Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula 1 champion, was seen riding his electric scooter to his garage at the Monaco Grand Prix, sporting an IWC concept watch. This isn’t the first time Lewis Hamilton has been seen wearing special edition pieces. Known as “the most stylish driver of the grid”, Hamilton naturally draws attention with his fashion statements. Given IWC’s role as the official engineering partner of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team, for which Hamilton drives, it’s fitting that they might choose him to reveal this innovative concept piece to the world.
The watch features cutting-edge Ceralume® technology developed by Schaffhausen, first of its kind. For this concept project, IWC selected its Pilot Watch Chronograph 41. This piece features a luminescent Ceralume® case and dial, reminiscent of the Pilot’s Watch Black Aces edition. The brass dial is coated by spraying Super-LumiNova® before the printed details are added. Additionally, the white rubber strap also glows using a Super-LumiNova® pigment. IWC claims that, when fully charged, the watch emits a vibrant blueish light for over 24 hours.
Dr. Lorenz Brunner, Department Manager of Research and Innovation at IWC stated on their website, “With the first fully luminous ceramic case rings, we underscore our role as a pioneer and innovator in ceramic watches.”
Ceralume® marks a major achievement for IWC Schaffhausen, a company with nearly forty years of experience in ceramic watchmaking. Developed by IWC’s engineering division XPL, this technology utilises a highly engineered, patent-pending process that homogeneously blends ceramic powders with premium Super-LumiNova® pigments. Known for their capacity to store light energy and release it as a visible light, these pigments produce a glowing effect.
