From Senna’s iconic colours to cutting-edge design, TAG Heuer’s latest Formula 1 x Senna watches redefine what it means to race against time. A perfect balance of power, precision, and passion.
TAG Heuer and the world of motorsport go hand in hand. The brand has built its ethos around racing culture, from supporting Formula One racing teams, building a timepiece dedicated to motorsports and racing culture, to being the sponsor of major motorsport events.
TAG Heuer’s introduction into the world of racing started early, when the founders of Heuer produced pocket watches with chronograph complications around the 1860s, used as timing instruments for sporting events during races. It wasn’t until 1963 that motorsporting culture for TAG Heuer really took off, when Jack Heuer designed the Heuer Carrera chronograph collection, a direct inspiration from the legendary Carrera Panamericana road race.
TAG Heuer’s entry into Formula One began in 1969, when the brand, then known as Heuer, became one of the first luxury watchmakers to have its logo appear on a Formula One racing car. Then in 1971, Heuer became the first non-automotive brand to sponsor a Formula One team, with their logo being proudly featured on the cars of Scuderia Ferrari. In 1985, Heuer merged with the TAG Group (Techniques d’Avant-Garde), a pioneering and innovative private holding company that is involved in the world of motorsport (alongside other industries), to form TAG Heuer. Soon after this merger, TAG Heuer would sponsor the McLaren racing team.
From this point on, TAG Heuer’s trajectory expanded into many new ventures. Thanks to the innovative collaboration with Mclaren in the 1980s, where the TAG-Porsche turbo engine powered the McLaren Formula One cars into a hat-trick of Constructors’ Championships between 1984-1986 and Driver’s titles for Niki Lauda (1984) and Alain Prost (1985-86), TAG Heuer was able to cement its place at the very pinnicale of Grand Prix and motorsport racing.
Another partnership that worked wonders for TAG Heuer was with the racing legend Ayrton Senna. The shared love of racing was officially united in 1988, with Ayrton Senna’s fearless style and pursuit of perfection aligning seamlessly with TAG Heuer’s “Don’t Crack Under Pressure” ethos. The resulting timepieces were some amazing tributes to one of the best drivers the motorsporting world has ever seen.
Tragically, Ayrton Senna’s legendary career was cut short in 1994. Following his passing, the Senna Foundation chose to carry forward his partnership with TAG Heuer, extending it until 2004. Together, they created five limited-edition timepieces celebrating his enduring legacy. In 2015, TAG Heuer reignited the partnership with the launch of new Carrera and Formula 1 ‘Senna’ Editions, rekindling the spirit of one of motorsport’s greatest icons.
Over the years, many special-edition models have been unveiled to celebrate Senna’s life, with a few introduced before the Brazilian Grand Prix, as a way of also celebrating his birth country. This is certainly the case for this year’s release, with the 2025 Brazilian Sao Paulo Grand Prix coming up this weekend, TAG Heuer has unveiled two special edition timepieces to celebrate the life of Aryton Senna.
These new TAG Heuer Formula 1 Chronograph x Senna timepieces mark the next chapter in the brand’s long-standing partnership with the Senna brand, celebrating both innovation and the legacy of Aryton Senna. Each of the two watches channels a different side of Ayrton Senna: one a bold and technical design, while the other is timeless and stylish. However, both are united by TAG Heuer’s “Designed to Win” campaign and the very spirit of racing performance.
“Continuing our collaboration with TAG Heuer through the Designed to Win campaign feels especially meaningful this year. Ayrton lived with determination, always pushing his limits forward, and purpose— values that continue to guide and inspire us to give our best in everything we do. These timepieces celebrate not only his victories, but the way he faced life — with focus, excellence, resilience, and passion.”
Bianca Senna, CEO of the Senna Brand.
TAG Heuer Formula 1 Chronograph x Senna 44mm
The two timepieces are quite different from each other, embodying their own personality and looks while honouring the legacy of Aryton Senna. Both timepieces share similarities; however, they feature yellow accents throughout as a reference to the legendary driver’s home country. The first timepiece is a high-end expression of the partnership between the Senna brand and TAG Heuer. The watch’s design draws inspiration from Senna’s helmet and his Brazilian identity.
