Formula 1 and High-End Watch Brands: A Perfect Match

The world of Formula 1 racing is synonymous with speed, innovation, and luxury, a realm that seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has navigated for 18 years. His recent move to Ferrari marked not only a shift in racing teams but also a change in his choice of timepiece, as he now proudly sports an extraordinary Richard Mille watch worth an astonishing $600,000.

The Allure of the RM 74-02 Automatic Tourbillon

Among the various models Hamilton has showcased during his brief tenure at Ferrari, it’s the RM 74-02 Automatic Tourbillon that has garnered the most attention. This masterpiece, priced over twice the average cost of a house in the UK, boasts a Gold Carbon TPT case, a unique blend of 30 microns-thin ply carbon fibre and gold leaf, with a red gold sideband. At its core lies an in-house calibre CRMT5 and a free-sprung balance with variable inertia, ensuring this Swiss-made timepiece offers unparalleled reliability. Its rapid winding barrel adjusts the winding mechanism based on the wearer’s activity level, making it ideal for an F1 driver who is always on the move.

Leaving Mercedes behind, Hamilton also bid farewell to sponsor IWC, welcoming Richard Mille into the fold, a brand that has been associated with Ferrari since 2021. During his 12-year stint with Mercedes, Hamilton was often seen sporting IWC watches, such as the sophisticated IWC150 Years Constant Forcebillon, which he wore during his final race with the team. Following the race, IWC CEO Christoph Grainger-Herr presented him with a Top Gun Perpetual Calendar Boutique Edition.

A New Chapter with Ferrari and Richard Mille

Hamilton’s first watch with Ferrari was the RM 67-02 ‘Italy’, a slimmer version of the standard model, fittingly worn during his inaugural visit to Fiorano. Weighing just 33 grams, it is the lightest in Richard Mille’s portfolio and comes at a slightly more affordable price tag of £300,000 (approximately $380,000).

The partnership between Ferrari and Richard Mille has resulted in some truly extraordinary models, such as the UP-01 , a mere 1.175mm thick and priced at an eye-watering £1.5 million. While the drivers wear these watches to fulfill sponsorship obligations, their high value has posed a potential safety risk. In 2022, Charles Leclerc reportedly had a Richard Mille watch, valued at $320,000, stolen in Italy. Lando Norris, another Richard Mille wearer, had one stolen at Wembley Stadium in London.

The Role of Timepieces in Formula 1

Timepieces are an integral part of the culture within Formula 1. While there are numerous watch brands involved with the sport, Tag Heuer is arguably the most well-known after they replaced Rolex at the end of 2024. Tag Heuer has now returned as the world championship’s official timekeeper thanks to a deal with LVMH worth $1 billion, in addition to their existing sponsorship deal with Red Bull.

Currently, only three teams lack a watch sponsor: Williams, which partnered with Bremont until 2023; Haas, without a sponsor of this type since 2020; and Sauber, which lost Rebellion Timepieces in 2023. With high-value sponsorships predominantly stemming from gambling and AI businesses, it will be intriguing to see if these teams eventually secure a timepiece partner.