Giacomo Agostini (born June 16, 1942) is an Italian former Grand Prix motorcycle racer who competed in the 500cc class (now known as MotoGP) from 1965 to 1977. “Ago” is widely considered among the greatest Grand Prix riders of all time with a total of 15 world titles, including eight premier class titles in 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, and 1975. He also competed in a support class (350cc) during each of his 500cc seasons and often won both titles in the same season, a feat that has since become all but impossible.
500cc Grand Prix Motorcycle Racing Career
Most of Agostini’s 500cc career was spent on MV Augusta machinery, signing for the Italian manufacturer in 1965 as Mike Hailwood’s teammate and remaining with the team until a 1974 switch to Yamaha. Agostini never finished lower than third in the final standings during his first stint with MV Agusta, having won his first seven 500cc world championships during that time. His two years with Yamaha were less successful, but still yielded the 1975 500cc world title. Ago returned to MV Agusta for his last two seasons and retired from Grand Prix racing at the end of 1977, and was inducted into the MotoGP Hall of Fame in 2000.
JeanRichard and MV Agusta
Agostini’s first watch came well after his retirement. As part of a 2007 partnership with MV Agusta, JeanRichard had released the JeanRichard Bressel 1665 Chronograph Rattrapante Foudroyante “Ago” in honor of the Italian legend. The timepiece came in a silver or black dial (ref. 53012-79-11A-AEED and 53012-79-61A-AEED, respectively), both of which featured Agostini’s famous nickname. This pair of editions placed Agostini on the list of world champions with a signature watch.
Peter Ratcliff and Legends in Time and the Agostini 15 Chronograph
Motorsport enthusiast and PETER RATCLIFFE LEGENDS IN TIME founder Peter Ratcliffe released the Agostini 15 chronograph in 2021. The timepiece commemorated the Italian legend’s 15 world titles with a limited run of 150 pieces.
RO-NI AGO Hyperwatch
From 2022 and 2033, Agostini served as a brand ambassador for Swiss hyperwatch manufacturer RO-NI. To celebrate the partnership, two examples of the RO-NI AGO (ref. RN-RGA-RS1-R) were made. One is still with the maison, and the other is owned by Agostini.
Dial detail of the RO-NI AGO (ref. RN-RGA-RS1-R). (Photo: Courtesy of RO-NI)
HAUTLENCE
Agostini worked with HAUTLENCE to announce the Linear Giacomo Agostini Limited Edition in November of 2025. Limited to 28 pieces, the dial highlights the number 15 to commemorate his 15 world championships.
Related Pages
References
https://legendsintime.co.uk/watches/legends-in-time-peter-ratcliff-watchrange.asp.htm
https://legendsintime.co.uk/watches/legends-in-time-peter-ratcliff-agostini-15.asp.htm
https://www.gphg.org/en/watches/bressel-1665-chronograph-rattrapante-foudroyante-ago
https://www.luxois.com/watches/jeanrichard/limited-editions/bressel-1665-chronograph-rattrapante-foudroyante-ago
https://roni-official.com/eng/story-partners.html
https://www.instagram.com/p/CyJpEPXvZ9l/?igsh=dzZ5ZXdsZTF6cXUx