Lewis Hamilton vs Nico Rosberg – IWC Ingenieur Chronograph Limited Editions

A few weeks ago Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg, the two drivers of the Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula 1 Team, had a bit of a clash, during the Belgian Grand in Spa-Francorchamps. Now, just before the start of the Singapore Grand Prix, IWC launches two limited edition Ingenieur Chronograph watches, designed by the two rivals: the IWC Ingenieur Chronograph Edition “Lewis Hamilton” and Edition “Nico Rosberg”. Maybe this is a better way to settle their rivalry? Which of the two watches do you prefer?

The two special editions are limited to 250pieces each and we wouldn’t be surprised if all pieces are sold before to next race. The two drivers unveiled their own personal Ingenieur Chronograph, shortly before the Singapore Grand Prix, and during that event IWC announced the renewal of its current partnership with the Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team. That’s good news, and we’re sure we’ll hear more about that later. Now we’re of course interested in the new limited editions!

After the clash in Spa-Francorchamps, Rosberg had a 29-point lead over the Brit, because Hamilton was forced to retire at Spa while the German claimed second place. At the Italian Grand Prix in Monza, Hamilton got his revenge by winning the race. The racing gloves he wears clearly show an IWC Big Pilot. We’re curious if the gloves he and Rosberg will wear today, will feature the new limited editions.

Following today’s grid order, we’ll first have a look at the IWC Ingenieur Chronograph Edition “Lewis Hamilton”. Hamilton chose for the more technical look, with a carbon­fibre dial. Indices and hands are coated with Super-LumiNova for legibility during the darker hours of day. Both drivers chose for a titanium case, a light material with anti-allergic properties. Hamilton chose for a metal bracelet and they chose (logically) for titanium, resulting in the only IWC in the entire collection, that comes with a titanium bracelet!

Inside ticks IWC’s in-house calibre 89361, featuring the recognizable upper totalizer that displays clocked hours and minutes, however that can alternately be used for a second time zone indication (if started at exactly the right moment.) The chronograph is equipped with a flyback function, that comes in easy for measuring pit­stop times. The IWC double-pawlwinding system ensures a very efficient winding.

“Lewis and Nico surprised us with their concrete ideas as to how their ideal watches would look,” says Christian Knoop, Creative Director of IWC Schaffhausen. “You felt clearly that they both have an individual affinity for watches. They demonstrated a great deal of understanding and aesthetic sensitivity during the design process and made a contribution to the final result.”

Rosberg chose for a “lighter” approach, both visually with a silver-plated dial and yellow chronograph hands, but also because of the rubber strap with embossed calfskin inlay that closes with a folding clasp in titanium. Both limited editions feature a crown, crown protection, push-buttons, and screw heads made of zirconium oxide, enhancing the techy Formula One look.

Both watches have a special feature on the reverse side: inset into the titanium case back is a medallion of carbon fibre, which may well show signs of wear and tear. A certificate supplied with each watch confirms that the material originally comes from one of the Silver Arrow cars used by Mercedes AMG Petronas. The back of the watch is sealed with a water-resistant sapphire glass that bears the personal logo of Nico Rosberg or Lewis Hamilton on the inner surface.

The race starts in 2,5 hours from now and Team Monochrome will be on the edge of our seats! Who will win the race? And which of the two watches will sell out faster?