This watch is essentially a Carrera item that has been embellished with a Link bracelet, exactly like the Formula 1, but while the Formula 1 has a traditional folding clasp, the Carrera has the very same integrated deployment buckle of a Link bracelet. More interestingly, as well as more classy, is the TAG Heuer Carrera Caliber 16 Senna Special Edition: the right answer to those who have been waiting for years for a new release of the Link timepieces originally created for the F1 racer. On both models, the “ S” red logo is printed on the dial and the wording “ Senna” is engraved on the bezel, along with the tachy scale. The TAG Heuer Formula 1 Senna Special Edition is a 43mm diameter Formula 1 quartz chrono that comes in two versions: the first one features red accents, while the second is painted in green and yellow and reminds us of the Brazilian flag or, if you prefer, of Senna‘s racing helmet. In my opinion, both timepieces are highly sophisticated customizations of two TAG collections. This year, TAG Heuer launched two new models and four new versions: one is the TAG Heuer Formula 1 Senna Special Edition, while the second one is the TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 16 Senna Special Edition. Over the last years, there have been numerous limited edition watches created and named after the F1 champion (it is actually very difficult to list them all as they were mostly created for a very restricted group of aficionados.) Today, some of those collectors, own precious timepieces that have seen their collecting value grow exponentially. TAG Heuer has ideally recreated that former partnership by associating Senna‘s face to two of its collections: the Formula 1 and, partially, the Carrera. Today, Senna‘s personal watch is owned by Jo Ramirez, a former McLaren‘s technician and a very close friend of the deceased driver. The tagline for the brand’s advertising campaign, which appeared on every magazine of the time, was, “Don’t crack under pressure.” Very soon this phrase became a powerful claim and many watches were created under this statement, the most famous of which was an analog-digital timepiece that Ayrton Senna was very fond of and used on a daily basis: the 1991 TAG Heuer S/EL.
With Honda, the F1 racer had an intense personal and professional relationship ( Senna was deeply involved in the development of the Honda NSX, a joint venture between the Japanese car-maker and the McLaren team), while for TAG Heuer, which was one of McLaren‘s technical partners, Senna become a brand ambassador. Senna, as I wrote in a previous post already, has always been closely linked to two brands: Honda and TAG Heuer.
I was 20 when Ayrton Senna died, but I was lucky enough to witness his steady climb to the top of the Formula 1 racing charts that eventually crowned him the best driver of all time.
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