IWC is presenting their own take on the “Tiffany Blue” coloured dial timepieces with their latest release in partnership with Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One™ Team. The two have had a longstanding partnership since 2013, with this being the first time IWC has developed a watch for the racing team. IWC CEO Chris Grainger-Herr and Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1™ Team Principal & CEO Toto Wolf unveiled the Official Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team watch as the team gathers in Florida for the Miami Grand Prix™.
In regards to this latest creation, Chris Grainger-Herr states that “Both fine watchmaking and racing are all about precision, craftsmanship and performance engineering. But it’s the human factor – the passion the love and the dedication that make all the difference between good and great. This notion perfectly describes our long-standing partnership with the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One™ team and we are celebrating this partnership with the launch of the new team watch in Miami.”
Design:
The latest Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 Edition “Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One™ Team” comes in a rigid and lightweight grade 5 titanium casing. IWC chose grade 5 titanium for the material properties it possesses, which include the highest strength-to-density ratio of any metal, high corrosion resistance, and also the grey shimmer it displays after the material has been machined and sandblasted. The dial is compromised of the standard Pilots 41 chronograph model with sub-indicators at 6, 9, and 12 o’clock positions. Where this model differs is the use of IWC’s iconic blue/green colour used for the Arabic hour numerals, hands, Lume, date window, and the inscriptions on the dial. IWC has also given this model a black dial background so that the green can truly stand out in great contrast.
IWC is offering this latest timepiece in two strap variations. A black embossed calfskin strap which matches the black dial nicely and overall lets the green colourway of this model stand out, or a green rubber strap to match the green on the dial. With IWC’s EasX-CHANGE® integrated strap changing system, the straps can be exchanged fairly easily and quickly with the touch of a button. With the ability of the quickly changing strap, it offers the watch more versatility, from a luxurious and classy appearance to a sporty model.
Movement:
IWC has given this Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 Edition the in-house manufactured 69385 calibre movement. The 69385 Calibre is a chronograph movement in the classic column-wheel design which is made up of 231 parts. The 69385 calibre movement puts out a power reserve of approximately 46 hours.
The watch comes with an open case back where the beauty of the 69385 calibre movement can be seen. The rotor is skeletonised so that more of the movement underneath is visible, while it’s also decorated with IWC inscriptions. The reference to the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One™ team can be seen on the crystal of the dial in the same green that’s on the dial.
A great reference timepiece for the AMG Formula One™ racing team, the watch is sure to be a hit among racing and watch enthusiasts. The Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 Edition “Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One™ Team” is exclusively available online at IWC.com. The watch is also eligible for registration under the MY IWC care program which can add a further 6 years to the standard 2-year Limited Warranty.
Reference: IW388108
Specification:
- Case: 41mm and 14.5mm thickness
- Case Material: Titanium case
- Dial: Black
- Crystal: Sapphire Crystal and see-through sapphire-glass back
- Water resistance: 100 meters
- Movement: 69385 Calibre
- Power reserve: 46 hours
