While many signature watches are released during a Grand Prix racer’s career, some don’t arrive until after their time on the track is done. This list highlights F1 and MotoGP racers who had their first official watch release after their racing days had ended.
For simplicity, “MotoGP” will include all premier class motorcycle Grand Prix world champions.
Giacomo Agostini (MotoGP)
Career: 1964 – 1977
Models: PETER RATCLIFFE LEGENDS IN TIME Agostini 15 chronograph – 2021, JeanRichard Bressel 1665 Chronograph Rattrapante Foudroyante “Ago”, RO-NI AGO (ref. RN-RGA-RS1-R) – 2022
Quick Note: Agostini served as a brand ambassador from 2022 to 2023.
Jean Alesi (F1)
Career: 1989–2001
Model: Montegrappa Jean Alesi Edition Chronograph (ref. IDJNWA00) – 2016
Quick Note: F.P. Journe has also created the Octa Sport S “Jean Alesi” Indy 500 in 2012, which isn’t F1-specific.
Mario Andretti (F1)
Career: 1968–1972, 1974–1982
Model: Yema Rallye Mario Andretti Special Edition – 2019
Quick Note: This was released in addition to the Rallye Andretti Limited Edition, which was an Indy 500-specific piece.
Mario Andretti at the 1978 British Grand Prix. (Photo: by Martin Lee, licensed under CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons)
Juan Manuel Fangio (F1)
Career: 1950–1951, 1953–1958
Models: Telda Mercedes-Benz Classic Juan Manuel Fangio – 1990s, TAG Heuer (Various)
Quick Note: TAG Heuer models include the Juan Manuel Fangio Targa Florio (ref. CX2113), Formula 1 Fangio (ref. CAZ101H.BA0842), and Carrera Calibre 16 Fangio Limited Edition (ref. CV201AT.FC6475).
Giuseppe Farina (F1)
Career: 1950–1956
Models: Cuervo y Sobrinos Historiador Nino Farina (ref. 3198) and Historiador Nino Farina II (ref. 3144.1NF) – 2023
Quick Note: Zannetti has also released the Farina Red (ref. TDRF-A1S-R.1.R) and Farina Black (ref. TDRF-A1S-N.1.R) as part of their Time of Drivers collection, although it’s unclear if there’s licensing involved.
Damon Hill (F1)
Career: 1992–1999
Models: TW Steel Damon Hill Canteen LE (ref. TW1018) – 2021 and GT15 Damon Hill – 2022
Quick Note: Hill was announced as a TW Steel brand ambassador in 2020.
Damon Hill in 1995. (Photo: by Martin Lee, licensed under CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons)
James Hunt (F1)
Career: 1973–1979
Models: TAG HeuerFormula 1 James Hunt Limited Edition (ref. CAZ1017.FC8212) – 2016, Omologato Official James Hunt Chronograph – 2017
Quick Note: The Omologato Official James Hunt Chronograph was available in a silver or black case.
Jochen Mass (F1)
Career: 1951–1961
Models: ELYSEE Jochen Mass Magny Court Special Edition (ref. 70950) – 2014, plus others
Quick Note: Several additional Jochen Mass editions were released, although they are currently not well documented.
Stirling Moss (F1)
Career: 1951–1961
Models: PETER RATCLIFFE LEGENDS IN TIME Moss 80 – 2011 and Moss Monaco 1961 – 2012
Quick Note: Moss’s name also appears on the case back of the Christopher Ward Limited Edition C70 VW4 Chronometer.
Nelson Piquet (F1)
Career: 1978-1991
Model: Louis Moinet Legends Nelson Piquet (ref. LM-33.10.20) – 2013
Quick Note: The chronograph’s blue and white colors were a nod to Brabham.
Alain Prost (F1)
Career: 1980–1991, 1993
Models: TAG Heuer Carrera Ring-Master Alain Prost Limited Edition (ref. CV201Y.BA0794) – 2011, Richard Mille RM 70-01 Tourbillon Alain Prost – 2017
Quick Note: TAG Heuer’s lineup of F1 Cavallino helmet clocks also included an Alain Prost edition (ref. 44915).
Alain Prost in 1990. (Photo: by Stuart Seeger, licensed under CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons)
Pedro Rodríguez (F1)
Career: 1963-1971
Models: Hublot Big Bang Aero Bang Scuderia Rodríguez (ref. 311.PQ.1129.HR.MEX11) – 2011, Hublot Big Bang Aero Bang Scuderia Rodríguez (ref. 311.TQ.1129.HR.MEX11) – ?
Quick Note: The elder Rodríguez brother was the first Mexican driver to win a Formula 1 race.
Ricardo Rodríguez (F1)
Career: 1961-1962
Model: Hublot Big Bang Aero Bang Scuderia Rodríguez (ref. 311.QX.1129.HR.MEX11) – 2011
Quick Note: The younger Rodríguez brother was the first Mexican driver to race in Formula 1.
Jarno Saarinen (MotoGP)
Career: 1975
Models: S.U.F Helsinki Paroni (1st gen) – 2004, Paroni (2nd gen)/Paroni (2nd gen) Lefty – 2014, Paroni Chronograph – 2019, Paroni Imatranajo – 2022
Quick Note: Non-production Paroni Imatranajo models have also been produced as prizes for events.
Jo Siffert (F1)
Career: 1962–1971
Models: TAG Heuer S/el Jo Siffert edition (ref. CG211S.BA0423) – 1996 and Autavia Jo Siffert Collector’s Edition – 2018
Quick Note: Siffert was well known for wearing a Heuer Autavia (ref. 1163T) during his career.
Danny Sullivan (F1)
Career: 1983
Model: Szanto ICON Signature Series Danny Sullivan – 2018
Quick Note: Sullivan has also appeared in at least one Swatch ad, likely the year after his time in F1.
John Surtees (MotoGP & F1)
Career: 1952–1960 (MotoGP), 1960–1972 (F1)
Models: Scalfaro John Surtees Edition – 2014, Omologato Surtees Chronograph – 2017
Quick Note: Cadola has also released a collection of Surtees Meca-Quartz Chronographs, but it’s unclear if licensing was involved.
John Surtees at the 1960 Assen TT. (Photo: Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons)
Wolfgang von Trips (F1)
Career: 1956-1961
Models: ELYSEE Rally Timer I Graf Berghe von Trips Edition – 2015, plus others
Quick Note: Many Graf Berghe von Trips editions were released, although they are currently not well documented.