Two versions of IWC’s Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 is being presented, with the models being dedicated to Mercedes-AMG and Mercedes AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team.
Performance criteria such as reliability, high levels of accuracy, robustness and durability are some of the key ingrediants that make up IWC Schaffhausen’s DNA. These key characteristics are reflected through the timepieces created by IWC Schaffhausen, and it is also displayed from the brand’s longest standing partnerships.
In 2004, IWC Schaffhausen became the official partner of Mercedes-AMG, and through this successful campaign, became the official “Official Engineering Partner” of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team in 2013. The two new timepieces that have now been released by IWC Schaffhausen is dedicated to these two partnerships, that span back almost two decades.
“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
Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 AMG
The first model dedicated to Mercedes AMG is the Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 AMG (Ref. IW388305/04). As the name suggests, both versions are based on IWC’s Pilots Watch Chronograph 41 (ref IW388111), with the differences being materials used for the case and dial colour variations.
The AMG version comes with a 41mm lightweight titanium case. IWC Schaffhausen has an extensive history with using titanium material, with the Swiss watchmaker being the first to use the material in 1980 for titanium case and bracelet. For the Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41, IWC uses a grade 5 titanium for the case, which means that it’ll be approximately 45% light than it’s steel counterpart. The case finishing is brushed finish with polished details on the horns.
The dial has a monochrome colour scheme, with the black dial background and black sub-counters acting as the base for the white hour indices, hands and other inscriptions and details to contrast nicely against. As with the pilot chronograph models, the timepiece comes with day date feature at 3 o’clock, with the IWC logo sitting nicely above. This model also comes with a black ceramic bezel insert, with the tachymeter scale done in contrasting white. Previous version of the Mercedes models, especially the Formula One editions from IWC didn’t include a tachymeter scale, let alone a bezel. The addition of the tachymeter scale is warranted, especially for a racing inspired timepiece, albeit it may never actually get used unless you’re on the track.
The engine inside powering the Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 AMG is the brand’s in-house 69385 calibre. This bi-directional pawl winding movement is able to deliver 46 hours of power reserve white operating at a high frequency of 4Hz (28,800 VpH). The open case back is tinted, which unfortunately limits the full clarity of the gorgeous finishing on the movement underneath. The case back comes with Mercedes AMG’s logo on the centre.
Two references for the Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 AMG is being offered by IWC. The first is (Ref. IW388305), which is the timepiece offered in black rubber strap, and the second is (Ref. IW388304) features a titanium bracelet with H-links and an integrated folding clasp.
Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team
The second timepiece being unveiled by IWC is the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team version. While the two models share same design characteristics, the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team version leans more onto the racing inspired side with the materials used and colour scheme. Firstly, unlike the AMG, this version is offered in a 41mm case made of Ceratanium®.
“Developed by IWC, Ceratanium® combines the lightness and structural integrity of titanium with a hardness and scratch-resistance similar to ceramic. The lightweight material is based on a special titanium alloy forged to IWC’s specifications. The case components are machined from bars using computer- controlled turning and milling centres. Afterward, they are elaborately finished by hand and fired in a kiln at high temperatures. During this firing process, a phase transformation occurs, and the material’s surface obtains properties similar to ceramic and its striking matte black finish.”
IWC Schaffhausen
The matte black finish of Ceratanium® complements the watch nicely, giving the timepiece an almost blackout appearance. Where it does standout however, is the tiffany green colours shown througout the dial, mixed in among the white details for hands, hour indices etc. Tiffany green is a signature colour of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team, which on this Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 timepiece has been used on the date wheel, the 6 o’clock constant seconds sub-counter hand, the tip of the chronograph seconds hand and lastly on the minute track. This may seem like a lot, but it’s just the right amount of Tiffany green used to make it a well balanced colour scheme with the black and white mixture.
Just like the Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 AMG edition, this model uses the brand’s in-house 69385 calibre movement. The case back, however, as expected doesn’t feature the AMG logo across the centre, which means it gives more view into the 69385 calibre movement underneath. The tinted sapphire case back also blends in nicely as well with the matte black Ceratanium® case.
The Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team is also offered in two different variants. The first one is (Ref. IW388306) which features a black rubber strap with Ceratanium® pin buckle. The second choice is (Ref. IW388307), which comes with a Ceratanium® bracelet with an integrated folding clasp. The second choice is our personal favorite in this lineup, with the Ceratanium® bracelet giving a “blacked out” look to this racing inspired chronograph which just the right amount of colour on the dial.
The IWC Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 AMG and Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team is available for purchase through IWC boutiques and the brand’s online website.
Reference: IWC Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 AMG (Ref. IW388304) & (Ref. IW388305)
Specification:
- Case: 42.5 mm and thickness 14.7 mm
- Case Material: Grade 5 titanium
- Dial: Black dial with glossy finish and black hands.
- Crystal: Sapphire glass, convex, antireflective coating on both sides
- Water resistance: 100 meters / 10 ATM
- Movement: Automatic IWC-manufactured movement 69385 Calibre
- Movement Frequency: 4 Hz / 28, 800 VpH
- Movement Power reserve: 46 hours
- Bracelet/Strap: (Ref. IW388305) black rubber strap, (Ref. IW388304) titanium bracelet.
Australian Recommended Retail Price: AUD $18,300 (Ref. IW388304 Titanium bracelet) & AUD $15,300 (Ref. IW388305 Black Rubber Bracelet)
Availability: November 2023 from IWC Boutiques And Online Store. Non-Limited.
Reference: IWC Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team (Ref. IW388306) & (Ref. IW388307)
Specification:
- Case: 42.5 mm and thickness 14.7 mm
- Case Material: Black, Ceratanium® case
- Dial: Black dial with glossy finish and black hands. Tiffany green Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team colour details.
- Crystal: Sapphire glass, convex, antireflective coating on both sides
- Water resistance: 100 meters / 10 ATM
- Movement: Automatic IWC-manufactured movement 69385 Calibre
- Movement Frequency: 4 Hz / 28, 800 VpH
- Movement Power reserve: 46 hours
- Bracelet/Strap: (Ref. IW388306) black rubber strap, (Ref. IW388307) Ceratanium® bracelet.
