IWC Schaffhausen has unveiled the first official team watch of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team – the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 Edition “Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team.” This watch, available for purchase, will be worn by the team, including its designers, aerodynamicists, race engineers, strategists and mechanics.
Crafted from grade 5 titanium, it features a black dial with printing and luminescence in the team’s signature “Petronas green” colour. Powered by the IWC-manufactured 69385 calibre movement, the chronograph comes with two straps – calfskin and rubber – interchangeable via IWC’s EasX-Change system.
This watch was officially unveiled last month on the eve of the inaugural Miami Grand Prix. At the event, Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff said: “We’re delighted to unveil the first official team watch we’ve developed with IWC. It underscores the spirit of unity and the sense of belonging within our team and is a testament to the relationship we have built with IWC over the last decade.”
Chris Grainger-Herr, IWC’s CEO, added: “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.”
Based on IWC’s Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41, the Mercedes F1 edition (Ref. IW388108) is crafted from lightweight and remarkably rigid grade 5 titanium. Offering the highest strength-to-density ratio of any metal and high corrosion resistance, titanium also happens to be a metal that is selectively used in the production of high-performance automotive parts, especially those subject to immense stresses, such as engine valves.
After machining and sandblasting, the surface of the titanium used in the Mercedes F1 watch retains an attractive greyish shimmer. A black dial with printing and luminescence in the team’s signature shade of green complement the distinctive design. The IWC-manufactured 69385 calibre, a chronograph movement in classic column-wheel design consisting of 231 individual parts, is visible through a sapphire glass back. The bi-directional pawl winding system builds up a power reserve of 46 hours.
The chronograph is delivered with two different straps: one black embossed calfskin strap and one green rubber strap. Thanks to IWC’s integrated EasX-Change system, the straps can be exchanged quickly and easily at the touch of a button without additional tools. The different strap options and easy interchangeability make this a highly versatile sports watch.
The IWC-Mercedes F1 watch is available online exclusively on IWC.com. It is eligible for registration under the My IWC care program and can benefit from a 6-year extension to the standard 2-year International Limited Warranty.
