IWC Portugieser Tourbillon Retrograde Chronograph Lewis Hamilton

The prominent standout figure in motorsports, Lewis Hamilton, seven-time Formula One world champion and IWC brand ambassador, recently unveiled their third timepiece designed in collaboration. His unique sense of style extends to his taste in watches, evident not only in his penchant for some of IWC's boldest creations, but also seen in the collaborative special editions he's previously crafted with the Schaffhausen-based watchmaker. Now the latest “IWC Portugieser Tourbillon Retrograde Chronograph Lewis Hamilton” has combined a sophisticated flying minute tourbillon with a chronograph function and a retrograde date display, in a very limited release.The 43.5mm diameter and 15.9mm thickness case is made of 950 platinum with a mixture of brushed surfaces and polished accents. It comes equipped with two rectangular push-pieces that operate the functions. All topped by a box-shaped sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating. Water-resistance can reach up to 30 meters (98 feet).On the flipside is a sapphire exhibition caseback that allows a view into the inner workings of the mechanical movement. It features a gold-plated movement with an 18k solid gold oscillating weight decorated with the IWC emblem. Holding it in place are four exposed screws, while the platinum rim has been engraved by the “LEWIS HAMILTON” inscription and unique number for each of these limited pieces.Time is exhibited on a teal-colored dial with applied Arabic numerals and a ring of dotted minute indices, further enriched by 12 sparkling diamonds aligned with all the numerals to double as hour markers. The chronograph and retrograde date indicators appear a bit lower on the watch face, located at the 12 o’clock and 9 o’clock positions. While at 3 o’clock is the logo of the seven-time F1 world champion, resembling the eyes of a panther.Last but far from least is the complicated flying tourbillon taking up center stage at 6 o’clock spot. This intricate mechanism comprises 56 individual parts, boasting an incredibly lightweight construction of only 0.675 grams, revolving as a balance wheel within a small cage. Plus this component manages to enhance the watch's accuracy by minimizing the effects of gravity on its oscillating system. The central hour/minute hands, as well as the indicators found on the other counters, are rhodium-plated with a shiny polished finish, but have excluded any luminescent filling for an enhanced legibility. 

IWC Portugieser Tourbillon Retrograde Chronograph Lewis Hamilton

The “IWC Portugieser Tourbillon Retrograde Chronograph Lewis Hamilton” (Ref#: IW394008) is powered by the in-house self-winding mechanical movement, caliber 89900 with 42 jewels and 28,800 vph. It comes equipped with a pallet lever and escape wheel with Diamond Shell. Power reserve can last up to 68 hours, when fully wound.Mounted on the watch is a teal-colored textile strap with tone-on-tone stitchings, secured to the wrist by a 950 platinum folding clasp. This is a limited edition of only 44 manufactured pieces. For more up to date information visit the official IWC Schaffhausen website here.

IWC, IWC Schaffhausen, Portugieser, Tourbillon, Retrograde, Chronograph, Lewis Hamilton, Luxury Watches