An IWC Pilot Chronograph, worn on the podium by Formula One superstar Lewis Hamilton after scoring his record-breaking ninth victory at the British Grand Prix this year, was sold on Saturday for CHF 220,000 (around $254,000) at the Laureus x IWC Schaffhausen Charity Auction held in Zurich, Switzerland. The special timepiece was accompanied by a framed pair of gloves signed by the seven-time world champion at the Bonhams organized online auction that ended to coincide with The Laureus Charity Night.
All proceeds from the sale went to the Laureus Foundation Switzerland, which is part of the global Laureus Sport for Good Foundation. Established in 2000, the foundation supports various initiatives and projects that use sports to address social issues, promote inclusion, and empower disadvantaged communities.
The IWC Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team was born from IWC’s ongoing partnership with the Mercedes F1 team. The chronograph features a lightweight 41mm case made of Ceratanium, a patented material made of titanium and ceramic that was developed by IWC. It combines titanium’s lightness with ceramic’s durability.
The black dial with recessed subdials and luminescence offers excellent readability. Housed inside the case is IWC’s in-house 69385 caliber, which delivers an impressive 46-hour power reserve. The chronograph movement can be seen through the tinted sapphire caseback. The watch has a matching black rubber strap with an EasX-CHANGE system. If you missed the opportunity to buy the watch worn by Hamilton, you can buy the regular version that retails for $13,700.
