Lewis Hamilton’s Collaboration with IWC Yields Platinum and Diamond Masterpiece
In a dazzling display of horological artistry, Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton and Swiss luxury watchmaker IWC unveil the Portugieser Tourbillon Rétrograde Chronograph, a platinum-and-diamond timepiece. Released in late 2023, this collaboration marks the latest chapter in Hamilton’s multifaceted career.
Hamilton, already celebrated as one of the 21st century’s greatest athletes, brings his passion for design and precision to the forefront in this remarkable creation. The platinum case, a rarity in the IWC collection, boasts a distinctive whitish sheen, complementing the teal-colored dial inspired by Hamilton’s Mercedes-AMG Petronas single-seater livery.
This exquisite timepiece, limited to just 44 pieces, pays homage to Hamilton’s racing legacy, symbolized by the number 44 he has raced under since the start of his career. The dial features a flying hacking minute tourbillon at 6 o’clock, a mesmerizing whirlwind of horological sophistication, weighing a mere 0.675 grams.
Hamilton’s influence is evident in the teal textile strap, inspired by his team colors and aligned with his commitment to veganism. The dial, adorned with Hamilton’s panther eyes logo and 12 sparkling diamonds, reflects his distinctive aesthetic sense.
The new chronograph is powered by the IWC-manufactured 89900 calibre movement, with elapsed hours and minutes displayed on a counter at 12 o’clock, and a retrograde date display. This advanced in-house movement also features a pallet lever and escape wheel made from silicon, with a “Diamond Shell” coating.
While silicon is used for its temperature-resistant qualities, this ultra-hard coating reduces friction and improves the flow of energy in the movement, granting the watch a power reserve of 68 hours. Other components within the movement — including the bridges and oscillating weight — are gold-plated and visible through the sapphire glass back, marking the first time IWC has produced a gold-plated movement since the early 1990s.
With its combination of elite tourbillon movement, luxurious materials, and bold design, the new Portugieser Tourbillon Rétrograde Chronograph Lewis Hamilton is unlike any other watch made by IWC in the Swiss brand’s 155-year history. As a tribute to one of the most successful athletes of his generation and one of the greatest drivers in the history of motorsport, however, nothing less would do.
