Ever stumble upon something you never knew existed but instantly feel like you must have it? That’s exactly what happened when I found the Universal Genève Senna Chronograph, model 41, at a recent auction. As a Formula 1 fan and a watch enthusiast, I was drawn to it like a magnet. When I placed my bid, I expected some competition—after all, it’s not every day you come across a piece that fuses two passions so perfectly. But to my surprise, no one else seemed interested, and the watch quickly became mine! Lucky, right?

Now, let me tell you why this watch isn’t just another chronograph—it’s a tribute to one of the greatest drivers in F1 history, Ayrton Senna. In the late ‘90s, Universal Genève partnered with the Ayrton Senna Institute, an organization chaired by Senna’s sister, Vivianne, to create a timepiece that honors both his legacy and his achievements. The result? Two special models: the Senna “65” three-hand version (named for Senna’s 65 career pole positions) and the Senna “41” chronograph, representing his 41 Formula 1 victories.

The Senna 41 I now have in my collection is from 1998, and it’s powered by the legendary ETA 251.262 quartz movement, also known as calibre UG 75. A subtle yet powerful detail is the black accents on the watch, which Universal Genève originally advertised as “carbon” – though they’re actually made of a thermoplastic alloy. It’s these fine details that make this watch a true gem.

But here’s where it gets even more interesting: unlike most chronographs, this one boasts 20ATM water resistance, thanks to both a screw-down crown and screw-down pushers—a rare feature that gives this timepiece durability beyond its sleek design. The signed Senna logo on the leather strap’s deployment clasp? Just the cherry on top.

This watch was highly publicized back in the day, even making waves in Audi Magazine thanks to Audi’s partnership with the Senna family. It’s more than just a watch; it’s a piece of motorsport history, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to have it in my collection.

If you’re a fan of racing or just appreciate a well-crafted timepiece with a story, the Universal Genève Senna 41 is a watch that’s sure to rev your engine. Keep an eye out for it—you might just be as lucky as I was!