Palms-On: IWC Unveils New Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 Version ‘Mercedes-AMG Petronas Method One Workforce’

Partnerships between Method 1 racing groups and the posh watch trade are nothing new. Timepiece manufacturers have been among the many very first corporations to look as Method 1 automobile sponsors within the late ‘60s, largely due to the efforts of Swiss racing driver and Heuer licensed seller Jo Siffert, and the 2 industries have been intently intertwined ever since. IWC is not any stranger to this area as properly, sponsoring the (till not too long ago) dominant Mercedes-AMG Petronas Method One Workforce since 2013. Regardless of virtually a decade of partnership, nevertheless, the model has by no means produced a watch particularly for the group itself – till now. Supposed to be worn by the group’s mechanics, strategists, designers, aerodynamicists, and race engineers, the brand new IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 Version “Mercedes-AMG Petronas Method One Workforce” brings wild racing-inspired shade and a light-weight execution to the model’s cornerstone pilot’s chronograph design.

At 41mm-wide, the matte blasted Grade 5 titanium case of the IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 Version “Mercedes-AMG Petronas Method One Workforce” affords a extra compact, reserved profile on the wrist than a lot of its stablemates. The titanium case’s darker tone and matte ending have an extra visible slimming impact on the wrist, serving to to masks among the substantial 14.6mm total top whereas the fabric’s gentle weight makes this a snug, straightforward put on. The general design follows IWC’s traditional flieger chronograph template, with a slender sloping bezel, athletic lugs, easy case sides, and a set of polished inverted pushers that add a contact of flash to the general structure.

The watch will ship with two straps: one in rubber and one in stitched nylon. Workforce-issue watches will embody this co-branded Mercedes AMG Petronas strap choice

IWC provides a splash of Petronas inexperienced to the textual content surrounding the sapphire show caseback, as a nod to the group’s title sponsor. At a time when the watch trade is abuzz over something resembling the enduring Tiffany blue, it is a strikingly on-trend transfer that ought to provoke fanatic debate. Petronas inexperienced has been an integral a part of the racing group’s livery since its debut season in 2010, nevertheless, so that is removed from a spur-of-the-moment resolution to chase a shade pattern. With that stated, this specific shade of seafoam is markedly greener and extra vibrant than the traditional Tiffany hue, which fits the punchier, extra sporting character of this racing chronograph properly. IWC charges the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 Version “Mercedes-AMG Petronas Method One Workforce” for a solidly sporting 100 meters of water resistance.

IWC retains its traditional chronograph structure intact for the dial of the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 Version “Mercedes-AMG Petronas Method One Workforce,” however imbues this acquainted design with new vitality due to liberal use of daring Petronas inexperienced. Each little bit of dial {hardware}, from the flieger handset to the charismatic rounded Arabic numerals and the three o’clock day/date wheels, is printed on this vibrant shade above a easy matte black base. The impact is instantly transformative on the wrist – it’s subtler than a totally coloured dial could be, however the depth of this shade nonetheless makes the design sharply eye-catching and simply legible regardless of the loss in distinction over the normal pure white lume fill. Regardless of the visible drama of this new colorway, IWC confidently eschews any type of overt Mercedes or Petronas branding on this dial in favor of sustaining its conventional structure. This could give the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 Version “Mercedes-AMG Petronas Method One Workforce” some crossover enchantment to non-racing followers, presenting as each a strikingly engaging new shade scheme and a sly nod to fans within the know.

Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Workforce Principal Toto Wolff sporting the brand new Pilot 41 chronograph

IWC powers the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 Version “Mercedes-AMG Petronas Method One Workforce” with its in-house 69385 automated chronograph motion. Whereas it would bear a superficial resemblance to the traditional ETA/Valjoux 7750, the 69385 is a totally trendy and strong column-wheel chronograph motion with a number of recent technical refinements. The 69385 affords a stable 46-hour energy reserve at a easy 28,800 bph beat charge. IWC finishes the motion with a lovely mix of methods, together with round Côtes de Genève throughout the principle bridge, perlage for the bottom plate, and a skeleton winding rotor topped with a deeply grained sunburst floor.

To finish the design, IWC pairs the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 Version “Mercedes-AMG Petronas Method One Workforce” with two distinctive straps. Our hands-on pattern got here fitted with the embossed fabric-effect calfskin strap in black, that includes a richly detailed texture and full distinction stitching in Petronas inexperienced. For a wilder look, wearers may also go for a sporty rubber strap in the identical inexperienced hue. Each straps use IWC’s quick-release system and are available fitted with a easy pin-buckle clasp.

With a placing colorway tied to the race group’s successful heritage and a snug, light-weight titanium execution, the brand new IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 Version “Mercedes-AMG Petronas Method One Workforce” is a sporty and intriguing first official group watch from this long-running model partnership. The IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 Version “Mercedes-AMG Petronas Method One Workforce” is out there now completely by means of IWC’s e-commerce platform. MSRP for the IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 Version “Mercedes-AMG Petronas Method One Workforce” stands at $7,850 as of press time. For extra particulars, please go to the model’s web site.