TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer 01 Racing Ayrton Senna Edition
Angus Davies gets hands-on with the TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer 01 Racing Ayrton Senna Edition
This detailed review of the TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer 01 Racing Ayrton Senna Edition includes live images, specification details and pricing.
During his life Ayrton Senna was revered by millions. After his untimely passing, Senna was mourned by legions of motorsport fans. The Brazilian’s prowess behind the wheel is the stuff of legend and his single-minded approach to racing differentiated him from his peers. For many fans of Formula One, Senna will always be regarded as one of the greatest drivers ever.
TAG Heuer has chosen to mark the 30th anniversary of Senna winning the Monaco Grand Prix with the release of three new models including two quartz watches. However, as an ardent fan of the Swiss lever escapement, my focus is very much upon the mechanical offering by this Swiss avant-garde watch brand.
The Carrera Heuer 01 Racing Ayrton Senna Edition brings together elements which hitherto have not been combined and the result is quite remarkable.
The dial
It is the first time the Heuer 01 movement has been ‘paired with Senna design codes’.
The opaline black skeleton dial provides wonderful glimpses of the date wheel. The date display at 3:30 is a little overwhelmed by the surrounding architecture but can be discerned once you know where to look.
The rhodium-plated hour and minute hands are lined with luminescent treatment. The double digit, rhodium-plated minute markers are also filled with SuperLuminova.
A TAG Heuer emblem is positioned adjacent 3 o’clock, a 12-hour chronograph register is located at 6 o’clock and a 30-minute chronograph register resides below noon. In addition, a small seconds display, featuring the Senna logo, sits at 9 o’clock.
The dial is fascinating to look at with a myriad of structural beams spanning its surface. A non-skeleton dial may prove easier to read but would lack the charm this dial possesses.
The case
A black ceramic bezel encircles the dial and features a tachymeter scale with Senna text and logos. The bezel looks and feels luxurious, imploring the wearer to fondle its form.
The case measures a substantial 45mm, but seems smaller courtesy of its short lugs and highly flexible bracelet.
The case and bracelet are made of stainless steel with black PVD coating. However, the black tones are not the deepest shade of the widow’s favourite hue, rather they appear anthracite or dark grey. This detail may sound small but it prevents the ensemble appearing harsh and confers a welcome subtlety to the aesthetic.
Positioned between the bezel and the case-band is a delightful smattering of red which enlivens the appearance of the watch. The chronograph push-pieces echo the red treatment with an ebullient circlet surrounding their form.
The crown is steel and coated in black rubber. It feels wonderful to touch and is simple to manipulate.
The bracelet will be familiar to Heuerphiles, it is the iconic Link bracelet which has been long admired for its smooth tactility. This bracelet has never been combined with the Calibre Heuer-01 Automatic movement before, however, it works wonderfully, appearing homogenous and stylish.
TAG Heuer has fitted the Carrera Heuer 01 Racing Ayrton Senna Edition with an exhibition case-back, featuring a smoked pane of sapphire crystal and marked with the Senna logo.
The movement
I have written on previous occasions about the Carrera Heuer 01 and waxed lyrical about its column-wheel’s buttery smoothness. My press loan upheld this favourable impression, and reaffirming that this is an exceptional movement.
The movement contains 39 jewels and has a power reserve of 50 hours. The balance oscillates at 28,800 VpH (4Hz).
Closing remarks
TAG Heuer has brought together the Carrera Heuer 01 case and movement with the Link bracelet and Senna design codes. The resultant outcome is a cohesive aesthetic which looks like a harmonious clean sheet design.
The dial architecture is fascinating with multiple layers conferring interest. Despite the complexity of the dial design everything remains simple to interpret.
The bracelet is splendid. The S-shaped links are rounded on the top, sides and bottom and grant a degree of smoothness which proves most welcome.
And then there is the movement, the Carrera Heuer 01. It is a peach and at this price level has few rivals to match its impressive specification.
Undoubtedly, TAG Heuer has produced a fantastic watch which befits the name, Ayrton Senna.
Technical specifications
• Model: TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer 01 Racing Ayrton Senna Edition
• Case: Stainless steel with black PVD coating; diameter 45mm; water resistant to 10 bar (100 metres); sapphire crystal to front and case-back.
• Functions: Hours; minutes; small seconds; date; chronograph.
• Movement: Calibre Heuer-01; Self-winding movement; frequency 28,800 VpH (4Hz); 39 jewels; power reserve = 50 hours.
• Strap: S-shaped links in black PVD coated steel
• Price: £4900 (RRP as at 18.7.2017)
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