IWC Schaffhausen introduces two performance chronographs dedicated to its motorsport partners Mercedes-AMG and the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team.
The Swiss luxury watch manufacturer first partnered with Mercedes-AMG, the performance car subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz, in 2004 and later became the “Official Engineering Partner” of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team in 2013 and in that time it’s learned a thing or two about making watches that last the distance.
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Crafted from titanium or Ceratanium, the Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 combines advanced materials and a range of distinguishing features, including a ceramic bezel with tachymeter scale – enabling the wearer to measure the average speed based on the distance travelled – black dials with a glossy finish, recessed totalisers, and indices and numerals filled with Super-LumiNova.
The Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 AMG (Ref. IW388305/04) features a case, crown and pushers crafted from robust and lightweight titanium, a metal IWC has been using, in close collaboration with French aerospace company Aérospatiale, since 1980 when it released the first wristwatch with a titanium case and bracelet.
The grade 5 titanium alloy used for the Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 case is around 45% lighter than steel and remarkably rigid and the resulting case features a brushed finish with polished details on the horns. One version is fitted with a robust, waterproof black rubber strap (Ref. IW388305), while the other version (Ref. IW388304) features a titanium bracelet with H-links and an integrated folding clasp.
Adding to the popularity of its Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 Edition “Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team”, which is worn by the race team, including designers, aerodynamicists, race engineers, strategists and mechanics, IWC has created a performance chronograph dedicated to its F1 partner.
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The Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team (Ref. IW388306/07) features a case made of Ceratanium, which combines the lightness and structural integrity of titanium with a hardness and scratch-resistance similar to ceramic. The case components are machined from bars using computer-controlled turning and milling centres before being elaborately finished by hand and fired in a kiln at high temperatures.
One version is fitted with a black rubber strap with a Ceratanium pin buckle (Ref. IW388306), while the other version features a Ceratanium bracelet with an integrated folding clasp (Ref. IW388307).
Matching the polished black ceramic bezels, all models feature black dials with a glossy finish, the result of an elaborate, highly controlled and perfected production process. The three totalisers are individually finished and printed before they are mounted on the lacquered base plate to create the final dial.
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.
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