IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition AMG
The IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition AMG blends some elements from the ‘Beobachtungsuhr’ watches of the 1930s with ultra-modern carbon fibre and Grade 5 titanium. Housed in a 43mm case, the ‘IWC-manufactured calibre 69385’, a column-wheel design, delivers several benefits over a conventional cam-actuated chronograph movement. Angus Davies discusses the watch brand’s relationship with Mercedes-AMG and the composition of this latest octane-rich dual-branded model.
IWC x Mercedes-AMG seit 2004
Swiss luxury marque, IWC Schaffhausen began its romance with Mercedes-AMG back in 2004. Indeed, over the years IWC-branded dashboard clocks have appeared in several of the German car firm’s high-end models.
In 2013, IWC Schaffhausen consolidated its bromance with the three-pointed star when it became a partner of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team. The Swiss-German watch company, always very adept at marketing, put a depiction of its legendary Big Pilot’s watch on Lewis Hamilton’s racing gloves, positioned directly in view of millions of motorsport fans. IWC branding also appeared on the racing overalls and car, but the idea of using the gloves as a billboard substitute was truly inspired. Needless to say, other brands have since adopted the idea.
Ingenieur collection 2013
At SIHH 2013, IWC released the updated Ingenieur collection. Originally launched in 1955, the Ingenieur Ref. 666 was designed to be robust. It was capable of withstanding shocks and magnetism and was also water-resistant. However, in 2013, the Ingenieur became an octane-rich watch, encompassing various complications. One such model included the ‘Silberfeil’, a reference to the ‘Silver Arrows’ cars of the 1930s. IWC’s relationship with the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team has endured, unlike many of its competitors which have fallen out of love with one team, only to swear undying love to another. Quite simply, IWC and Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team have enjoyed a strong marriage.
Now, IWC Schaffhausen has chosen to celebrate its long-standing relationship with Mercedes-AMG. Celebrating 17 years together and not a word said in anger, the two firms have chosen to celebrate their union with the release of the IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition AMG.
Flieger Chrono case
Horophiles will immediately recognise the ‘Flieger Chrono’ case, rooted in the ‘Beobachtungsuhr’ design of the 1930s. This time, the 43mm case is not made of stainless steel, but ultra-light Grade 5 titanium. This alloy, often used in the medical and motorsport industries, is corrosion-resistant, anti-magnetic, strong and hypoallergenic. However, it is very expensive and challenging to machine. While the unit cost of Grade 5 titanium is less than gold, the cost of milling the alloy is far greater than shaping precious metal, Grade 2 titanium or steel using CNC.
IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition AMG – Carbon fibre dial
The matte grey appearance of the case is complemented by a woven carbon fibre dial. Again, IWC has chosen a material that is favoured by the motorsport world, usually selected for its low mass and high strength. While the weight-saving characteristics of the dial will be small in relative terms, it does imbue the watch with a distinctive character. Three snailed, silver-toned counters populate the dialscape, while a day/date display resides at 3 o’clock. The hours are marked with Arabic numerals, save for a triangular index positioned at noon. This latter feature was first seen on pilots’ watches in the 1930s.
IWC-manufactured calibre 69385
To the rear of the watch, beneath a pane of tinted sapphire crystal, sits the IWC-manufactured calibre 69385. This automatic chronograph features a column-wheel design that affords several benefits. Firstly, when the chronograph is actuated, there is no hesitation or wobble. Indeed, the central chronograph seconds hand commences its journey without any suggestion of stutter, thereby augmenting precision. Furthermore, when pressing the pushpieces they deliver a degree of smoothness often lacking with cam-actuated chronographs. Lastly, when the chronograph is operational, there is less tendency for ‘drag’ which could adversely affect the precision of the time indications.
Minimal AMG branding
Whenever a watch brand produces a model that references a partnership, it is very easy to dismiss it as marketing opportunism. However, with the IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition AMG there is no escaping that the watch brims with virtues. Moreover, with no car-themed branding on the dial, just the car firm’s logo on the rear of the watch, this model should equally suit those horophiles who prefer other prestigious car marques.
The brand’s press release
The long-standing collaboration between the Swiss luxury watchmaker and the performance and sports car brand Mercedes-AMG, is grounded in many common values, including the pursuit of technical perfection and uncompromising quality. Both companies were created by visionaries with bold ideas. In 1868, Florentine Ariosto Jones combined traditional craftsmanship with advanced industrial technology to redefine watchmaking in Switzerland. In 1967 in Grossaspach, Germany, Hans Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher established AMG with a visionary concept of incorporating cutting-edge racing technology into road-going series vehicles.
“IWC Schaffhausen and Mercedes-AMG share both a passion for performance and design, as well as a commitment to engineering excellence down to the smallest detail. Over the last 17 years of our partnership, IWC and AMG have shared exhilarating moments in motorsport and beyond and we have created many lasting memories for our clients. Today we are proud to introduce Mercedes-AMG as a permanent feature of our Pilot‘s Watch Collection, starting with the Pilot‘s Watch Chronograph Edition “AMG”, explains Christoph Grainger-Herr, CEO of IWC Schaffhausen.
“The partnership between Mercedes-AMG and IWC has all the components that are needed for a successful and long-lasting collaboration. It’s very rare to come across a luxury watchmaker and company and people with so many common interests and values. Our commitment to craftsmanship of the highest level and our pursuit of emotional product experiences is what has united us since 2004 – and the Pilot‘s Watch Chronograph Edition “AMG” once again underlines our strong partnership,” said Philipp Schiemer, CEO of Mercedes-AMG.
Crafted from automotive engineering materials, the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “AMG” (Ref. IW377903) is IWC‘s first 43mm Pilot‘s Watch Chronograph featuring the IWC-manufactured 69385 calibre, as well as the first Pilot‘s Watch Chronograph with a case made of extremely light and scratch-resistant titanium. The Grade 5 titanium finish gives the watch its matte grey appearance, inspired by AMG‘s signature Selenite Grey Magno paint finish. The dial features precisely woven carbon fibre, a material directly derived from AMG‘s aero components. These parts are produced in a complex process involving heat and pressure and are known for their remarkable lightness and rigidity. The raw material is continuous carbon fibres, which are processed on weaving machines into textile structures, giving the end product its characteristic woven “carbon look”. The black carbon dial provides the perfect contrast to the silver chronograph sub-dials, reminiscent of motorsport instruments.
The all-around performance watch is powered by the IWC-manufactured calibre 69385, a robust and precise chronograph movement that enables stop time measurements of up to 12 hours. The chronograph function is controlled by a column wheel, an intricate component with two functional levels. The Mercedes-AMG logo is emblazoned on the tinted sapphire crystal case back. The timepiece is fitted with a black embossed calf leather strap with contrast stitching and folding clasp.
The Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “AMG” was unveiled at a webcast hosted by Philipp Schiemer and Christoph Grainger-Herr. Both elaborated on their passion for racing, the values both brands share, and the sustainable future of watchmaking and mobility. They were joined by Maro Engel, who brought in the perspective of a professional racing driver. The IWC brand ambassador is also a Mercedes-AMG factory driver and has an in-depth knowledge of both companies.
The Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “AMG” will be available for pre-order from 21st May online at IWC.com, through IWC boutiques and authorised retail partners. The timepiece is eligible for registration under the My IWC care program and thus benefits from a 6-year extension to the standard 2-year International Limited Warranty.