New Release
India Whiskey Charlie's original post introduces the IWC Portugieser Tourbillon Rétrograde Chronograph Lewis Hamilton, a limited edition that marries high horology with motorsport celebrity. This article delves into the technical specifications and design elements of this collaborative timepiece, offering a detailed look at its platinum case, teal dial, and the intricate IWC-manufactured 89900 calibre. It's a prime example of how IWC leverages its brand ambassadors to create unique, collectible pieces.
Schaffhausen, 21st September 2023: IWC Schaffhausen presents the Portugieser Tourbillon Rétrograde Chronograph Lewis Hamilton. Designed in collaboration with the seven-time Formula One™ world champion and IWC brand ambassador, it features a refined platinum case, a teal dial and a matching textile strap. The IWC-manufactured 89900 calibre drives a flying minute tourbillon, a chronograph function and a retrograde date display. This timepiece is limited to 44 pieces, reflecting the number Hamilton has raced with since the beginning of his incredible career.
Lewis Hamilton is not only one of the most accomplished athletes in motorsport, but he has also earned a reputation for his distinctive personal style and iconic outfits. The Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team driver often pushes the boundaries with his fashion choices, embracing bold colours, patterns, and original designs. The IWC brand ambassador has now joined forces with IWC Chief Design Officer Christian Knoop and his team again to design his third special edition timepiece.
The Portugieser Tourbillon Rétrograde Chronograph Lewis Hamilton (Ref. IW394008) features a 43.5-millimetre case made of platinum, the rarest, purest and most precious of all metals. The whitish sheen of platinum perfectly complements the rich tealcoloured dial embellished with 12 sparkling diamonds. With slightly recessed displays for the chronograph and the retrograde date, the elaborately finished dial has a sculptural look. It also features the seven-time F1™ world champions’s logo, resembling a panther’s eyes. The timepiece is fitted on a matching textile strap with a folding clasp.
The eye-catcher on the dial is the flying hacking minute tourbillon at 6 o’clock. French for “whirlwind”, the tourbillon consists of the balance wheel rotating around its axis in a small cage. Not only does this constant rotation provide a visual spectacle on the dial but it also reduces the influence of gravity on the oscillating system, increasing the watch’s accuracy. Thanks to the integrated tourbillon stop, the mechanism can be brought to a complete halt, allowing the wearer to set the time with down-to-the-second accuracy. Consisting of 56 individual parts and weighing in at only 0.675 grams, the delicate mechanism is incredibly challenging for a watchmaker to assemble.
The Portugieser Tourbillon Rétrograde Chronograph is powered by the IWC-manufactured 89900 calibre, which also features a chronograph function. The stopped hours and minutes are displayed on one counter at 12 o’clock, making the elapsed time easy and intuitive to read. Another feature is the retrograde date display. The pallet lever and escape wheel are made of silicone and feature a diamond coating. This so-called Diamond Shell®, technology reduces friction and improves the flow of energy in the movement, contributing to a generous power reserve of 68 hours. The movement components such as the bridges are gold-plated and can be admired through the sapphire glass back. This marks the first time IWC has produced a gold-plated movement since the legendary “Il Destriero Scafusia” from 1993.
THE THIRD SPECIAL EDITION SINCE 2014
The Portugieser Tourbillon Rétrograde Chronograph Lewis Hamilton is the third timepiece designed in a collaboration between IWC and Lewis Hamilton. The first was the Ingenieur Chronograph Edition Lewis Hamilton (Ref. IW379602) with a titanium case and bracelet in 2014. On the case back, this edition featured a piece of carbon fibre from an original racing car. In 2019, Hamilton and IWC joined forces again to create the Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar Edition “Lewis Hamilton” (Ref. IW503002). This Big Pilot’s Watch combined a black ceramic case and a Burgundy dial with a crown and case-back ring made of 18-carat 5N gold.
Or is it just a celebrity endorsement (which might add or detract...)? Love the color.
However, I’m really struggling with this one. CHF160k for a celebrity endorsed Chronograph/Tourbillon - I just don’t get it - and I’m a LH fan! When I look at what’s available in the marketplace for this amount of money I struggle to see the comparative appeal.
Wonder what the parts, plates, etc look like during disassembly and what shortcuts may appear. As an F1 fan for decades, imho Lewis does not add any value. If this was about four years ago perhaps, as that's when he should have retired. Lewis nowadays, meh.
Because I don't think they will find many more customers. I like Petronas colors and this one, but at this price that is a poorly decorated tourbillon and caseback. Dial isn't that special. That being said it's not bad at discounter rate maybe.
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