale reaching 400 km/h, capturing the exhilarating speeds that defined Senna’s racing style. The skeletonized dial features chronograph counters at 3 and 9 o’clock, adorned with azure scales and open-worked yellow hands—a color combination reflecting the vibrancy of Senna’s Brazilian heritage. Above 6 o’clock lies the tourbillon, an intricate complication known for improving timekeeping accuracy by countering gravity’s effects—a fitting tribute to Senna’s pursuit of precision on the track.

Adding to the watch’s visual allure, the caseback features an engraving of Senna in his racing helmet, partially revealing the Calibre TH20-09 movement, TAG Heuer’s automatic movement that powers the watch. Paired with a blue integrated rubber strap and titanium folding clasp, the Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon x Senna looks as race-ready as any modern-day Formula 1 timepiece. Its brushed and sandblasted titanium case, domed sapphire crystal, and open-worked dial reflect the cutting-edge materials and technologies seen in today’s racing world.

Of course, no detail was spared in the making of this tribute piece. TAG Heuer, one of the few major brands to offer a tourbillon at a relatively affordable price, brings this tourbillon watch to market at 37,000 Swiss francs (around $42,679). This limited edition of 500 pieces may be a luxury, but for fans and collectors, it’s a chance to own a high-tech timepiece that honors Senna’s enduring legacy. With its blend of style, precision, and historical significance, the Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon x Senna is not just a watch—it’s a tribute to a legend, capturing the spirit of a driver who will forever be remembered as one of Formula 1’s greatest.

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