IWC Schaffhausen Presents Limited Edition Portugieser with Lewis Hamilton

Hamilton’s Influence on Design

Lewis Hamilton, known for his remarkable achievements in motorsport and unique fashion sense, has worked with IWC’s Chief Design Officer Christian Knoop and his team to create his third special edition watch. Hamilton’s distinct style, characterized by bold colors and innovative designs, is reflected in this collaboration.

As a driver for the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team, he frequently experiments with his fashion choices, opting for bold colors, patterns, and unique designs.

A Two-Year Collaborative Effort

“Working with Lewis on this project was an honor and a pleasure,” said Christian Knoop. “His passion for IWC and deep knowledge of mechanical watches were evident throughout the two-year development process. Lewis had a clear vision and brought outstanding ideas, resulting in a timepiece that merges his keen aesthetic sense and love for vibrant colors with advanced watchmaking technology from Schaffhausen.”

Exquisite Details and Features

The Portugieser Tourbillon Rétrograde Chronograph Lewis Hamilton (Ref. IW394008) features a 43.5-millimetre platinum case, the rarest and most precious metal. The platinum’s whitish sheen enhances the teal-colored dial, adorned with 12 sparkling diamonds. The whitish luster of platinum pairs beautifully with the rich teal-colored dial, which is adorned with 12 sparkling diamonds.

The dial, with its slightly recessed chronograph and retrograde date displays, has a detailed and sculptural appearance. It also showcases Hamilton’s logo, resembling panther eyes. The watch is complemented by a matching textile strap with a folding clasp.

The dial also showcases the logo of the seven-time F1™ world champion, which looks like a panther’s eyes.

The Intricate Tourbillon

The flying hacking minute tourbillon at 6 o’clock is a highlight on the dial. The tourbillon, which means “whirlwind” in French, features a balance wheel rotating in a small cage. This constant rotation not only creates a visual spectacle but also reduces the impact of gravity on the oscillating system, enhancing the watch’s accuracy. The integrated tourbillon stop allows the mechanism to be halted, enabling precise time-setting down to the second. Comprising 56 parts and weighing just 0.675 grams, the mechanism is a significant challenge for any watchmaker to assemble.

Powerful and Precise Movement

The IWC-manufactured 89900 calibre powers the Portugieser Tourbillon Rétrograde Chronograph. This movement also includes a chronograph function, displaying stopped hours and minutes on one counter at 12 o’clock for easy reading of elapsed time. The elapsed hours and minutes are shown on a single counter at 12 o’clock, making it easy and intuitive to read the elapsed time.

Another notable feature is the retrograde date display. The pallet lever and escape wheel are made of silicone with a diamond coating, known as Diamond Shell® technology, which reduces friction and improves energy flow within the movement, resulting in a power reserve of 68 hours. The movement components, including gold-plated bridges, are visible through the sapphire glass back. This is the first instance of IWC producing a gold-plated movement since the renowned “Il Destriero Scafusia” in 1993.

The pallet lever and escape wheel are crafted from silicone and have a diamond coating. This marks the first time IWC has produced a gold-plated movement since the legendary “Il Destriero Scafusia” from 1993.

Previous Collaborations

The Portugieser Tourbillon Rétrograde Chronograph Lewis Hamilton is the third timepiece created in partnership between IWC and Lewis Hamilton. The first was the Ingenieur Chronograph Edition Lewis Hamilton (Ref. IW379602) in 2014, featuring a titanium case and a piece of carbon fibre from an original racing car on the case back. In 2019, they collaborated again to produce the Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar Edition “Lewis Hamilton” (Ref. IW503002), which combined a black ceramic case, a Burgundy dial, and elements of 18-carat 5N gold.

YOU ASKED…

What is unique about the Portugieser Tourbillon Rétrograde Chronograph Lewis Hamilton?

This watch features a platinum case, a teal dial with diamonds, and an intricate flying minute tourbillon. It is a limited edition of 44 pieces, designed with Lewis Hamilton.

Who collaborated on this IWC timepiece?

Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula One™ world champion, worked with IWC’s Chief Design Officer Christian Knoop and his team to create this special edition watch.

What are the key features of the IWC-manufactured 89900 calibre?

The 89900 calibre includes a flying minute tourbillon, a chronograph function, and a retrograde date display. It has a power reserve of 68 hours and features Diamond Shell® technology to reduce friction.

How many pieces are available for the Portugieser Tourbillon Rétrograde Chronograph Lewis Hamilton?

This limited edition watch is restricted to 44 pieces, a number that signifies Hamilton’s racing number.