Just in time for the 2025 São Paulo Grand Prix, TAG Heuer unveils two special‑edition Formula 1 Chronographs honoring three‑time world champion Ayrton Senna and the brand’s historic connection to him. Senna served as a TAG Heuer ambassador in the late 1980s and early 1990s while at McLaren, where he took three world titles; TAG Heuer was a prominent team sponsor. The first Senna TAG Heuer hit in 1994, the year of his untimely death, but his legacy endured and continued to influence generations of drivers.
A Nod to Brazilian Heritage in Green and Yellow
Adopting a green-and-yellow palette that nods to Senna’s Brazilian heritage and stamped with “SENNA,” the two models differ in trim: the 44mm shows a prominent yellow “S” on a subdial plus yellow-lacquer crown and chronograph accents, while the 43mm is equipped with a black DLC-coated crown and pushers. Both feature black sunray-brushed dials but have different sub-dial arrangements.
The Automatic Powerhouse: The 44mm Calibre 16 Senna Edition
The 44mm model houses the automatic Calibre 16 movement and displays a 30‑minute counter at 12 o’clock, a Brazil‑hued 12‑hour chronograph at 6 o’clock, and small seconds with a yellow “S” at 9 o’clock. It’s built in grade‑2 titanium with a black DLC coating and a forged‑carbon tachymeter bezel, paired with a yellow rubber strap and black DLC pin buckle. Water resistance is 200 m and the caseback carries an engraving of Senna’s helmeted eyes.
Precision and Legacy: The 43mm Quartz Chronograph
Running on a quartz chronograph movement, the 43mm places the 1/10th‑second counter at 6 o’clock, the 30‑minute counter at 9 o’clock, and the running seconds at 3 o’clock. Its stainless‑steel case features a black aluminum tachymeter bezel and Senna markings and is mounted on a stainless‑steel S/EL bracelet with a foldover clasp, twin safety buttons, and a pilot extension.
Pricing, Availability, and Senna’s Enduring Legacy
TAG Heuer Senna Editions: A Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | 44mm Automatic Edition | 43mm Quartz Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Movement | Calibre 16 Automatic | Quartz Chronograph |
| Case Material | Grade-2 Titanium (Black DLC) | Stainless Steel |
| Bezel | Forged Carbon | Black Aluminum |
| Strap/Bracelet | Yellow Rubber Strap | Stainless Steel S/EL Bracelet |
| Release Type | Standard Production | 3,000-piece Limited Edition |
| Price (CHF) | 5,550 | 2,550 |
Both are available directly from TAG Heuer.
Ultimately, these timepieces do more than just tell time. They are a bold and admirable tribute, presenting Ayrton Senna’s incredible legacy in a fresh, modern way for today’s F1 audiences.
