In the early days of researching watch brands for Grand Prix Watches, PETER RATCLIFFE LEGENDS IN TIME immediately stood out to us as different. Sure, there are other independent watch brands that have made a mark on Formula One and MotoGP, but none quite had the same approach and personal attention that Peter Ratcliffe brings to his brand. Anchored by his decades-long close friendship with Sir Stirling Moss, Peter’s line of timepieces reflects a deep understanding of motorsport culture and high quality watchmaking.
While researching Peter’s watches, we reached out for help on release dates. We didn’t have to wait long to discover that Peter is friendly and down to earth, and always willing to go the extra mile to answer our never-ending questions which have spilled over into this interview. In hindsight, this makes perfect sense. Sir Stirling Moss had a reputation of being a consummate gentleman of impeccable character, and it’s only natural that someone like Peter was able to form such a special bond with the British legend. He is a treasure trove of racing stories, and to hear them all would require writing a book or two. Our short chat merely offers a small but fascinating glimpse into Peter’s many experiences, and how they have contributed to his horological creations.
Grand Prix Watches: Your love for motorsport and watches began at an early age. What were your earliest memories of each, and did you sense a connection between them while growing up?
Peter Ratcliffe: Meeting and getting an autograph from Stirling aged 5 at Goodwood in 1959, and watching a wind spring being replaced in my Timex when I was 8 years old.
The only connection I felt between racing and watches was the constant appearance of Heuer advertising. It was everywhere and I considered it a part of racing. I felt so proud when I purchased my first Heuer Carrera watch. They were the official time keeper of Formula One at the time. I felt I had joined a club.
GPW: Your career has spanned a wide variety of ventures. What are some key themes or principles that have shaped your past roles and will likely guide your future projects?
Peter: I have always felt and focused on trying to achieve my tick box as a very young man. I have always felt driven to achieve those goals. I recall going to Colin Chapman in 1970 aged 16 and offering to keep all of the cars perfectly clean and polished without any payment as long as I could travel with the team. He looked at me and smiled, and said “I think we are okay.” I simply wanted to be involved with the drivers.
Little did I know that I would end up dealing with all of the great drivers and my boyhood hero Stirling Moss would become my second father and I his second son. We even shared my Jaguar lightweight with Stirling at Donington Park in the 1-hour race to celebrate the E-Type’s 50th anniversary. I drove the first 30 minutes and Stirling drove the second half of the hour. We finished seventh in car number 7. Stirling was one second a lap faster than me. It was a great day and another box ticked. I had just raced with my boyhood hero!
GPW: Was there a moment in your life when a significant setback led to a surprise opportunity or success?
Peter: My Father passing at aged 58 and leaving me £10,000, which enabled me to start LEGENDS IN TIME and buying my first Jaguar E-Type for £3,ooo.
GPW: What is a memorable accomplishment or experience that you rarely get to talk about?
Peter: I held my first auction at the Dorchester Hotel in 1996 and everything sold for triple their estimates, which enabled me to buy a beautiful house in Ascot outright. Then my twin daughters were born in 1998. I also appeared on Channel 4’s dealer programme Four Rooms for three years. My first ever race in Capetown in my Lightweight Jaguar E-Type was memorable as well. I also completed two print projects with Ayrton Senna at his home in Monaco in 1990. Then in 1992, Ayrton called me to the pits in Adelaide and presented me with his race overalls. That was a very special moment.
GPW: You and Sir Stirling Moss have enjoyed a long friendship together. What is your favorite memory or story that best captures the bond you shared?
Peter: His wife Susie called to ask me to come to the hospital in London where Stirling was recovering from a serious lift accident. When I arrived, Stirling stood for the first time in six months. He said, “I wanted you to be here to witness it.”
GPW: Prior to making your own, what motorsport watches from other brands have captured your attention over the years?
Peter: The TAG Heuer Carrera, Breitling, and a gold “Grand Marshal” Rolex Daytona which Stirling was gifted for being the flag waver at the Indy 500. Stirling later gave it to me.
GPW: The number of people who have both raced cars and made watches is vanishingly small. As someone in that minority, what unique perspective or insight do you have that may not be obvious to the rest of us?
GPW: What has been the most impactful piece of advice or feedback that you’ve received?
Peter: If a task is worth doing then do it to your very best ability!
GPW: What are you most excited about accomplishing next?
Peter: Writing my book entitled What You Take with You is What You Leave Behind.
To learn more about Peter Ratcliffe and his watches, visit the official PETER RATCLIFFE LEGENDS IN TIME website.