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The 98T emerged in the context of F1’s regulations for the 1986 season, which notably widened the performance disparity between race and qualifying trims.

While races often involved fuel conservation strategies, qualifying sessions were always electrifying. Unrestricted by boost limitations, qualifying trim engines surged well beyond 1,000 bhp, the highest ever recorded in F1.

Amidst an era defined by manual gearboxes, conventional clutch pedals, and the absence of power steering and traction control, turbo lag emerged as a significant challenge. Engine power surged unpredictably across the rev range, with components frequently succumbing after just a few flying laps due to the strain.

It would be known as the zenith of the V6 Turbo Era, epitomized by adrenaline-fueled racing, with wheelspin in fifth gear and qualifying engines pushed to their limits, sometimes melting as they returned to the pits.

Steve Hallam, Team Lotus engineer from 1982 to 1990, vividly recalls the intensity of the ’86 season, where turbochargers required replacement after every qualifying run:

“That season, ’86, we used to change the turbochargers after every qualifying run […] the air around them was literally sparking as they were so hot. The boys would be sweating and you’d hear the sizzle as the moisture dripped onto the turbo! ”

Just four 98T cars were crafted by Lotus for the ’86 season, with chassis numbers 1 through 4. Senna piloted chassis no. 4 in the final eight races, including the iconic Australian GP, forever etched in F1 lore for its dramatic end-of-season climax.

Today, chassis no. 4 resides under private ownership in the UK, authenticated by Classic Team Lotus. The car continues to compete in historic races even today. When replacement of the plenum tubes became necessary, the original ones were provided to REC Watches for incorporation into the 98T/4 timepieces.

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In addition to featuring an authentic piece of racing and F1 history, a myriad of design references capture this iconic vehicle’s unique character and racing DNA.

These include both overt and subtle nods to the Lotus 98T, ranging from the striking black and gold color scheme, to intricate details like the skeletonized rotor “12” mirroring the car’s nosecone, or the movement back plate which subtly emulates the Renault EF15B engine top.

Crafted with precision, the 98T/4 timepiece features domed crystals that envelop the dial and caseback with the reforged tachymeter scale seamlessly integrated into the dial beneath the crystal.

Encased in a sleek cushion case measuring less than 40mm in diameter, these crystals add a mere 3mm of height, resulting in a remarkably slim timepiece profile.

The angle of the tachymeter chapter ring aligns perfectly with the curvature of the crystals, ensuring exceptional readability at a glance under any lighting conditions. Swiss Super-LumiNova is applied to the hands and indices, while double anti-reflective coating on the crystals minimizes glare.