The Low-Down

IWC and Mercedes-AMG have a 17-years long partnership based on a common principle of performance engineering. Most visibly, IWC has been a partner of Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team since 2013, with record-breaking driver Lewis Hamilton seen with his iconic IWC Big Pilot watch after each victory.

IWC presents a new Pilot’s Chronograph 43 mm in titanium case with a carbon fiber dial to celebrate the successful partnership with Mercedes AMG. “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 combination of materials and movement represent the brand’s commitment to the spirit of racing and performance engineering. This is the first time IWC has produced the 43mm Pilot’s chronograph case in grade 5 titanium finish. The matte grey façade is inspired by AMG‘s signature Selenite Grey Magno paint finish. The dial features a woven carbon fiber pattern from material directly derived from AMG‘s aero components.

Another first for this special pilot’s chronograph is the use of IWC-manufactured 69385 Caliber in the 43 mm case. IWC had recently announced the use of Caliber 69385 in 41 mm pilot’s chronograph case during Watches & Wonders. The 69385 Caliber offers a column-wheel chronograph for hours, minutes and seconds, a date and day display, and small hacking seconds for precision time setting.

IMHO

It would be safe to say that IWC is on a roll since Watches & Wonders. While it was surprising that IWC did not release a black dial pilot’s chronograph in 41 mm, the brand has more than made up with recent releases. In April, IWC had come out with the rakish Mr Porter bronze 41 mm pilot’s chronograph with black dial. Now, it is a sporty and ultralight titanium case with carbon fiber dial in AMG theme.

IWC has the benefit of the iconic Fliegerchronograph as the canvas to experiment with new materials, new in-house movement, and strong partnerships (like Mr Porter and Formula 1). Although, I have a strong desire to see IWC doing something similar for the Ingenieur AMG edition, harking back to the early 2000’s with the titanium Genta-designed case.

Tech Specs

Movement: IWC caliber 69380 automatic column-wheel chronograph movement; 46-hour power reserve
Case: 43mm x 14.9mm, grade 5 titanium
Strap: Black leather strap
Price and availability: USD9,100; available from May 2021