New TAG Heuer Senna watch is engraved with image of the F1 champion

With a history in motor sport that dates back more than a century, TAG Heuer has enjoyed associations with some of the greatest drivers of all time – but the one it’s most proud of is that with triple Formula 1 world champion Ayrton Senna.

It was in 1988, his first title-winning year, that the link between the brand and the Brazilian was forged after a significant stake in the watchmaker was acquired by Ron Dennis. At first, Senna’s relationship with TAG Heuer was based on a mutual appreciation rather than a contract, with the brand’s watches becoming the star’s default choice.

As of 1989 he was seen wearing several models, starting with a steel and gold-plated 2000 Series before trying various pieces such as the colourful Formula 1. But it was the digi-analogue S/el Series 2000 worn on a custom leather strap that became his favourite.

Ahead of the 1994 season, Senna left McLaren for Williams but maintained his relationship with TAG Heuer as an ambassador. Just 48 hours before his fatal accident at Imola, Ayrton approved a special Senna version of the Series 6000 which, with the blessing of his family, went into production after his death in editions of 1000 watches in each of three sizes.

Proceeds from sales went to the Instituto Ayrton Senna (established by his family six months after he died), marking the start of one of the longest-running relationships in the watch industry. It continues today in collaboration with Senna Brands (run by Senna’s niece, Bianca) and has now seen the release of more than a dozen Senna models.

The latest is the limited-edition Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon x Senna. The 44mm watch features a brushed and sand-blasted titanium case housing TAG Heuer’s TH20-09 automatic movement. The black skeletonised dial combines a blue minute track bordered by green, contrasting with yellow detailing for the central seconds and subdial hands and a yellow Senna ‘S’ logo. There’s another S on the fixed, forged carbon bezel, while the sapphire crystal case back is engraved with a Senna image, left.

As with previous Senna models, some of the proceeds will go to the Instituto that has raised more than £350m to help provide an education to Brazilian children – adding to the remarkable legacy left by Senna as one of the finest racing drivers the world has ever seen.

TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon x Senna, £33,050. tagheuer.com

Franck Muller (the man) breathed new life into the staid world of Swiss horology when he launched his first watches in 1991. They were big, brash and fun – and often featured ingenious complications, such as the Crazy Hour in which the hands always showed the correct time despite the numbers being randomly arranged. Muller has little involvement with the company these days, but his spirit remains in models like this, which honours the Las Vegas GP. The colours recall those of the neon ‘Welcome to Las Vegas’ sign.

Franck Muller Vanguard Vegas Racing Crazy Hours, £28,900. franckmuller.com

Bernard Richards, the car and motorcycle-obsessed founder and CEO of French watchmaker BRM, has inked a deal with Honda Racing Corporation to create two, four-watch collections – one inspired by the motorcycle racing division, the other by the car racing side. All are three-hand, time-only efforts with steel cases and hand-skeletonised dials that reveal the nuts and bolts of the self-winding movements. Car versions feature Honda’s ‘H’ on the crowns; the motorcycle versions have the famous wing logo.

BRM HRC, from £6447. brm-chronographes.com