IWC has released two chronographs dedicated to its motorsport partners Mercedes-AMG and the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team.

IWC Schaffhausen has an extensive legacy of manufacturing instrument watches. Performance criteria such as high accuracy, robustness, reliability and durability are therefore deeply ingrained in the company’s DNA as a watchmaker. The performance ethos that is expressed through IWC’s products is also reflected through two of its longest standing partnerships.

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In 2004, the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer became a partner of Mercedes-AMG, the performance car subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz. As a logical continuation, IWC became the “Official Engineering Partner” of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team in 2013. The Swiss luxury watch manufacturer is now launching two performance chronographs dedicated to its motorsport partners.

Last year, IWC introduced the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 Edition “Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One™ Team”. The official team watch is worn by the team, including designers, aerodynamicists, race engineers, strategists and mechanics. Now, IWC is also launching a  performance chronograph dedicated to  its  partner.

The Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team (Ref. IW388306/07) features a case made of Ceratanium. Developed by IWC, this material combines the lightness and structural integrity of titanium with a hardness and scratch-resistance similar to ceramic.

The lightweight material is based on  a  special titanium alloy forged to IWC’s specifications. The case components are machined from bars using computer- controlled turning and milling centres. Afterward, they are elaborately finished by hand and fired in a kiln at high temperatures. During this firing process, a phase transformation occurs, and the material’s surface obtains properties similar to ceramic and its striking matte black finish.

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One version is fitted with a black rubber strap with a Ceratanium pin buckle (Ref. IW388306). The other version features a Ceratanium bracelet with an integrated folding clasp (Ref. IW388307).

An outstanding functional feature of the Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 is the ceramic bezel with a tachymeter scale, which allows the wearer to measure the average speed in relation to the distance travelled. Pushing the chronograph’s start button initiates a measurement. Once a distance of one kilometre has been covered, the chronograph is stopped. The central chronograph seconds hand will point to a number on the rotating tachymeter scale, corresponding to the average speed in kilometres per hour.

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All versions of the Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 are powered by the IWC-manufactured 69385 calibre movement. Comprising 242 parts, this mechanical chronograph movement has been engineered with an uncompromising focus on robustness, reliability, and precision. Its bi-directional pawl winding system builds up a power reserve of 46 hours in the mainspring. Column-wheel control of the chronograph ensures that individual phases in the switching sequence are clearly defined. There is also a distinct tactile resistance when the buttons are pushed.

The chronographs features IWC’s characteristic vertical subdial arrangement. The stopped minutes are displayed directly at the 12 o’clock position, enhancing readability. The assembly of these movements at IWC’s Manufakturzentrum is organized in a dedicated line. Dividing the process into several smaller steps is paramount for achieving the best possible quality. After assembly and regulation, all movement functions are tested automatically over 12 days in the FIM (Final Inspection Movement) cell developed by IWC.