While the relationship between MotoGP and watches may not be as extensively chronicled as that of Formula 1, there is still a strong link between two-wheeled racing and horology. Historical records show that watch brands have held official timekeeping roles in Grand Prix motorcycle racing as early as the 1950s. While MotoGP team sponsorships appear to be a more contemporary phenomenon, a small handful of watch brands have notably embraced this role.
Breil
Team: Ducati Corse
Years Active: 2005-2006
Quick Note: Breil also appeared on the Nastro Azzuro Honda NSR500 in 2000 and 2001, via a personal sponsorship of Valentino Rossi.
Casio (G-Shock)
Team: Kawasaki Racing Team
Years Active: 2005-2008
Quick Note: Casio have also released Williams F1 and Suzuki Ecstar MotoGP edition G-Shock models, although it’s unclear if a team sponsorship was involved.
2007 Kawasaki ZX-RR (Photo: by PekePON, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons)
Chronoforce
Team: LCR Honda MotoGP Team
Years Active: 2009-2010
Quick Note: MotoGP veterans Carlos Checa and Randy de Puniet have both served as brand ambassadors during their premier class careers.
Chronostar
Team: Aprilia Racing (500cc class)
Years Active: 2000
Quick Note: Chronostar was owned by the Sector Group during this time.
Gagà Milano
Team: GO&FUN Honda Gresini/Aprilia Racing Team Gresini
Years Active: 2013-2015
Quick Note: A team edition was announced in the original sponsorship press release.
Hublot
Team: Reale Avintia Racing
Years Active: 2020
Quick Note: Hublot also sponsored Ferrari in Formula 1 from 2012 until 2020. In doing so, the Swiss brand holds the highly unusual distinction of having sponsored a team in both F1 and MotoGP, and in the same year.
Lapizta
Team: Pramac Racing
Years Active: 2015
Quick Note: Pramac rider Yonny Hernandez and team boss Francesco Guidotti have also served as brand ambassadors.
Sector
Team: Aprilia Racing
Years Active: 2002-2003
Quick Note: While information is sparse, Sector has released at least two Aprilia Racing edition watches during this time.
Noriyuki Haga rides the Aprilia RS Cube in 2003 (Photo: by Rikita, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons)
U-BOAT
Team: Octo Pramac Racing
Years Active: 2017-2018
Quick Note: Pramac riders Danilo Petrucci, Scott Redding, and Jack Miller have all promoted the brand during this time.