Watches The iconic TAG Heuer Watches Worn by Ayrton Senna
3 min
The partnership between Ayrton Senna and TAG Heuer officially began in 1988, but the connection had already taken root long before. Known for his unrelenting pursuit of perfection, Senna was a natural fit for the Swiss Maison, which had long been a pioneer in crafting watches built for speed and accuracy. The first TAG Heuer watch he wore, however, predated this formal relationship and marked the beginning of an enduring partnership between the racer and the brand.
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The 1989 Series 2000 Automatic Chronograph
In 1989, just a year after joining McLaren, Senna began wearing the TAG Heuer Series 2000 Automatic Chronograph (Ref. 165.806). Featuring a 37mm stainless steel and gold-plated case, this watch was powered by the ETA 2892 Calibre. The watch not only accompanied Senna on the racetrack but symbolized his seamless synchronization with time as he continued his dominant career in racing. The Series 2000 exemplified TAG Heuer’s ethos—combining elegant design with resilient functionality.
TAG Heuer Formula 1 Chronograph 472.513
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The S/EL Chronograph (1989–1993)
By the mid-1989 F1 season, Ayrton Senna had embraced the S/EL Chronograph (Reference S25.706C/CG1123 in champagne and Reference S25.206/CG1122 in anthracite). This versatile watch, with its stainless steel and gold-plated finish and a multifunction quartz movement, became a trusted companion on and off the racetrack. The S/EL model stands as one of the defining timepieces worn by Senna during his peak years, symbolizing the close-knit bond between the driver and TAG Heuer. It wasn’t uncommon to see Senna switch between the two versions of the S/EL.
The watch even became part of an enduring anecdote among McLaren’s team. Lead mechanic Ron Pellat jokingly asked Senna to swap watches if he won the 1993 championship. Though Senna didn’t clinch the title, he wore the S/EL during his Monaco Grand Prix win and the legendary wet race at Donington. At the end of the season, in front of McLaren staff, Senna handed Pellat the very S/EL, complete with a modified brown leather strap, fulfilling his promise.
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The TAG Heuer Formula 1 Chronograph at Suzuka
One of the most memorable instances of Senna wearing TAG Heuer was at the 1991 Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka, where he clinched his third World Championship. On his wrist was the TAG Heuer Formula 1 Chronograph (Ref. 472.513), a watch that blended a quartz base movement with a mechanical chronograph module. This red-accented timepiece, measuring 37mm, stood out just as much as Senna’s driving did on that fateful day in Suzuka. This moment was not just a win for Senna but also a showcase of TAG Heuer’s prowess in creating durable and precise watches for the racing world.
The TAG Heuer Series 6000: A Halo Watch for a Champion
In 1992, TAG Heuer launched its luxurious Series 6000 collection, and naturally, Senna embraced it. Often seen wearing a two-tone version with a leather strap and white dial (Reference WH5151), Senna continued to represent TAG Heuer through his final seasons. With a 38mm stainless steel and gold-plated case and the reliable ETA 2892 Calibre, the Series 6000 marked a fitting chapter in the Senna-TAG Heuer story, exemplifying the brand’s dedication to high performance, much like Senna’s own career.
TAG Heuer SERIE 6000
A Legacy Carved in Time
TAG Heuer’s relationship with Ayrton Senna continues to endure even after his tragic passing in 1994. The bond between the two icons lives on through the TAG Heuer Senna Special Edition watches that have been launched in his honor.
The latest model is the new TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon Extreme Sport x Senna, a high-performance, limited-edition timepiece, which exemplifies TAG Heuer’s technical expertise and dedication to motorsport. A tribute to Senna’s unparalleled career, these special editions celebrate his spirit of innovation and pursuit of greatness. TAG Heuer’s dedication to preserving Senna’s legacy ensures that future generations of racing enthusiasts will always remember his profound impact on both motorsport and watchmaking.
