IWC auctions Lewis Hamilton’s watch, estimated at between CHF 30,000 and 100,000

When Lewis Hamilton celebrated his ninth British Grand Prix victory at the historic Silverstone circuit - the 104th victory of his career last July - he was wearing the Aviateur Chronographe Performance 41 Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 Team watch. This timepiece, made by IWC and also sold for CHF 13,400 on the IWC website, is now available at auction until 19 October, along with the driver's original racing gloves. Enough to thrill collectors looking to buy a piece of motorsport history.

Sunday 7 July 2024 marked a new turning point in the Mercedes driver's career. His victory on the Silverstone circuit was one of the most emblematic. On that day, he became the first driver to win a Grand Prix race in each of sixteen different seasons. This sporting prowess, coupled with the hype surrounding Formula 1, meant that prices were expected to soar.

The Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, initiated by Johann Rupert, Chairman and main shareholder of Richemont, estimates a sale price of between CHF 30,000 and CHF 100,000 - or between €32 000 and €110,000. While these estimates are still a far cry from the records set by Christie's, which has sold timepieces for several million dollars, this unique and historic timepiece could well dethrone IWC's record sales.

The chronograph with its 41-millimetre case has been developed by IWC using a special titanium alloy for greater lightness. The ceramic bezel with tachometric scale is one of the model's most remarkable functional features. Not to mention its chronograph movement visible through the tinted glass caseback and its 46-hour power reserve.

The auction will conclude at the Laureus Charity Night on 19 October in Zurich, where other lots will be presented, including the Mercedes-AMG PureSpeed, limited to 250 pieces worldwide, and a luxury Mercedes-Benz experience for a stay in St Moritz, at the Kulm Hotel St.Moritz. 600 guests are expected to attend this 2024 edition, including three Parisian gold medallists.

Racing continues to attract the attention of the luxury goods industry. In early October, LVMH announced that it would replace Rolex as world partner and timekeeper from 2025, for a period of 10 years. According to AFP, Bernard Arnault has committed less than a hundred million dollars to this major annual sporting partnership for the group.

The first IWC's links with Formula 1 go back much further. In 2013, the watchmaker became a partner of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 team, just before recruiting Lewis Hamilton as a brand ambassador. Since then, several special edition Formula 1 watches have been produced. Last July, IWC also announced its partnership with the ‘F1’ film produced by Apple TV and scheduled for worldwide release in June 2025.