IWC has just launched a new watch designed specifically for the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One team, which includes the star driver, Lewis Hamilton. Known as the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team, this timepiece was originally created to celebrate the inaugural Miami Grand Prix that took place last year.

Crafted from lightweight titanium and featuring the team’s signature green colour inspired by their title sponsor, Petronas, this watch is a distinctive reference in the IWC Pilot’s Watch collection and a nod to the brand’s connection with the world of motorsports. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Schaffhausen watchmaker’s partnership with the Mercedes-AMG Petronas team.

In preparation for the second instalment of the Miami Grand Prix, IWC has refreshed the team watch with a bold “Miami Pink” strap instead of the original green, making it perfectly suited for the summer weather of the race, which is set to begin on May 5, 2023. The watch is available online and at the brand’s boutique in Miami for a limited period of time, and it also comes equipped with the original green strap.

The latest Pilot’s Watch Chronograph is an unusual example of a team watch created by a major brand. While it’s common for collectors to order customisations to their watches by adding additional logos, it’s uncommon to see a brand develop a team watch with unique design features. This approach allows for greater attention to detail, as evidenced by the sand-blasted titanium case and green markers, which differentiate it from the regular production Pilot’s Watch Chronograph.

Importantly, the watch is powered by the brand’s cal. 69385, which was developed with the intention of improving upon the ETA 7750. One standout feature of the new movement is its column wheel, which highlights the robust design that Schaffhausen watchmaker is renowned for.

What’s noteworthy about the Formula One Team watch is that it is available to the public, making it a limited production watch that allows fans and collectors to share in the team’s story. Lewis Hamilton, a brand ambassador for IWC, adds an additional touch of excitement to this story with his well-known love for watches. A British driver who has impressively clung to seven World Champion titles, Hamilton has been spotted wearing an assortment of timepieces, including some IWC special editions designed specifically for him, such as the black ceramic Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar with striking gold and red accents. In fact, he once wore three IWC watches and multiple pieces of jewellery in protest against Formula One’s plan to ban jewellery on race.

Tech Specs

IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team

Movement: cal. 69385; automatic; 46 hours power reserve
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, day, date, and chronograph
Case: 41 x 14.6 mm; titanium; water resistant to 100 m
Strap: “Miami Pink” and green rubber strap
Availability: Online and at IWC boutique in Miami