Industrial Revolution

A tour inside the Aston Martin and Red Bull Racing factories with TAG Heuer.

- Yong Wei Jian

As the official timekeeper and title sponsor for Red Bull Racing respectively, TAG Heuer and Aston Martin make for a natural pairing. Their partnership has produced mutually inspired special editions such as the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera TAG Heuer Edition and corresponding Carrera collector’s timepiece, but to fully appreciate the work that went into these mechanical marvels, one would need to be at the source. Fortunately, the British luxury automaker is not averse to opening its doors for a bout of engineered soul-searching.

Located in the quaint village of Gaydon, Warwickshire, the global headquarters of Aston Martin is a state-of-the-art compound where the company plans, designs and builds its cars. Various Vantage models prowl the grounds, perched atop rocks or on water surfaces to greet guests. Inside, a collection of sports cars (including a Red Bull racer) fills the lobby and just past the historical timeline and legacy line-up is the main event – the production floor.

Every workshop buzzes like the backstage of a theatre, but the Aston Martin facility thrums steadily in its cavernous arena. Time factors differently here – a new Aston Martin is started every 26 minutes, compared to mass manufacturers where it is a matter of seconds. Production is deliberate, with an average 200-hour build process scrutinised at every stage before the final inspection. The factory floors are pristine, and the air is free of industrial cacophony.