Lewis Hamilton’s watch collection can be split into two eras. Before Ferrari and after Ferrari. When he raced for Mercedes and McLaren, the record breaking former world champion was under an exclusive agreement with IWC who would be replaced by Richard Mille under the terms of his deal with Ferrari, meaning there is not much brand versatility in his watch collection but plenty of rare pieces.
Hamilton has also lent his name to several pieces and also taken an active hand in design for some of the collaborations with IWC that bear his name. Known for his distinctive and oft-divisive personal style, Hamilton is full of flair and a key part of his public identity has been his watches and jewellery.
So with the Dutch Grand Prix racing into view this weekend, here are some of Lewis Hamilton’s biggest watch moments.
Richard Mille RM 43-01 Ferrari Tourbillon Split Seconds Chronograph
Costing more than $1.3 million (significantly more than any actual Ferrari), this piece, crafted from carbon and titanium, was limited to just 75 pieces and Hamilton, given he starred in a promo video for the watch, got one. Richard Mille have now spent more than 20 years on the Formula 1 grid (thanks entirely to Felipe Massa) and this staggeringly opulent watch feels like the climax of their relationship. After all, how do you top a watch that costs at least twice as much as a supercar?
IWC Big Pilot Perpetual Calendar Lewis Hamilton Ceramic Edition 100 Pieces IW503002
A wonderfully deep burgundy colour, this watch was a 2019 collaboration between Hamilton and his longtime watch partner which was, as its name suggests, limited to just 100 pieces. Although the fabric strap is a slightly unusual choice for a watch like this, the Bordeaux dial complimented by the gold hands and hourmarkers make for a seductive looking piece that cost around £50,000 brand new and they virtually never come up on the secondary market.
IWC Black Lives Matter Ceratanium IW5030BLM
A bizarre mix of Hamilton’s activism and fine horology, this completely one-off piece was made exclusively for the F1 legend in 2020. It is essentially an all black Big Pilot Perpetual Calendar and Hamilton would prominently wear it during the Austrian Grand Prix with the watch going from inception to on the wrist within a matter of days – something that is unheard of at this level of watchmaking. Away from its social message, the all black dial is incredibly slick and cool.
Richard Mille RM 67-02 Italy Edition
One of the most significant watches of Hamilton’s career, he wore it on the very first lap he ever drove for Ferrari after his shocking move from Mercedes. While racing team prioritise being as lightweight as possible, the RM 67-02 weighs only 32 grams meaning that was not a problem for Ferrari. Directly inspired by the Italian tri-colour and the Ferrari racing team, it was an appropriate choice for Hamilton to make his first big splash with his new team.
IWC Portugieser Tourbillon Rétrograde Chronograph
Another highly exclusive piece with only 44 ever made (a reference to Hamilton’s racing number), the platinum piece features 12 diamonds as well as Hamilton’s own brand logo. A gorgeous light blue that encompasses Hamilton’s strong sense of personal style, he had input in the design which features the balance wheel rotating on its axis in a small cage.
Like this? Met Gala 2025: Lewis Hamilton wows in bejewelled brooches
Get your hands on the latest issue of Something About Rocks magazine
