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TAG Heuer is introducing a third generation of the Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon in collaboration with the Senna brand, a commemorative company dedicated to the late Ayrton Senna’s legendary career as three time Grand Prix world champion. Senna’s racing legacy is intertwined with the watch world and has always conjured images of the TAG Heuer 6000 Senna Limited Edition in the minds of collectors. This was the very first watch that Ayrton produced together with TAG Heuer, and he was still with us at the beginning of its conception to have a say in its design.
In 2018 TAG Heuer released the first Carrera chronograph tourbillon editions, followed by another iteration in 2019. While many of us are quite fond of the original designs that feature a very distinct era specific aesthetic, such as small case sizes with heavily rounded edges, these new models are extremely modern in contrast.
Launching today is the reference CBU5081.FT6274 – a serious chronograph watch with a grade 2 titanium case, ceramic tachymeter bezel that can measure up to 400 kmh, and a display of TAG Heuer watchmaking prowess in the form of a tourbillon at 6 o’clock. It doesn’t get much more contemporary sporty than a watch like this, using cutting edge materials and high horology watchmaking techniques such as its fully skeletonized dial and the tourbillon itself.
The yellow, blue, and green accents each have their spot around the dial of the watch, aiding in reading the elapsed time of the chronograph, but they also have a level of sporty congruence together. The watch case measures in at 44mm, which is indeed large but to be expected on a modern sports chronograph like this. This is not a watch that’s attempting to be retro or vintage in appearance, but is unapologetically purpose built for today’s racing crowd. Even though this watch is not vintage inspired whatsoever, it still brings along with it some hints of the past, such as Ayrton’s iconic signature on the sub-dial at 9 o’clock, which was also present on the original editions from the mid 1990s. A sketch of Ayrton with his helmet on, along with his signature, is etched onto the caseback as well.
The watch is powered by the in-house Calibre TH20-09, which is a newly developed movement having been recently launched at Watches & Wonders 2023. It’s based on the Heuer 02T, and holds up to 65 hours of running power in the reserve. Although this movement does not yet appear to be officially COSC certified, it most likely holds the accuracy to pass the test. The mesmerising movement of the tourbillon should put your mind at ease either way, and naturally will also pump the price tag up significantly. The retail price is $37,900. TAG Heuer
