The luxury watch brand introduces two commemorative timepieces – the new TAG Heuer Formula 1 models serve as a tribute to the motor-racing legend and his lasting impact on the sport.
La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland – October 22, 2020: With the launch of the TAG Heuer Formula 1 Senna Special Edition 2020 in two variations – an automatic chronograph and a quartz chronograph – the Swiss luxury watchmaker pays homage to its ambassador Ayrton Senna and underscores their partnership, which was one of the most remarkable alliances in the sporting world. Over the course of his career, the long-standing TAG Heuer partner redefined the word drive by breaking countless motor-racing records and advancing the meaning of every superlative in the sport: the fastest, the bravest, the greatest.
Considered one of the best drivers of all time, Ayrton Senna embodies the quest for perfection and ultimate performance. Fast and fearless, the Brazilian never stopped pushing himself beyond the limit so that audiences could experience races full of drama and passion. Hinting at the racing legend’s personal record speed of 340 km/h and the way he continues to inspire today’s drivers to push the limits of the sport, these new special editions both feature a ceramic bezel with a tachymeter scale that goes up to 400 km/h. This detail distinguishes the Senna-inspired timepieces from other models in the TAG Heuer Formula 1 collection, which usually go up to 240 km/h. Though 400 km/h is a limit that no team in the sport has reached, they are getting closer and closer every season. Ayrton Senna’s legacy continues to represent TAG Heuer’s driven and daring spirit and inspires bold timepieces such as this year’s special-edition creations.
Bianca Senna, Ayrton Senna’s niece and CEO of Senna Brands, praised the design of the TAG Heuer Formula 1 Senna Special Edition 2020, saying: “We are very happy to be part of another special launch reflecting our partnership with TAG Heuer. The 2020 collection is inspired by Ayrton’s commitment to overcoming limits. Each year, we dedicate ourselves to introducing innovative new models, and this one uses 400 km/h to represent the ongoing pursuit of speeds that once seemed unattainable. It is a part of Ayrton’s legacy, which continues to motivate TAG Heuer in its never-ending quest to create the perfect watch.”
Pole position with the Calibre 16
The robust 44 mm TAG Heuer Formula 1 Calibre 16 Chronograph Senna Special Edition 2020 features a sunray-brushed anthracite dial with shimmering black “azurage” minute, hour and permanent second counters. The white Super-LumiNova® coating on the rhodium-plated applied indexes and hands ensure at-a-glance legibility at all speeds and in all lighting conditions.
This luxurious yet sporty timepiece is presented on a black calfskin strap with black lining and Senna yellow stitching that matches the colourful details on the dial, around the date window, around the bezel and on the top pusher and crown. An additional nod to Senna is the embossed “S” pattern on the strap, which is reminiscent of the links on his favourite TAG Heuer stainless-steel bracelet. The stainless-steel folding clasp has a double safety system and a pilot extension that makes it possible to wear the watch over a driving suit. Powering this special-edition timepiece is the automatic Calibre 16, which is protected by a stainless-steel screw-down caseback engraved with the Senna logo.
Speeding to first place with quartz
The 2020 Senna special edition is also available with a quartz movement and serves as a prime example of sporting power and prestige. The 43 mm TAG Heuer Formula 1 Quartz Chronograph Senna Special Edition 2020 has a sunray-brushed anthracite dial with luminous black counters at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock. The fixed bezel is fashioned from ultra-resistant black ceramic and, as with its Calibre 16 counterpart, yellow touches on the dial and bezel complete the unmistakable colour scheme that links the watch to Senna.
The case and screw-down caseback with a special Senna engraving are made from stainless steel. In line with previous Senna special-edition timepieces, this watch is presented on a stainless-steel bracelet with the iconic double-S links that provide total comfort for everyday wear and out on the track.
