IWC Schaffhausen launches ‘Petronas Formula One’ inspired chronographs

In 2004, IWC Schaffhausen, the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer became a partner of Mercedes-AMG. Subsequently, they joined the engineering team of Petronas Formula One in 2013. The company produces the official team watch that is worn by their designers, aerodynamicists, race engineers, strategists and mechanics. Now, IWC is unveiling two new performance chronographs dedicated to its motorsport partners.

The Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 AMG features a case, crown and pushers crafted from lightweight titanium. IWC pioneered this hard-to-machine metal in the watch industry in 1980 when it released their first wristwatch with a titanium case and bracelet.

Offering the highest strength-to-density ratio of any metal, titanium is frequently used in automotive engineering to manufacture components for high-performance engines. The grade 5 titanium alloy used for the Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 case is around 45% lighter than steel and remarkably rigid.

The case features a brushed finish with polished details on the horns. One version is fitted with a robust, waterproof black rubber strap while the other version features a titanium bracelet with H-links and an integrated folding clasp.

An additional outstanding functional feature 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. There is also a distinct tactile resistance when the buttons are pushed. The chronographs features IWC’s characteristic vertical subdial arrangement.

All four timepieces are eligible for registration under the My IWC care program and can benefit from a 6-year extension to the standard 2-year International Limited Warranty.

SPEC SHEET

Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 AMG;
Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team

Caliber IWC 69385, Automatic winding, 28,800 vph frequency, 14.8mm thick
Functions Hours, minutes, seconds, chronograph with 30-minute and 12-hour counter, date and day display, small hacking seconds
Power Reserve 46 hours
Case Titanium or Black Ceratanium, 41mm diameter, black dial colors (with Petronas Blue accents on the Ceratanium models), Rubber strap or bracelet matching case material
Water Resistance 100m
Price MYR 45,000 – 92,962 (depending on strap customization)