FEATURED: The IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “AMG”

Watches meet motorsport yet again. Are car enthusiasts ever so often watch collectors too? Do they share similar technologies? Is there really a connection between the two or is it merely the thrill of collecting watches that are an amalgamation of two very elite mechanically driven passions: cars & watches?

History has it that petrolheads and watch hobbyists have always had a strong association for reasons well, I don’t really understand. There was the Blancpain L-Evolution Super Trofeo watch that incorporated materials used in Lamborghini cars, the Breitling Supersport Chronographs, the Jaeger Le-Coultre Master Compressor Extreme W-Alarm Aston Martin, the recent TAG Heuer and Porsche collaboration and many many more. For IWC, a few watches that do come to mind are the two Ingenieur Chronographs that were designed by Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton in 2014 and the 2019 Big Pilot Perpetual Calendar for the Mercedes-AMG Formula 1 collaboration.

This year, to celebrate their association yet again, IWC Schaffhausen and Mercedes-AMG have introduced the 43mm Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “AMG”.

Let’s start with that unique dark grey dial. Made of a material directly derived from AMG‘s aero components, this precisely woven carbon fibre is produced in a complex process involving heat and pressure and is known for its 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 dark grey, well almost black carbon dial provides quite a bold contrast to the silver chronograph sub-dials, reminiscent of motorsport instruments.

The Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “AMG” (Ref. IW377903) the first Pilot‘s Watch Chronograph with a case made of extremely light and scratch-resistant titanium. Inspired by AMG‘s signature Selenite Grey Magno paint finish, the Grade 5 titanium finish gives the watch that matte grey appearance. 

Labeled as an all-around performance watch, this Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “AMG” is powered by the IWC-manufactured calibre 69385, a 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.

“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”,

Christoph Grainger-Herr, CEO of IWC Schaffhausen

Crafted from automotive engineering materials, IWC‘s first 43mm Pilot‘s Watch Chronograph “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.