Case Design
This Formula 1 Chronograph x Senna is presented in a 44mm case that is crafted in lightweight titanium, with a black DLC coating, with this choice of material being a nod to Senna’s fearless approach on the track. The forged carbon bezel adds a beautiful touch to the timepiece, not only enhancing the sporty appeal of the timepiece, but also a callback to the innovative materials used on the Formula One cars. At the 12 o’clock position of the bezel, we have Aryton Senna’s iconic logo engraved in yellow, which matches the other yellow accents nicely and stands out against the carbon background.
While the crown also features a black coating, it features a subtle yellow ring. This yellow ring is also a detail that appears underneath the bezel, subtly breaking up the unity between the case and bezel. I personally love these minor colourful details on the case, as it’s just the right amount of yellow to catch the eye without overdoing it. It’s a subtle reminder of Senna’s iconic racing helmet colours, perfectly tying the design back to his legacy while keeping the overall aesthetic sleek and modern.
The chronograph pushers at 2 and 4 o’clock have also been redesigned with a new shape, one that reflects the watch’s overall technical design. Instead of it being a “block design” that we are used to, the chronograph pushers have multiple facets, giving the watch a more technical, high-performance feel, almost like the aerodynamic surfaces of a Formula 1 car. It’s a small design change, but one that really elevates the overall look and reinforces that racing DNA TAG Heuer is known for.
Dial Design
The details of the dial capture Aryton Senna’s iconic colours beautifully. A sunray-brushed black dial serves as the backdrop for a dial that’s full of energy thanks to the various yellow accents. Firstly, starting with the minute track, we have yellow markings for the five-minute intervals, which, even though minute in size, are easy to distinguish. The 12 o’clock 30-minute chronograph counter features the same yellow accents, with the hand also being donned in yellow lacquer for easy readability. The 9 o’clock constant seconds subdial features Senna’s iconic logo, the same one featured on the bezel.
The most vivid detail, however, is presented on the 6 o’clock 12-hour sub-dial. This dial has been dressed beautifully to depict the Brazilian flag, with the green and blue accents standing out against the yellow quite nicely to draw the viewer’s attention. While these details may seem bold at first glance, the deep black backdrop of the dial ensures everything stays balanced. It never feels crowded or overdone, just the right amount of colour to capture both Senna’s unmistakable style and the vibrant spirit of Brazil.
Movement
The engine sitting inside this latest Formula 1 Chronograph x Senna 44mm model is TAG Heuer’s automatic chronograph Calibre 16 movement. Over the years, the Calibre 16 movement has proven to be reliable and robust, operating at a high frequency of 4Hz (28,800 VpH) and delivering 42 hours of power reserve, keeping the chronograph running with precision and ease. It’s the kind of movement that embodies the same spirit as Senna himself, built for performance, endurance, and absolute precision under pressure!
TAG Heuer Formula 1 Chronograph x Senna 43mm
The second release is the polar opposite, as it embodies timeless elegance. The model is presented in a steel case in TAG Heuer’s iconic S/EL bracelet, one that Aryton Senna frequently wore on his wrist. This bracelet design is certainly unique, and not something you see every day. This signature design originated from late 1980s, which combined ergonomic comfort with sport elegance. Its fluid, interlocking steel links visually recall the style that defined Senna’s racing era.
Case Design
The TAG Heuer Formula 1 Chronograph X Senna 43mm is presented in polished and brushed stainless steel case. It features a black aluminium tachymeter fixed bezel, which follows the same aesthetic layout as per the carbon bezel of the Formula 1 Chronograph x Senna 44mm model. The iconic Senna logo is once again presented in yellow, which stands out beautifully against the polished black finish of the aluminium. To match the black aesthetics of the dial and bezel, the chronograph pushers and screw-down crown are also presented in black DLC-coating, with the “start” chronograph pusher featuring a yellow ring that gives a pop of colour to what is otherwise a much more stealthier design compared to it’s counterpart.
The iconic S/EL bracelet is certainly one of the standout features of this timepiece. Its distinctive “S”-shaped links are based on the original TAG Heuer bracelet design from the 1980s. The mix of polished and brushed surfaces gives it a sporty yet elegant finish, and the fluid link construction ensures it sits comfortably on the wrist. It’s a perfect blend of heritage and performance, paying tribute not only to Senna’s legacy but also to one of TAG Heuer’s most recognisable bracelet designs.
