It’s a well-known and absolute fact that red makes a car go faster; Lewis Hamilton on the other hand doesn’t really need the help. The British six-time world champion knows a thing or two about speed, after all – about as much as IWC, Hamilton’s new horological co-pilots, know about watchmaking.
That hasn’t stopped the Schaffhausen-based watchmaker from leaning on red – in a lovely Bordeaux shade rather than Ferrari scarlet – in their new collaboration with the driver. The “Lewis Hamilton” Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar Edition is a beauty.
It’s certainly a far more striking design than the usual Big Pilots, which retain their pared-back military feel. The new watch combines a solid black ceramic case with a stunning Bordeaux dial and rose gold accents on the perpetual calendar read-outs and that signature oversized crown. There’s a flash of gold on the back too with a 18-catrat 5N gold case-back ring and rotor.
Generally when these kind of watches come out it’s a bit dubious as to how much input the ambassador in question has had. Here I don’t think there are any doubts that this is Lewis Hamilton’s watch. It suits the racer to a tee. It’s big – 46.5mm to be exact – and it’s bold.
At least he’s left the horology to the professionals though; the limited edition is equipped with IWC 52615 calibre automatic movement with a pellaton winding system. It uses ceramic components, has a phenomenal 7-day power reserve and only needs setting once every 577.5 years.
The “Lewis Hamilton” edition will be limited to 100 pieces, so don’t expect it to last. Given Hamilton’s love of fine timepieces this won’t be his only collab with IWC, but will the next be quite as cool? We doubt it.
Price & Specs:
Model Name: IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar Edition “Lewis Hamilton”
Ref: IW503002
Case/Dial: 46.5mm diameter x 15.5mm height, ceramic / 18ct 5N gold case burgundy dial with luminescence
Water Resistance: 60 metres (6 bar)
Movement: In-house 52615 Calibre, automatic, self-winding, Côtes de Genève
Frequency: 28,800 per hour (4 Hz)
Power Reserve: 168h (7-day)
Strap: 22mm burgundy textile strap
Price: £46,300, limited to 100 pieces
More details at IWC’s website.
