Formula One Teams and Their Luxury Watch Partnerships: Fusing Speed and Precision

In Formula One (F1), where races are decided by fractions of a second, the connection between teams and luxury watchmakers is a match made in high-performance heaven. These collaborations fuse cutting-edge technology, exquisite craftsmanship, and brand prestige, reflecting the engineering brilliance that defines the sport. As of March 16, 2025, most F1 teams boast partnerships with iconic watch brands, creating timepieces that embody their identities. For those without sponsors, inspired suggestions offer exciting possibilities. Here’s a detailed look at the watches tied to F1 teams, their significance, and fresh ideas for the unsponsored.

McLaren and Richard Mille: Pioneers of Lightweight Precision

Partnership Since: 2016
Signature Watches: RM 50-03 McLaren F1, RM 11-03 McLaren
Why It Matters: Richard Mille’s ultra-light designs—like the 38-gram RM 50-03, crafted with carbon fiber and titanium—mirror McLaren’s aerodynamic innovation. The RM 11-03, with its flyback chronograph and car-inspired case, blends racing tech with horological art. Priced in the hundreds of thousands, these exclusive pieces cement McLaren’s status as a technological leader, making this partnership a showcase of boundary-pushing excellence.

Ferrari and Richard Mille: Icons of Perfection

Partnership Since: 2021
Signature Watches: RM UP-01 Ferrari, RM 67-02
Why It Matters: Ferrari’s shift from Hublot to Richard Mille birthed the 1.75mm-thick RM UP-01, the world’s thinnest mechanical watch, and the 32-gram RM 67-02, favored by drivers like Charles Leclerc. Echoing Ferrari’s red livery and storied legacy, these timepieces fuse heritage with futuristic craftsmanship. Richard Mille’s motorsport dominance elevates Ferrari’s timeless prestige, creating collector’s items that resonate far beyond the track.

Red Bull Racing and TAG Heuer: Champions of Bold Accessibility

Partnership Since: 2016
Signature Watches: TAG Heuer Formula 1 Chronograph x Red Bull Racing
Why It Matters: TAG Heuer’s alliance with Red Bull thrives alongside Max Verstappen’s four consecutive Drivers’ Championships (2021-2024). The Formula 1 Chronograph, with its blue-and-red design, brings precision to fans, while Verstappen’s Monaco edition celebrates his 2021 triumph. As F1’s official timekeeper in 2025, TAG Heuer amplifies Red Bull’s bold, winning spirit with accessible yet iconic watches.

Check out more from TAG Heuer here.

Mercedes-AMG Petronas and IWC Schaffhausen: Masters of Technical Mastery

Partnership Since: 2013
Signature Watches: Big Pilot’s Watch Shock Absorber XPL Toto Wolff
Why It Matters: IWC’s robust designs—like the teal-dialed Pilot’s Watch and the intricate Toto Wolff Edition—reflect Mercedes’ eight Constructors’ Championships (2014-2021). Merging aviation heritage with motorsport precision, these watches honor the team’s technical dominance and leadership. IWC’s partnership is a testament to Mercedes’ relentless pursuit of excellence, both on the grid and the wrist.

Check out more from IWC here.

Aston Martin and Girard-Perregaux: British Elegance in Motion

Partnership Since: 2021
Signature Watches: Laureato Absolute Aston Martin F1 Edition
Why It Matters: Girard-Perregaux’s carbon-titanium Laureato in Aston Martin’s green and the intricate Tourbillon blend racing materials with luxury craftsmanship. This collaboration highlights Aston Martin’s British sophistication and growing F1 ambitions, offering timepieces that match the team’s sleek cars and storied heritage. It’s a partnership of style and substance, elevating Aston Martin’s presence.

Check out more from Girard-Perregaux here.

