Introducing the New TAG Heuer Formula 1 Senna Special Edition with our Buyer, Sophie Conroy

It’s widely acknowledged that Ayrton Senna was one of the greatest F1 drivers of all time. As a three-time world champion, and with 41 race wins to his name, his success and embodiment of his quest for excellence and performance attracted worldwide attention. None least from the Swiss luxury brand of TAG Heuer who, in 1988, formed a strong partnership with the Brazilian driver.

TAG Heuer and Ayrton Senna enjoyed a long-term relationship together: Senna proudly wore TAG Heuer watches from 1988, and, in 1994, the first Ayrton Senna TAG Heuer watch was commissioned. Tragically, Senna signed the deal with TAG Heuer to proudly display his name on the “6000” model just days before the fateful event. Suddenly and cruelly, the meaning behind the watch changed, and the timepiece was released six months later as to honour his life, rather than to celebrate it with him.

But the partnership didn’t end after his death. Instead, the Swiss luxury brand continued to honour his legacy with special edition watches from 2001 to 2004, and again post-2014. To mark today’s launch of the TAG Heuer Formula 1 Senna Special Edition, we’ve sat down with Sophie Conroy, our Watch Buyer, to talk though the history of the partnership and the features of the new special edition timepiece.

Thanks for joining us, Sophie. For those who aren’t aware of the story, the TAG Heuer Senna collections hold a huge amount of history and emotion. What are your thoughts on the partnership?

The Senna partnership is a very special one. One that celebrates a F1 legendary driver with a timepiece that not only commemorates Senna’s accomplishments, it also shows how TAG Heuer have created another stand out F1 timepiece that exemplifies its avant-garde spirit.

The TAG Heuer Formula 1 Senna Special Edition has notes of red throughout the model – can you tell us why the designers at TAG Heuer have used this colour, and how else it pays homage to their brand ambassador?

TAG Heuer have gone back to the Senna’s origins when it comes to use of colour. Red was in fact the colour used on Senna’s original watch, and a colour steeped in automotive history. Combined with the steel brushed bracelet, it’s a combination that showcases why the F1 family will remain at number 1. It’s great to see the colour highlights used on the chronograph, too.

Finally, what will interest potential buyers in this piece and who do you envisage wearing this?

A lovely feature of the piece lies within the case back, where Senna’s helmet is engraved. It’s a wonderful nod to the racing legend. The Calibre 16 Automatic movement is housed in a beautifully fine brushed steel 44mm case and the grey anthracite dial provides a rich colourway. The S shaped bracelet also sets this F1 above most of the range and helps the Senna remain a special partnership for the brand. It would sit proudly on any Formula 1 fans’ wrist.

Explore more from TAG Heuer here at Goldsmiths.