Watch brands have long been involved in motorsport, not only in timing these fast-paced races but in high-profile sponsorships. However, rarely do companies from these two worlds have the synergy and history of TAG Heuer and Porsche, who have just revealed their official partnership.

Racing has long been at the core of TAG Heuer’s DNA; counted among its iconic watches is the Monaco, taking its name from the Monaco Grand Prix, which Porsche won in three consecutive years from 1968 to 1970. It was also the watch that was famously worn by Steve McQueen in legendary film Le Mans, the result of a sponsorship arrangement with racing driver and Porsche dealer Jo Siffert. The two companies have also come together in more formal ways, most recently in the arena of Formula E. TAG Heuer was a founding partner of the championship, with Porsche creating its own team with the watchmaker as the title and timing partner in 2019.

However, nowhere is the link stronger between the two than with the ‘Carrera’. Derived from the Carrera Panamericana – the infamous, and dangerous, Mexican road race – the name has its own special use for each of the companies. For Porsche, it is the name of its famous car created to celebrate its success in the race and has been associated with the marque’s 911 ever since. For TAG Heuer, it’s the moniker given to its iconic racing watch conceived by the pioneering Jack Heuer in 1963.

It is only fitting that they unite in a special version of the timepiece that embodies the hallmarks of precision and performance shared by the two brands. The TAG Heuer Carrera Porsche Chronograph comes decked out in the marque’s signature red, black and grey, while the oscillating mass, visible through the sapphire-crystal case back, whimsically takes the form of a steering wheel. Further nods to the shared passion for the road are seen on the asphalt-effect dial, while the Arabic numerals recall the dashboard of Porsche sports cars.

Powering it all is TAG Heuer’s innovative Heuer 02 movement, made in-house at its Chevenez manufacture. Like a finely tuned Porsche engine, it brings top performance, precision and reliability, along with an impressive power reserve of 80 hours. The watch comes presented on a handsome calf-leather strap with stitching inspired by the interior of a Porsche, or with a streamlined interlocking metal bracelet. Similar attention has been paid to the packaging, with it presented in a bespoke watch box that includes a black travel pouch with a sleek Porsche red interior.

As the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team continues its fight for the World Championships this year, there’s much more to look forward to from the duo both on and off the track.

From £4,850; tagheuer.com