In collaboration with seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton, IWC Schaffhausen 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 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 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.
Technical details
Model: IWC Schaffhausen Portugieser Tourbillon Rétrograde Chronograph Lewis Hamilton
Movement
IWC-manufactured calibre 89900
Automatic mechanical chronograph movement
Frequency: 28,800 vph / 4 Hz
Jewels: 42
18-carat gold oscillating weight
Pallet lever and escape wheel with Diamond Shell® technology
Power reserve: 68 hours
Fucntions
Flying hacking minute tourbillon at 6 o’clock
Retrograde date display
Stopwatch function with hours, minutes and seconds
Hour and minute counters combined in a totaliser at 12 o’clock
Flyback chronograph function
Case
Platinum case
Diameter: 43.5 mm
Height: 15.9 mm
Glass: Sapphire, arched edge, antireflective coating on both sides
See-through sapphire glass back
Water-resistance: 3 bar/ 30 meters
Dial
Teal dial with 12 diamonds, rhodium-plated hands and appliqués
Strap
Teal textile strap
Edition
Limited to 44 watches
