Further immortalising the legendary Ayrton Senna is TAG Heuer with their newest release: An Extreme Sport Tourbillon adorned with the colours of the great country of Brazil.
The last two years for TAG Heuer have been incredible, to say the least. Starting with the release of the Carrera Glassbox last year 2023 and 2024 has been the best run that the La Chaux-de-Fonds brand has seen in a long time. However, as the year begins to wind down, TAG Heuer have opted to pay tribute to a global icon and lifelong ambassador of theirs in Formula One legend Ayrton Senna.
While 2024 is a continuation of TAG Heuer’s excellent horological comeback, it also marks the 30th year anniversary of one of the darkest days in motorsports history. In 1994, on the Imola Circuit in Bologna, Italy, Ayrton Senna ran off his racing line on the Tamburello Corner and tragically passed in the ensuing accident. His death would send shockwaves worldwide; a reported 500,000 people attended his funeral in São Paulo, and millions more would tune in where they could to pay respects to the universally beloved racer.
As dark as that day was, however, Ayrton Senna’s shocking demise was overshadowed by the legacy he left behind. Over the decade he raced, he would collect 65 pole positions, 161 starts, more than 600 points, 80 podium finishes, 41 race wins, and three world championships. Even to this day, he continues to be one of the most highly regarded drivers of all time, a testament to the three qualities all racers hope to possess in their careers: To be flawless, to be fearless and, most importantly, fast.
In celebrating Senna’s everlasting mark on the world of motorsports, a limited Netflix series is to be released November 29. TAG Heuer Ambassador, Gabriel Leone, portrays the life of Senna in fiction for the first time ever. Additionally, the 30th anniversary also brings about one of TAG Heuer’s most commemorative timepieces yet: The Carrera Tourbillon x Senna. Built from the new Carrera Extreme Sport framework, this new offering was made in collaboration with Senna’s estate to ensure it paid proper homage to the Brazilian hero.
Related Reading: Hands On With The TAG Heuer Carrera Extreme Sport
Standing 44mm in case diameter x 49.7mm lug-to-lug x 15.1mm thickness, you may be intimidated by the numbers. However, the Carrera Sport collections (as Matt states in his review) wear a lot better than the paper dimensions suggest. The wearability of the watch only gets better thanks to the incorporation of a grade 2 titanium case, a carbon fibre bezel, and a comfortable blue rubber strap – all remarkably durable and incredibly light.
The dial has been skeletonised and finished with a chequered flag motif, representing Ayrton Senna’s illustrious career; and the dial has been coloured in bold blue, yellow, and green, evoking the flag of Brazil and paying respects to the life he lived and the country he is beloved by. At 9 o’clock, the Senna logo can be seen in the chronograph register, catching the eye nearly as fast as the 6 o’clock tourbillon configuration.
Related Reading: The Art of Complications – Chronographs With TAG Heuer
Turning the Carrera Tourbillon x Senna around, you will also find yet another touching tribute to the fabled motorsports star: an iconic image of Senna with his helmet on has been provided by the estate for use on the case back. Imprinted onto the sapphire crystal, Senna’s visage cloaks the beating heart of the watch – the in-house TH20-09 chronograph movement – from view. Beating at 4Hz (28,800VpH) with 65 hours of power reserve and COSC Chronometer Certification and a flying tourbillon to boot, the TH20-09 is one of the most exclusive calibres TAG Heuer has to offer.
So exclusive, in fact, that only 500 pieces are being distributed worldwide for enthusiasts to enjoy. In a heartfelt salute to one of racing’s many legends, TAG Heuer CEO Antoine Pin had the following to say regarding the impact Ayrton Senna had on both motorsports and TAG Heuer:
“Ayrton Senna has marked us all at TAG Heuer and has marked the world of motorsports, both on the track and in life. 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.”
Matt was able to preview the new Carrera Extreme Sport x Senna just before its release yesterday and shot a quick video to showcase it, which is below and on our Instagram account, so I highly recommend you check that out to get a better in-person view of the watch.
Initial Thoughts
I wasn’t all that into motorsports. As an Australian, most Formula One races happen either extremely early or extremely late, making it challenging to keep up with the frenetic pace of an already extremely fast sport. However, even though he was a bit before my time, I still knew of Ayrton Senna.
Sure, he may not hold all the best stats on paper nowadays, as he has since been eclipsed by the Michael Schumachers and Lewis Hamiltons of the world. But, the aura that even uttering his name carried with it was always second to none. Though his career in Formula One was cut tragically short, the man had become a myth, and through becoming a myth he became a legend.
The new and improved TAG Heuer Carrera Extreme Sport Chronograph Tourbillon framework stands as the perfect candidate to convey the legacy of Senna to those not around to witness his greatness, whether that be live in-person or in living colour. Daring, bold, and ahead of its time, the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon x Senna is a classy and modern tribute to one of the many mythic figures of the motorsports world. For everything you have accomplished in Formula One and the millions you have inspired all over the world: muito obrigado, Ayrton!
Reference: CBU5081.FT6274
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 44mm case diameter x 49.7mm lug-to-lug x 15.1mm thickness
- Case Material: Grade 2 titanium
- Dial: Openworked with blue/yellow/green accents
- Movement: Automatic TH20-09 with COSC Chronometer Certification, chronograph, and flying tourbillon
- Power Reserve: 65h
- Water Resistance: 100m (10bar)
- Strap: Rubber with titanium quick-adjust folding clasp
