You know you’ve made it when you get your own wristwatch designed by (and named for) you. And though Max Verstappen may not have won the world championship just yet, in TAG Heuer‘s book, he’s evidently “made it.”
The Swiss watchmaker that sponsors Red Bull Racing (and has long been a favorite of driving and racing enthusiasts) partnered with Verstappen to create this special-edition chronograph. It’s based on the company’s signature Formula 1 wristwatch, but features some unique touches designed by the up-and-coming young hot-shoe.
It’s done up in red and black, with Verstappen’s number 33 at 6’o clock, his national Dutch flag represented in a vertical stripe on the right side of the dial, and the Red Bull Racing logo engraved on the caseback. The 43-mm steel case houses a quartz chronograph movement, with a black ceramic tachymeter bezel and a bracelet with matching stainless steel and black ceramic links.
“The watch is very sporty, with nice racing colours in black and red,” said Verstappen. “I think it’s very cool – exactly like what I wanted it to be!”
The 21-year-old racer first joined the F1 grid in 2015 with Scuderia Toro Rosso, and was promoted shortly into his second season to Red Bull’s front-running team, promptly winning the Spanish Grand Prix on his debut. He’s since won four more grands prix, and finished this year’s championship in fifth place – matching his best result so far, and beating his teammate Daniel Ricciardo by a handy margin. Ricciardo’s leaving for Renault, with Pierre Gasly called up (like Max was) from STR to partner with Verstappen at RBR next season.
This is actually the third such special-edition timepiece that TAG has done with Verstappen, and it’ll be available exclusively in a limited run of 1,300 examples.