For IWC’s latest collaboration with Lewis Hamilton, the luxury Swiss watchmaker reimagines the Portugieser, one of its oldest and most recognizable models in an alluring teal hue.
When it comes to clothing, the seven-time F1 world champion often sports bold, vibrant hues, eye-catching patterns, as well as unusual designs. As an extension of Hamilton’s look, the timepiece also borrows aesthetic cues from his expressive and adventurous dress style. Precious platinum houses the enchanting teal dial, measuring 43.5mm in diameter and providing ample room to showcase a well-proportioned and finely embellished watch face.
The center of the dial is affixed with slightly recessed displays for the retrograde date and chronograph, while 12 diamonds accentuate the outer ring, with each one accompanying a different Arabic numeral. A particular spotlight is directed at the flying hacking minute tourbillon, which sits at the 6 o’clock mark, where its balance wheel can be observed via its small cage.
Powering this striking special-edition timekeeper is the in-house 89900 automatic-winding caliber. Fitted with 42 jewels, and an 18-carat gold oscillating weight, the intricate movement can be clearly observed via the sapphire crystal exhibition caseback. In collaboration with seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton, IWC Portugieser Tourbillon Rétrograde Chronograph Lewis Hamilton has released the new Portugieser Tourbillon Rétrograde Chronograph limited edition.
Paying tribute to the high profile brand ambassador of IWC, this new high-complication watch features a refined platinum case, a teal dial and a matching textile strap. Inside it beats a manufacture mechanical movement with flying minute tourbillon, chronograph and retrograde date display.
The IWC Portugieser Tourbillon Rétrograde Chronograph Lewis Hamilton (Ref. IW394008) features a 43.5-millimetre case made of platinum. 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 F1TM world champion’s logo, resembling a panther’s eyes.
The dial highlights the mesmerizing flying hacking minute tourbillon at 6 o’clock. 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.The Portugieser Tourbillon Rétrograde Chronograph houses 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.Fitted on a matching textile strap with a folding clasp, this timepiece is available in a limited edition of 44 pieces, reflecting the number Hamilton has raced with since the beginning of his incredible career.
The IWC Portugieser Tourbillon Rétrograde Chronograph Lewis Hamilton is the third timepiece designed in a collaboration between IWC and Lewis Hamilton.
The first was the IWC Portugieser Tourbillon Rétrograde Chronograph 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.