IWC & Lewis Hamilton Release Their Third Special Edition Timepiece Together

While there are many watch collaborations and partnerships within the industry, there’s no denying that the partnership between IWC and seven-time Formula One™ legend Lewis Hamilton is one where you can truly feel the deep connection between the two. And for the third time, IWC’s Chief Design Officer Christian Knoop, his team, and Hamilton have collaborated on a special, limited edition timepiece: the Portugieser Tourbillon Rétrograde Chronograph Lewis Hamilton — following the immense success of the Ingenieur Chronograph Edition Lewis Hamilton and Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar Edition “Lewis Hamilton”

Photo Credit: Courtesy of IWC

For Knoop, working with Hamilton is as seamless as it appears. “It has been an honor 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 colors with some of the finest watchmaking technology ever developed in Schaffhausen.”

Photo Credit: Courtesy of IWC

The new timepiece is a real spectacle sporting a 43.5-millimeter  platinum case and a teal dial adorned with 12 dazzling diamonds. The focal point of the dial is undoubtedly the flying hacking minute tourbillon at 6 o’clock. Translating to “whirlwind” in French, the tourbillon comprises a balance wheel enclosed in a small cage, endlessly rotating. This not only creates a visual spectacle but also enhances timekeeping accuracy by minimizing the effects of gravity. With the integrated tourbillon stop, the movement can be brought to a precise halt, allowing for time setting with unparalleled precision. Comprising 56 individual parts and weighing a mere 0.675 grams, this delicate mechanism poses a significant challenge for watchmakers during assembly.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of IWC

The dial also houses the chronograph and retrograde date displays and proudly bears the logo of the seven-time F1™ world champion, a design reminiscent of a panther’s eyes. Powering the Portugieser Tourbillon Rétrograde Chronograph is the IWC-manufactured 89900 caliber, featuring a chronograph function with hours and minutes displayed on a single counter at 12 o’clock. Notably, the pallet lever and escape wheel are constructed from silicone and coated with a layer of diamond, known as Diamond Shell® technology. This innovation significantly reduces friction and optimizes energy flow within the movement, contributing to a substantial power reserve of 68 hours. The movement’s components, including the bridges, are exquisitely gold-plated, presenting a captivating view through the sapphire glass case back. Remarkably, this marks the first instance since the legendary “Il Destriero Scafusia” from 1993 that IWC has produced a movement with gold-plated components.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of IWC

Limited to just 44 pieces — a significant number giving the nod to Hamilton’s racing number — the new Portugieser Tourbillon Rétrograde Chronograph Lewis Hamilton is the perfect addition to the trilogy of IWC and Hamilton.