Mechanical watches are about far more than telling the time. These fine objects serve as a keeper of memories and a companion adorning one’s wrist throughout the journey of life. These keepsakes tick along with unwavering loyalty, transcending the material world and entering the spiritual realm of eternity. If watches could share their stories, Hamilton’s IWCs would be the ones I would want a conversation with the most. Since 2013, IWC has proudly served as the official engineering partner of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team, with Lewis Hamilton as one of their most iconic ambassadors. From a young boy with an extraordinary dream and unwavering self-belief, he has risen to become the most successful driver in motorsport history. With an IWC on his wrist, he has dominated the sport, pushing boundaries and redefining greatness both on and off the track.
The Artistry Of Perfection
Driving a Formula one car is above all an artform. The racetrack is a canvas, and the pilot uses his hands, and feet, to steer the car, maximizing speed, exploiting every limit, and painting a line so precise that it symbolizes the mastery of the craft. A driver must play a fine balancing act between aggression, patience, tire management and unrelenting concentration, all whilst enduring savage forces on the body. One such masterpiece was Hamilton’s pole lap for the 2018 Singapore Grand Prix, highly regarded as one of the greatest laps in history. Throughout every apex and every chicane, man and machine were at one, pushing the boundaries of modern physical laws. It was clear to see after, when his hands were shaking because of the adrenaline and the sheer effort required. We might never see a lap like this one ever again, a true artist mastering his craft. This surgical approach to driving mirrors the artistry found at the watchmaker’s bench, where, under the surface, a similar art form is taking place. Nestled in Schaffhausen, every IWC timepiece is crafted with this approach in mind. It is clear to see that through this partnership, there lies a profound connection—a relentless quest for the artistry of perfection.
Moving Mountains, On and Off Track
Beyond his achievements as a racer, Lewis Hamilton has leveraged his platform to champion values and messages that transcend the world of motorsport. With his actions Hamilton has moved mountains. In 2020, amidst widespread civil unrest, Hamilton refused to remain silent. He made bold statements by protesting, wearing symbolic clothing, and taking a knee on the global stage—setting a powerful precedent for the influence F1 drivers can wield. Partnering with IWC, he introduced a striking, fully blacked-out Ceratanium timepiece that underscored their shared commitment to these causes. IWC only had one week to build this watch, succeeding and winning their own Grand Prix of Haute Horlogerie! Through his actions, with the support of these precious partnerships, Hamilton has not only set new standards but has also driven meaningful change, demonstrating the true impact of his voice and partnerships. Toto Wolff, CEO of Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team, put it best in his final voice message to Lewis after the race: “When you find your people, you don’t just beat the world – you change it.”
Still Rising
The story of Hamilton would not be complete without mentioning the dramatic events of 2021, when, on the night of December 12th, after a highly controversial last lap, Lewis Hamilton was robbed of his record-breaking eighth World Championship. Leading up to this race, he had achieved three consecutive victories to remain in the championship fight, showcasing incredible resilience and determination. After being disqualified from qualifying in Brazil, Hamilton charged from the back of the grid to claim first place, demonstrating unshakeable self-belief, grit, and a relentless fighting spirit. Despite the heartbreak of 2021, Lewis refused to back down. Over the next three challenging years, as the regulations changed, he persevered, battling through adversity every weekend hunting down a victory. His tenacity was finally rewarded with a triumphant return to the top step of the podium at Silverstone in 2024. Just like Hamilton’s mindset, IWC timepieces are engineered to perform under pressure, best represented by their Pilots Top Gun line. There is then no doubt why these watches are seen the most on Lewis’ wrist.
As this chapter closes, Lewis Hamilton’s story is a reminder that greatness isn’t just about trophies. Greatness is about the journey, the struggles, and the moments that shape us. As a boy, Hamilton put on his helmet and felt like Superman, shielding himself from the world and finding the courage to dream big. That spirit carried him to the top of motorsport, where he became a symbol of resilience and determination. His partnership with IWC reflects these qualities, blending precision, artistry, and grit. The last dance may be over, but the memories and legacy will live on, inspiring a new generation to chase their dreams. As a parting gift, IWC CEO Christoph Grainger-Herr did not hold back, gifting Hamilton a Top Gun Perpetual Calendar Boutique Edition with beautiful red accents. This was a wise move from the CEO; making it virtually impossible for Hamilton not to pair this with his Ferrari race suit next year!
