Schaffhausen, 13th November 2023: In anticipation of the Las Vegas Grand Prix™, IWC Schaffhausen unveils two cutting-edge performance chronographs dedicated to its esteemed motorsport collaborators, Mercedes-AMG and the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team. Constructed from either titanium or Ceratanium®, the Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 seamlessly merges IWC’s mastery in chronographs with state-of-the-art materials. Notably, these timepieces feature a ceramic bezel adorned with a tachymeter scale, allowing wearers to gauge average speed based on distance covered. The sleek design is enhanced by black dials with a glossy finish, recessed totalizers, applied indices, and numerals filled with Super-LumiNova®. All models are driven by the IWC-manufactured 69385 calibre and boast a water resistance of up to 10 bar.
IWC Schaffhausen boasts a rich heritage in crafting instrument watches, with a firm commitment to performance criteria such as precision, durability, reliability, and robustness deeply embedded in its watchmaking DNA. This commitment to performance is evident not only in IWC’s product offerings but also through its enduring partnerships. The Swiss luxury watch manufacturer joined forces with Mercedes-AMG, the performance car subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz, in 2004. Building on this foundation, IWC assumed the role of the “Official Engineering Partner” for the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team in 2013. Today, in a continuation of this legacy, IWC Schaffhausen introduces two performance chronographs dedicated to its esteemed motorsport collaborators.
“The Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 combines our extensive know-how in developing industry-leading chronographs with our comprehensive expertise in advanced materials. Both these new chronographs feature ceramic bezels with tachymeter scales, adding the dimension of speed to the highly accurate stop time measurements and making these robust chronographs the perfect companions for people with a dynamic, fast-paced lifestyle.”
Christoph Grainger-Herr, CEO of IWC Schaffhausen
The Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 AMG (Ref. IW388305/04) showcases a case, crown, and pushers meticulously crafted from robust yet lightweight titanium. IWC’s pioneering use of this challenging-to-machine metal dates back to 1980 when it introduced the first wristwatch with a titanium case and bracelet, a breakthrough achieved through collaboration with the French aerospace company Aérospatiale. The titanium alloy used for the Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 case, known as grade 5 titanium, is approximately 45% lighter than steel while maintaining remarkable rigidity. The brushed finish with polished details on the horns adds a touch of sophistication. One variant comes with a durable, waterproof black rubber strap (Ref. IW388305), while the other (Ref. IW388304) features a titanium bracelet with H-links and an integrated folding clasp.
Last year, IWC unveiled the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 Edition “Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One™ Team,” the official team watch worn by various team members. Now, IWC is introducing another performance chronograph dedicated to its esteemed partner.
The Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team (Ref. IW388306/07) boasts a case made of Ceratanium®. Developed by IWC, this material combines the lightness and structural integrity of titanium with the hardness and scratch resistance akin to ceramic. The Ceratanium® case components are meticulously machined from bars using computer-controlled turning and milling centers, followed by meticulous hand finishing and high-temperature kiln firing, resulting in a matte black finish reminiscent of ceramic. One version comes with a black rubber strap with a Ceratanium® pin buckle (Ref. IW388306), while the other features a Ceratanium® bracelet with an integrated folding clasp (Ref. IW388307).
The exceptional functional feature of the Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 is the ceramic bezel with a tachymeter scale, enabling the wearer to measure average speed based on distance covered. Initiating the chronograph’s start button triggers the measurement, and when one kilometer is covered, the chronograph stops, with the central seconds hand pointing to the corresponding average speed on the rotating tachymeter scale in kilometers per hour.
The meticulous craftsmanship extends to the polished black ceramic bezels and glossy black dials featured in all models. Recessed totalizers, applied indices, and numerals in blackened nickel, filled with Super-LumiNova®, enhance depth and ensure excellent nighttime readability. The manufacturing of the intricate dial involves a highly controlled and perfected production process, including individual finishing and printing of the three totalizers before mounting on the lacquered base plate.
Powering all versions is the IWC-manufactured 69385 calibre movement, a high-performance mechanical chronograph consisting of 242 parts. This movement prioritizes robustness, reliability, and precision, with a bi-directional pawl winding system building a power reserve of 46 hours in the mainspring. The chronograph’s column-wheel control ensures clear definition in the switching sequence, offering distinct tactile resistance when the buttons are pressed. The vertical subdial arrangement at 12 o’clock enhances readability, displaying stopped minutes. The assembly of these movements at IWC’s Manufakturzentrum is meticulously organized in a dedicated line, with all movement functions tested automatically over 12 days in the Final Inspection Movement (FIM) cell developed by IWC.
Furthermore, all four timepieces are eligible for registration under the My IWC care program, extending the standard 2-year International Limited Warranty to a total of 6 years.
ABOUT MERCEDES-AMG:
Mercedes-AMG, the performance and sports car brand of Mercedes-Benz Cars based in Affalterbach, Germany, was founded in 1967 by Hans Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher. Since 2005, Mercedes-AMG GmbH has been a wholly-owned subsidiary of Daimler AG, representing the sporting spearhead of the company. AMG’s engines are assembled in Affalterbach according to the “One Man, One Engine” principle, reflecting its commitment to supreme automotive performance, exclusivity, emotion, efficiency, and dynamic driving pleasure.
MERCEDES-AMG PETRONAS FORMULA ONE:
The Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team is the works team of Mercedes-AMG, competing in the FIA Formula One™ World Championship. Based in the United Kingdom, the team has achieved significant success, winning seven consecutive double Drivers’ and Constructors’ World Championships from 2014 to 2020 and securing an eighth consecutive Constructors’ Championship in 2021. The team’s dedication to high-performance management, innovation, and exceptional driving skill has made it one of the most successful in the sport’s history.
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