By Jovan Krstevski
Most collaborations end up with amazing results that’s why I’m not surprised by the extraordinary outcome of the collaboration between two competitive F1 drivers, Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg and the Swiss luxury watchmaker, IWC Schaffhausen. The watches are flavoured with unique touches only real racers would know and executed perfectly only through the hands of an expert watchmaker.
Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton
This is another example of how real world racing could be properly infused in luxury watches. The design process must have been very intensive in the making of these watches as F1 racing demands sheer dedication and brutal focus and of course the precision and elegance of high-end watchmaking. Nonetheless, I’m thankful for this collaboration as it benefits not only the partnership between the IWC and both Mercedes and AMG Petronas but the watch mavens with special preferences for motorsports as well.
The two watch models represent differing preferences from the two drivers but they both offer a glimpse into the fast paced world of motorsports not to mention distinguishable similarities that could be likened to how these drivers steer their cars in the circuit. Personally, it is worth any collector’s time and money.
Both models have rugged designs which is a typical roadworthiness character. The case somehow goes beyond function but also enters the elegant world of high-end watches. The bezel and the case are identical and made of the same materials: titanium case and titanium glass sapphire crystal ensuring robustness, all packaged within 45mm in diameter and 15.5mm in thickness. The design of the crown is the same for both watches which interestingly enhances their overall racing persona. Personally, the distinctive crown looks like tires from a certain vantage point. Nonetheless, they both exude sporty appearance and the uber confidence of professional motorsports maven.
A closer look at the dials of the two models reveals differing opinions as Lewis Hamilton wanted more technology hence the black carbon-fibre dial in his piece while Nico Rosberg wanted less clutter hence the silver-plated dial. Nonetheless, there are no great differences as both employ the same indices and hands with Super-LumiNova and the same positioning of the sub-dials and the exuberant date at the 6 o’clock for precision readings.
Both models are powered by IWC’s top-of-the-line caliber 89361 mechanical chronograph movement with double-pawl winding system ensuring streamlined winding. This mechanism might not be visible in the closed caseback of both models but underneath they have 38 jewels and both their engines oscillate at 28,800 vibrations per hour ensuring an impressive 68 hours of power reserve. The caseback also comes with unique engravings differing only in names: “IWC ∙ INGENIEUR ∙ LEWIS HAMILTON ∙ ONE OUT OF 250” and “IWC ∙ INGENIEUR ∙ NICO ROSBERG ∙ ONE OUT OF 250” which also brings a sense of pride being a collector edition. Interestingly, the chronograph sports a flyback function which is very handy for real world racing after all the watches are designed to cater to the needs of professional race car drivers.
Perhaps, nothing is sporty enough to hold both watches but the titanium bracelet with precision-adjustment titanium clasp for the Lewis Hamilton strap while the Nico Rosberg strap utilizes an embossed calfskin inlay with titanium folding clasp.
Indeed, the IWC’s Ingenieur Chronograph “Lewis Hamilton” and “Nico Rosberg” watches are definite sources of pride for all sporty watch connoisseurs. For more info, please visit iwc.com
Jovan Krstevski – Founder, Proprietor & Executive Editor
Watch collector, aficionado and a Event profile in the Swedish nightlife. He launched Watchgeek back in 2011, which is now known as WristReview and is one of the most widely read watch blogs on the Web. He quotes ’WristReview is a site to help people find, explore, discover and enjoy wristwatches.’ His passion jump started in his early teens, when he was given his first mid-range wristwatch which was an Omega Seamaster. Since then he has always been in love with wristwatches! Besides WristReview, he also writes for a number of publications. P.S: He is also a huge fan of The Man of Steel/Superman. Read his articles here.
