BY JOVAN KRSTEVSKI
On May 1, 1994, the world lost the greatest Formula 1 driver ever to grace the sport, Ayrton Senna, as a consequence of a fatal accident during the race. Three-time Formula 1 World Driver’s Championship winner, the legendary status of the Brazilian racing icon in the motorsport of Formula 1 made him an attraction for many a brand affiliations, TAG Heuer being one such brand. No great surprise to anyone, the association persisted even after Ayrton Senna’s demise. TAG Heuer designed a series of watches to honor the renowned driver, the most recent of which is the TAG Heuer Formula 1 Senna Special Edition.
One glance at it and the subtle and not-so-subtle Ayrton Senna allusions on the dial are apparent. The dial which is done in a graphite gray sunburst finish and has three circular-shaped recessed sub-dials.
Red highlights at the outside border of the sub-dials, as well as a red outline around the date window at 3 o’clock, which assists to artistically blend this gray and red design together. At 6 o’clock, the red Senna logo appears on the chronograph’s 12-hour counter. The rhodium-plated wedge indices and tapering baton hands aid in time reading and other functions on the dial.
The dial is housed inside a 44mm stainless steel case with a black ceramic heavy gear-toothed tachymeter bezel insert. The Senna emblem adorns the top of this insert in brilliant red lacquer, and the ‘400’ number on the bezel is a reference to the 400 km/h speed that has yet to be achieved in a Formula 1 race. On the backside, an engraving of Ayrton Senna wearing his distinctive racing helmet can be seen. The watch is water resistant to a good 200 meters.
The calibre 16 automated chronograph powers the TAG Heuer Formula 1 Senna Special Edition. It’s based on the Valjoux 7750 movement and It operates at a frequency of 28,800vph and has an operational power reserve of 42 hours when completely wound.
The TAG Heuer Formula 1 Senna Special Edition comes on a very recognizable S-link brushed stainless steel bracelet, which is inspired by Ayrton Senna’s personal TAG Heuer S/el watch bracelet, it also has a folding clasp. The TAG Heuer Formula 1 Senna Special Edition has an MSRP of USD 3,550/EUR 3,350.
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