Lewis Hamilton's $2.2 million timepiece tops an astonishing F1 grid collection in Malaysia.
As Formula 1 arrives in Malaysia for the Bahrain Grand Prix this Saturday, the grid's display of timepieces was a sight to behold. Richard Mille, TAG Heuer, IWC, Tudor, Audemars Piguet, Breitling, and H. Moser & Cie. were all present trackside, showcasing watches priced from the upper four figures to a staggering $2.2 million for Lewis Hamilton's piece, making it a feast for watch enthusiasts.
Hamilton's watch stands out as he dons a timepiece valued higher than most people's homes. However, every other watch on the grid possesses its own unique allure or significance.
Hamilton's Richard Mille overshadows the competition
Hamilton's Richard Mille RM 43-01 Tourbillon Split-Seconds Chronograph boasts an astonishing price of $2.2 million. With that amount, one could acquire a small collection of pre-owned Ferraris, a fitting comparison considering this model's design is inspired by the iconic brand. The Swiss luxury watchmaker collaborated with Ferrari's design studio, incorporating insights from chief design officer Flavio Manzoni.
Hexagonal screws are reminiscent of Ferrari engine covers, internal components mirror an Italian crankcase, and the buttons are shaped to resemble the SF90 supercar's taillights.
Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin Racing
Alexandre Mille, the brand director of Richard Mille, asserts that "true luxury is when the client feels like you pushed everything to the extreme. We are natural partners with Ferrari because neither of us settles for less."
Team member Charles Leclerc also showcases his own unique watch, the RM 67-02 "Charles Leclerc," crafted as a one-of-a-kind piece.
McLaren and Red Bull present their exclusive models
At the McLaren team, Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris both sport the Richard Mille RM 67-02 Automatic "McLaren" editions.
Max Verstappen unsurprisingly displays a customized TAG Heuer Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph. Like the others, this piece is invaluable, with standard versions starting in the upper four figures.
The rest of the grid maintains a high standard
Stepping away from the exclusive tier, prices become somewhat more reasonable - to an extent.
Nico Hulkenberg sports an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon valued at $250,000. Pierre Gasly was seen wearing a H. Moser & Cie. Streamliner Tourbillon Skeleton, retailing at $95,380, while Franco Colapinto flaunted a Streamliner Alpine Drivers Edition, crafted in stainless steel with a blue PVD finish, priced at $72,000.
George Russell's IWC Pilot's Venturer Vertical Drive is listed at $29,200, and championship leader Kimi Antonelli - the youngest driver on the grid - showcases a modest IWC Ingenieur Automatic 35 valued at $11,800.
Fernando Alonso is celebrating his recent contract extension with Aston Martin by wearing a Breitling Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43 in team colors, priced at $11,500. His teammate Lance Stroll, also reveling in an extended contract, wears the same model.
At the Red Bull sister team, Racing Bulls, Liam Lawson enjoys a Tudor Black Bay Ceramic, valued at $9,000.
While that Tudor watch is priced at approximately 0.4% of Hamilton's, it's important to recognize that all these exquisite pieces are likely sponsored and not personally owned by the drivers. Nonetheless, this doesn't hinder our admiration and aspirations for our next investment.
Images from F1 Bahrain GP in Malaysia - Saturday
Bahrain GP in Malaysia - Saturday, in visuals
Bahrain GP in Malaysia - Saturday, in visuals
Bahrain GP in Malaysia - Saturday, in visuals
Bahrain GP in Malaysia - Saturday, in visuals
Bahrain GP in Malaysia - Saturday, in visuals
Bahrain GP in Malaysia - Saturday, in visuals
Bahrain GP in Malaysia - Saturday, in visuals
Bahrain GP in Malaysia - Saturday, in visuals
Bahrain GP in Malaysia - Saturday, in visuals
Bahrain GP in Malaysia - Saturday, in visuals
Bahrain GP in Malaysia - Saturday, in visuals
Bahrain GP in Malaysia - Saturday, in visuals
Bahrain GP in Malaysia - Saturday, in visuals
Bahrain GP in Malaysia - Saturday, in visuals
Bahrain GP in Malaysia - Saturday, in visuals
Bahrain GP in Malaysia - Saturday, in visuals
Bahrain GP in Malaysia - Saturday, in visuals
Bahrain GP in Malaysia - Saturday, in visuals
Bahrain GP in Malaysia - Saturday, in visuals
Bahrain GP in Malaysia - Saturday, in visuals
Bahrain GP in Malaysia - Saturday, in visuals
Bahrain GP in Malaysia - Saturday, in visuals
Bahrain GP in Malaysia - Saturday, in visuals
Bahrain GP in Malaysia - Saturday, in visuals
Bahrain GP in Malaysia - Saturday, in visuals
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