Precision, performance, and prestige - these qualities define both Formula One and the watchmakers that align themselves with the sport. In a world where milliseconds determine victory (well, at least on Saturday), it's only fitting that some of the world's most esteemed timekeeping brands sponsor F1 teams.
Beyond mere logos on race suits and liveries, many of these partnerships have inspired limited-edition watches that pay tribute to the teams they support. Here's a look at the current watch sponsors of Formula One teams, and the standout timepieces that commemorate these high-octane partnerships.
One thing you'll notice is the watches' remarkably long names. While it's worth noting that this trend is not unique to motorsport-themed watches, you'll probably forget the name before you get to your favorite watch retailer, so have your fountain pen ready.
Scuderia Ferrari – Richard Mille
Ferrari's partnership with Richard Mille brings together two titans of prestige. Replacing Hublot following its 2020 exit from F1 sponsorship, the highlight of the Richard Mille collaboration is the RM UP-01 Ferrari, a remarkable technical feat that held the record for the world's thinnest mechanical watch at just 1.75mm thick when it was released. That record has since been eclipsed by the Bulgari Octo Finissimo Ultra Cosc at 1.70mm, but what's a fraction of a millimeter between friends?
The RM UP-01 Ferrari reflects Ferrari's obsession with weight reduction and technical superiority. It's also an example of how far Richard Mille is willing to push horology. Personally, I like my watches nice and thick with an unreasonable number of complications, but nobody asked me.
McLaren Formula 1 - Richard Mille
Not content with cheering from just one garage, Richard Mille also partners with McLaren - because why pick one when you can back two of the most iconic names in motorsport? The RM 50-03 Tourbillon Split-Seconds Chronograph Ultralight McLaren F1 weighs less than 40 grams. At the time of its release, it was the lightest split seconds chronograph, but it's been around since 2017. A more recent watch from RM/McLaren is the RM 65-01.
While not technically an F1 specific watch, it's a tribute to the McLaren W1, which has F1 to thank for many of its advanced features.
BWT Alpine F1 - H. Moser & Cie
Breaking away from mainstream sponsorships, Alpine's partnership with H. Moser & Cie. introduces an under-the-radar (relatively) yet highly respected name to the paddock. Known for its minimalist philosophy and stunning craftsmanship, Moser celebrates the partnership with the Streamliner Cylindrical Tourbillon Skeleton Alpine Limited Edition.
With its integrated bracelet and vivid Alpine blue accents, the watch delivers function and finesse in a modern package. It's a sharp contrast to the louder designs of the paddock - and in true Moser fashion, it says more by doing less.
Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant F1 Team – Girard-Perregaux
Aston Martin's return to Formula One brought a new partnership with Girard-Perregaux (GP), whose Swiss craftsmanship complements the British team's elegance. GP's Tourbillon with Three Flying Bridges Aston Martin Edition reimagines one of the maison's most iconic designs in black DLC titanium.
While it's a variant of an exisiting GP watch, it's a technical showpiece that blends legacy and innovation—much like the team itself. If only those signs of remarkable progress in 2023 didn't end up being analogous to a mirage. Perhaps Adrian Newey will change all that in 2026.
Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One – IWC Schaffhausen
The partnership between Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS and IWC Schaffhausen is rooted in a mutual dedication to precision engineering and timeless design. IWC has released many watches to commemorate the partnership, but one stands out. The Portugieser Tourbillon Rétrograde Chronograph Lewis Hamilton.
Designed in collaboration with the 7-time world champion, the watch makes an impression at first sight. In addition to the tourbillon, the platinum case watch has a retrograde subdial on its green hue dial decorated with sparkling diamonds at each hour marker. Apparently, Aston Martin isn't the only company that knows how to make green look good.
Red Bull Racing – TAG Heuer
2023 was a record-breaking year for Red Bull Racing, with a car that won all but one race in the season. Thankfully (for the sake of better competition), they haven't come anywhere near that since then, but their watch partner has stood firm. TAG Heuer has been synonymous with motorsport for decades, and its alliance with Red Bull Racing continues to highlight that legacy.
The newly crowned official F1 timekeeper has a long list of commemorative watches. Compared to other watchmakers, TAG Heuer's commemorative timepieces don't cost much. Paying tribute to Red Bull's 20 years of racing, the TAG Heuer Formula 1 Chronograph X Oracle Red Bull Racing slots into TAG's mid-range. The automatic chronograph has an unmistakable Red Bull color theme, with TAG proudly claiming that these are the colors of victory. McLaren F1 may have a thing or two to say about that.
