On September 21, 2023, in Schaffhausen, IWC Schaffhausen proudly unveils the Portugieser Tourbillon Rétrograde Chronograph Lewis Hamilton. Crafted in collaboration with the seven-time Formula One™ world champion and IWC brand ambassador, this exceptional timepiece showcases an exquisite platinum case, an enchanting teal dial, and a matching textile strap. Powering this masterpiece is the IWC-manufactured 89900 caliber, driving a flying minute tourbillon, a precision chronograph function, and a retrograde date display. Limited to just 44 pieces, a tribute to the number that has adorned Hamilton’s remarkable career since its inception.
Beyond his motorsport achievements, Lewis Hamilton is renowned for his unique personal style and iconic fashion choices. As a driver for the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team, he consistently pushes fashion boundaries, embracing vibrant colors, daring patterns, and original designs. As the IWC brand ambassador, Hamilton once again collaborates with IWC’s Chief Design Officer, Christian Knoop, and his team, bringing forth his third special edition timepiece that seamlessly merges innovation with style.
“It has been an honour and a pleasure to work with Lewis on this project. His passion for IWC and comprehensive knowledge of mechanical watches were palpable at every stage of the two-year development process. Lewis knew exactly what he wanted and brought excellent ideas to the table. The result is a timepiece that combines his unerring sense of aesthetics and love of bold colours with some of the finest watchmaking technology ever developed in Schaffhausen.”
Christian Knoop, Chief Design Officer of IWC Schaffhausen
The Portugieser Tourbillon Rétrograde Chronograph Lewis Hamilton (Ref. IW394008) showcases a 43.5-millimeter platinum case, the rarest and most precious of metals, known for its whitish sheen. This exquisite case beautifully complements the lush teal-colored dial adorned with 12 dazzling diamonds. The dial, artistically designed with slightly recessed displays for the chronograph and retrograde date, possesses a sculptural elegance. It also features the logo of the seven-time F1™ world champion, resembling the eyes of a panther. The timepiece is elegantly secured with a matching textile strap fitted with a folding clasp.
The showstopper on the dial is the mesmerizing flying hacking minute tourbillon at 6 o’clock. Named after the French word for “whirlwind,” the tourbillon consists of the balance wheel gracefully rotating within a small cage. This perpetual motion not only creates a visual spectacle on the dial but also minimizes the impact of gravity on the oscillating system, enhancing the watch’s precision. Thanks to the integrated tourbillon stop, the mechanism can be brought to a complete halt, allowing precise time setting down to the second. Comprising 56 intricate components and weighing just 0.675 grams, this delicate mechanism presents a significant challenge for watchmakers to assemble.
Powering the Portugieser Tourbillon Rétrograde Chronograph is the IWC-manufactured 89900 caliber, which also boasts a chronograph function. The elapsed hours and minutes are elegantly displayed on a single counter at 12 o’clock, ensuring intuitive and easy reading of elapsed time. Another noteworthy feature is the retrograde date display. The pallet lever and escape wheel are constructed with silicone and a diamond coating, known as Diamond Shell® technology, which reduces friction and enhances energy flow within the movement. This contributes to an impressive power reserve of 68 hours. The movement’s components, including the bridges, are gold-plated and can be admired through the sapphire glass back. This marks a significant moment for IWC, as it’s the first time since the legendary “Il Destriero Scafusia” of 1993 that the brand has produced a gold-plated movement.
The Portugieser Tourbillon Rétrograde Chronograph Lewis Hamilton represents the third collaboration between IWC and Lewis Hamilton since 2014. The first, the Ingenieur Chronograph Edition Lewis Hamilton (Ref. IW379602), featured a titanium case and bracelet in 2014, with a case back showcasing a piece of carbon fiber from an original racing car. In 2019, Hamilton and IWC partnered once more to create the Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar Edition “Lewis Hamilton” (Ref. IW503002), featuring a black ceramic case, a Burgundy dial, and a crown and case-back ring crafted from 18-carat 5N gold.
For more information, please visit IWC.com.