IWC Schaffhausen co-designed the new Big Pilot's Perpetual Calendar with Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton has just won his sixth Formula One Grand Prix, making him the second most successful driver after Michael Schumacher who was a seven-time winner. To celebrate his victory, the British racing champion has collaborated with IWC to create a timepiece that best expresses his unique sense of style. 

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Choosing his favourite watch, the Big Pilot's Watch Perpetual Calendar, as his canvas, Lewis has chosen to adorn the dial with Bordeaux red, a choice that lends the already hefty 46.5mm watch an even more striking appearance. The shade also appears on the fabric strap. It's complemented by 18k 5N gold on the hands, caseback and rotor, as well as a black zirconium oxide ceramic case. "The combination radiates understated luxury," enthuses Christian Knoop, IWC's head designer.

Limited to 100 pieces, Lewis calls it one of the most exciting things he has ever done in his professional career. "It's such an honour to collaborate so closely with the watchmakers in Schaffhausen. It combined 2 things I'm passionate about - craftsmanship and design. I'm so pleased with the result."

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Motorsports meets watchmaking

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Above The "Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport" special editions: Big Pilot's Wtach Perpetual Calendar (left) and the Pilot's Watch Chronograph

Inspired by the hi-tech materials used to construct Formula One race cars, IWC Schaffhausen went a step further by creating 2 more timepieces that bring the world of motorsports to the wrist. Both boast black zirconium oxide ceramic case and a carbon fibre dial, materials that can be found in the powerful Mercedes-AMG F1 W10 EQ Power+.

The first is the Big Pilot's Watch Perpetual Calendar Edition "Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport" that glows an emerald green, the team colour of Mercedes-AMG Petronas, of which IWC is the official engineering partner. It's limited to 10 pieces.

The second watch (limited to 50 pieces) is the Pilot's Watch Chronograph Edition "Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport", an instant classic that gives nod to the Petronas team with the green stitching on the black calf leather strap. The chronograph features a flyback function and a soft iron inner case that protects the movement against magnetic interferences. 

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