Schaffhausen, September 14, 2023: Unrivaled durability, exceptional performance, a utilitarian heritage, and design elements that have withstood the test of time; these defining characteristics underpin the enduring success and widespread admiration of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and the IWC Schaffhausen Big Pilot’s Watch. In celebration of these contemporary design icons, the renowned Swiss luxury watchmaker introduces two exclusive editions of the Big Pilot’s Watch, paying homage to the signature features of the G-Class, such as its iconic headlights and spare wheel cover, while forging them from exceptionally resilient and robust materials. One edition features a case and crown crafted from 18-carat Armor Gold®, while the other marks a milestone for IWC as its first timepiece with a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) case.
The Big Pilot’s Watch from IWC Schaffhausen and the G-Class from Mercedes-Benz share a common lineage deeply rooted in their utilitarian origins. Both were originally conceived to fulfill purely functional criteria; one to deliver impeccable legibility and ruggedness, the other to offer uncompromising off-road prowess. Despite the passage of time, these two icons have remained true to their utilitarian heritage while evolving into modern design masterpieces. With nearly two decades of collaboration with Mercedes-AMG, the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer now commemorates these icons with two remarkable special editions of the Big Pilot’s Watch.
The Big Pilot’s Watch AMG G 63 (Ref. IW501201) showcases a case and crown forged from 18-carat Armor Gold®, complemented by a black dial and a black rubber strap with microfiber inlay. The black and gold color scheme is inspired by the exterior and interior aesthetics of the recently released Mercedes-AMG G 63 “Grand Edition.” Armor Gold® is an innovative alloy that elevates the hardness of gold to unprecedented levels, rendering this traditionally soft and precious metal far more resistant to external influences. With an enhanced microstructure, this unique alloy exhibits superior hardness and wear resistance compared to conventional 5N gold. The combination of sand-blasted surfaces and polished edges bestows a refined, contemporary character upon this Big Pilot’s Watch.
The Big Pilot’s Watch AMG G 63 (Ref. IW506201) makes history as the first IWC timepiece to feature a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) case, a result of close collaboration with the German Aerospace Center (DLR). Distinguishing itself from conventional carbon fiber-reinforced polymers, this composite material embeds its fibers within a ceramic matrix rather than a polymer. Consequently, CMC components offer exceptional damage tolerance. Additionally, they are impervious to thermal shocks, making them the preferred choice for applications demanding exceptional qualities of lightness, strength, and temperature resistance – from aerospace applications to the production of brake discs for high-performance and luxury vehicles.
A HIGHLY INTRICATE MANUFACTURING PROCESS
The inception of a CMC watch case begins with a conventional carbon-fiber reinforced polymer. Through a multi-day pyrolysis heat treatment, the polymer matrix transforms into carbon, leaving behind a dense lattice of fibers ensconced within a porous carbon matrix. Subsequently, silicon crystals are applied to the component and subjected to an oven treatment. During this siliconization process, silicon permeates the voids and chemically bonds with the carbon, giving rise to a novel matrix composed of silicon carbide ceramic. Post-processing with diamond tools yields CMC cases displaying a matte black hue and a unique texture dictated by the embedded fibers, rendering each piece truly one-of-a-kind.
“The manufacturing process for this lightweight and strong material is extremely complex. To achieve perfect quality, we had to overcome countless challenges – from selecting the right raw materials for the fibres and the matrix to defining the exact parameters for the different steps of the process. With its first CMC watch case, IWC again demonstrates its expertise in engineering advanced material solutions.”
Lorenz Brunner, Department Manager Research and Innovation at IWC Schaffhausen
EXPLORING DISTINCTIVE G-CLASS DESIGN ELEMENTS
Adding a unique touch to the classic Big Pilot’s Watch, both new editions introduce a small second counter positioned at 9 o’clock, mirroring the recognizable G-Class headlights with their distinctive external white rings. The black dials bear an intricate, relief-like technical pattern inspired by the air intakes found on Mercedes-AMG high-performance vehicles. In contrast to the standard Big Pilot’s Watch with its printed numerals and indices, these special editions showcase appliques that have been coated in black using the PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) process, filled with luminescent material for enhanced visibility in low-light conditions.
PREMIUM IWC-MANUFACTURED MOVEMENT AT THE HEART
Powering both variants of the Big Pilot’s Watch AMG G 63 is the IWC-manufactured 52010 calibre, a remarkably robust and precise automatic movement. Critical components of the winding system, exposed to the most demanding stress, are expertly crafted from virtually wear-resistant zirconium oxide ceramic. Conceived by IWC’s former Technical Director, Albert Pellaton, in the 1940s, this ingenious self-winding mechanism efficiently harnesses even the slightest movements of the rotor in both directions, accumulating an impressive seven-day power reserve distributed across two barrels. These meticulously engineered movements are visible through the tinted sapphire glass case back, which is adorned with the iconic Mercedes-Benz star and evokes the image of the G-Class spare wheel cover on the rear.
The Big Pilot’s Watch AMG G 63 editions in 18-carat Armor Gold® and CMC are available at IWC boutiques and for online purchase at IWC.com. Additionally, these timepieces qualify for registration under the My IWC care program, entailing a generous 6-year extension to the standard 2-year International Limited Warranty.
For more information, please visit IWC.com.