IWC - Portugieser Tourbillon Rétrograde Chronograph Lewis Hamilton

IWC presented the Portugieser Tourbillon Rétrograde Chronograph Lewis Hamilton (ref. IW394008). Price: €165,000

Designed in collaboration with the seven-time Formula One world champion and IWC brand ambassador, the new IWC Portugieser Tourbillon Rétrograde Chronograph Lewis Hamilton combines a sophisticated flying minute tourbillon with a chronograph function and a retrograde date display.

A limited edition of only 44 pieces, the number Hamilton has raced with since the beginning of his career, the watch comes in a 43.5 mm x 15.9 mm platinum case offering water resistance to 30 metres / 100 feet.

The teal-coloured dial with rhodium-plated hands and appliques is protected by a sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both sides and enriched by 12 sparkling diamonds.

 The chronograph and retrograde date displays are slightly recessed and positioned at 12 o’clock and 9 o’clock, respectively. The  seven-time F1 world champions’s logo, resembling a panther’s eyes, appears at 3 o’clock.

Increasing the watch’s accuracy by reducing the influence of gravity on the oscillating system, the flying tourbillon - a balance wheel rotating around its axis in a small cage - prominently appears at 6 o’clock. It consists of 56 individual parts for a total weight of only 0.675 grams.

Thanks to the integrated tourbillon stop, the delicate 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 is powered by the IWC-manufactured 89900 calibre operating at a frequency of 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour).

 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 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 timepiece designed in a collaboration with Lewis Hamilton, the IWC Portugieser Tourbillon Rétrograde Chronograph Lewis Hamilton (ref. IW394008) has a retail price of Euro 165,000. iwc.com 

Suggested reading:

- The history of the IWC Portugieser