Dial Design
Much like its counterpart, the dial features a three sub-dial layout, this time with arrangement being changed to a 3-6-9 with the date window being positioned between 4 and 5 o’clock. Unlike the sportier Formula 1 Chronograph x Senna 44mm, this model has a more subdued appearance, especially in the use of yellow throughout the dial. One notable change is that the constant seconds dial, which is featured at the 3 o’clock position now, doesn’t display Aryton Senna’s logo. I personally think this is a good choice, as we already have Senna’s logo on the bezel, and featuring it again on the dial will detract away from this timepiece’s luxury and refined allure.
The 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock does feature yellow details, however, with the five-minute increments having yellow highlights, while the hand is also done in yellow lacquer. The most eyecatching element of the dial, is the 6 o’clock 10-hour sub-dial, which features Brazilian flag-inspired colors with a red lacquered hand. While this colourful sub-dial immediately draws attention, the overall composition of the dial remains balanced and refined. The deep black background ensures that the green, blue, and yellow accents never feel overpowering, instead, they add just the right amount of vibrancy to capture Senna’s Brazilian heritage.
Initial Thoughts
When TAG Heuer releases a Aryton Senna edition, expectations are always high, and this year’s duo releases doesn’t dissapoint. Both Formula 1 Chronograph x Senna timepieces capture the TAG Heuer’s rich racing heritage, while also paying homage to the legendary spirit of Aryton Senna and the grueling sport of Formula 1. The two models are distinctively different expressions of the same design concept.
The 44mm model is bold, technical, and unapologetically sporty, while the 43mm version leans into timeless design and understated refinement. It’s a smart move by TAG Heuer, offering enthusiasts a choice between a modern tribute to Senna’s fearless drive and a classic nod to the golden era of Formula One.
What stands out about these two models is the attention to detail and how the different elements of the case and dial designs feel purposful rather than being created just for aesthetic reasons. From the use of Senna’s signature yellow and the Brazilian flag accents to the reintroduction of the 1980s S/EL bracelet that Senna famously wore, every design cue has a meaning or story tied with it.
Released just in time for the Sao Paolo Brasilian Grand Prix this weekend, the Formula 1 Chronograph x Senna 44mm in DLC-titanium is released as a special edition, while the Formula 1 Chronograph x Senna 43mm in steel in released as a limited edition model, with only 3000 timepieces being made. Whether you’re a motorsport enthusiast or simply someone who appreciates great design, this latest TAG Heuer x Senna collaboration perfectly captures why the partnership remains one of the most iconic in watchmaking.
Specification: TAG Heuer Formula 1 Chronograph x Senna 44mm (Ref. CBZ2081.FT8092)
- Dimensions: 44mm x 14.3mm thick x 47.3mm lug-to-lug
- Case Material: Black DLC grade-2 titanium sandblasted case with yellow joint below bezel
- Dial: Black sunray chronograph dial with black track running around the dial. Yellow accents and colours of Brasilian flag at 6 o’clock sub-dial
- Water Resistance: 200m (20 Bar)
- Movement: Automatic chronograph Calibre 16
- Crystal: Sapphire with anti-reflective coating
- Bracelet/Strap: Yellow rubber strap with black DLC steel pin buckle; TAG Heuer engraving
Australian Recommended Retail Price: AUD $8,650
Availability: Available through TAG Heuer boutiques and authorised retailers, or head online for early access right now at TAGHeuer.com.au
Specification: TAG Heuer Formula 1 Chronograph x Senna 43mm (Ref. CAZ101AX.BA0637)
- Dimensions: 44mm x 12.4mm thick x 48.2mm lug-to-lug
- Case Material: Steel fine brushed, polished case with aluminium black tachymeter bezel
- Dial: Black sunray brushed chronograph dial with yellow accents and colours of Brasilian flag at 6 o’clock sub-dial.
- Water Resistance: 200m (20 Bar)
- Movement: Quartz
- Crystal: Sapphire with anti-reflective coating
- Bracelet/Strap: Steel S/EL bracelet with steel folding clasp with double safety system with pilot extension