Alpine and H. Moser & Cie: French Flair Meets Exclusivity

Partnership Since: 2024
Signature Watches: Streamliner Perpetual Calendar, Swiss Alp Watch
Why It Matters: Replacing Bell & Ross, H. Moser & Cie brings handcrafted rarity to Alpine. The Streamliner, with its tourbillon and sleek design, reflects Alpine’s French elegance, while H. Moser’s boutique ethos since 1828 aligns with the team’s unique identity. These artistic, exclusive watches stand out in F1’s crowded sponsorship field, embodying Alpine’s distinct charm.

For more on H. Moser & Cie click here.

Visa Cash App RB (VCARB) and Tudor: Dynamic New Energy

Partnership Since: 2025
Signature Watches: Black Bay Ceramic Chronometer, Black Bay “Chameleon”
Why It Matters: Tudor’s arrival with VCARB’s 2025 rebranding introduces bold designs like the Black Bay Ceramic and driver-exclusive “Chameleon” for Daniel Ricciardo, reflecting the team’s vibrant liveries. As Rolex’s sportier sibling with motorsport roots, Tudor blends heritage with affordability, perfectly suiting VCARB’s youthful, competitive vibe. It’s a fresh, fitting addition to the grid.

For more on Tudor click here.

Teams Without Watch Sponsors: Fresh Pairings to Consider

Haas, Williams, and Sauber currently lack watch partners, possibly due to budget or strategy. Here are tailored suggestions to fill the gap.

Haas and Hamilton: American Grit Meets Practical Style

• Why It Fits: Haas, F1’s American team, aligns with Hamilton, a brand born in the U.S. in 1892 (now Swiss-based under Swatch Group). Known for rugged, affordable watches with aviation and film ties, Hamilton reflects Haas’ no-nonsense approach. Its motorsport-friendly designs make it a symbolic match for the team’s tenacity.
• Suggested Watch: Khaki Field Auto Chrono – A $1,500-$2,000 chronograph with a black dial and red accents, customizable to Haas’ livery. It’s tough, fan-friendly, and embodies American grit.

Williams and Chopard: Heritage Meets Revival

• Why It Fits: Williams’ nine Constructors’ titles and British roots pair beautifully with Chopard, a Swiss luxury brand with motorsport cred via Mille Miglia and Porsche. Chopard’s elegant, racing-inspired designs honor Williams’ past while signaling its resurgence, appealing to fans and collectors alike.
• Suggested Watch: Mille Miglia GTS Power Control – A $8,000-$10,000 chronograph with a blue dial matching Williams’ colors, blending retro racing flair with sophistication.

Sauber and Maurice Lacroix: Swiss Innovation in Transition

• Why It Fits: Sauber’s Swiss heritage and 2026 Audi future suit Maurice Lacroix, a Swiss brand known for modern design and value-driven luxury. Its technical focus mirrors Sauber’s engineering ethos, offering a mid-tier option that fits the team’s evolving phase without the exclusivity of high-end sponsors.
• Suggested Watch: Aikon Automatic Chronograph – A $2,500-$3,500 chronograph with a green or silver dial, nodding to Sauber’s past or Audi’s influence, with a sleek, contemporary look.

The Bigger Picture: Rolex, TAG Heuer, and F1

Rolex reigned as F1’s global partner until 2024, its Cosmograph Daytona a motorsport icon since the 1960s. TAG Heuer took over in 2025 under LVMH, shifting the narrative while reinforcing F1’s appeal to watchmakers. These overarching ties underscore the sport’s timekeeping obsession, complementing team-specific partnerships.

Why These Partnerships Matter

In F1, where precision is king, watches are more than accessories—they’re emblems of innovation and identity. From McLaren’s tech-forward marvels to Ferrari’s timeless classics, these collaborations amplify team brands, captivate affluent fans, and create collector’s gems like the RM UP-01 or Verstappen’s Monaco edition. For unsponsored teams, Hamilton, Chopard, and Maurice Lacroix offer tailored fits—grit for Haas, prestige for Williams, and modernity for Sauber—proving that in F1, timekeeping is as vital off the track as it is on it.