IWC: Performance Engineering Chronograph Launch

India Whiskey Charlie's original post introduces the IWC Pilot's Watch Chronograph Edition "AMG," a significant release that deepens the long-standing partnership between IWC Schaffhausen and Mercedes-AMG. This article explores the timepiece's key features and the shared philosophies that underpin this enduring collaboration, offering valuable context for collectors interested in automotive-inspired horology.

Schaffhausen, 21^st May 2021 – IWC Schaffhausen and Mercedes-AMG have launched the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “AMG”. This timepiece is the latest product to celebrate the partnership that has linked the Swiss luxury watchmaker and the German car manufacturer since 2004. The first IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph in titanium is powered by the IWC-manufactured 69385 calibre movement and features a carbon fibre dial. IWC unveiled the new edition during a webcast conversation with IWC CEO Christoph Grainger-Herr, Mercedes-AMG CEO Philipp Schiemer and shared brand ambassador and racing driver Maro Engel.

The long-standing collaboration between the Swiss luxury watchmaker and the performance and sports car brand Mercedes-AMG, is grounded in many common values, including the pursuit of technical perfection and uncompromising quality. Both companies were created by visionaries with bold ideas. In 1868, Florentine Ariosto Jones combined traditional craftsmanship with advanced industrial technology to redefine watchmaking in Switzerland. In 1967 in Grossaspach, Germany, Hans Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher established AMG with a visionary concept of incorporating cutting-edge racing technology into road-going series vehicles.

“The partnership between Mercedes-AMG and IWC has all the components that are needed for a successful and long-lasting collaboration. It’s very rare to come across a company and people with so many common interests and values. Our commitment to craftsmanship of the highest level and our pursuit of emotional product experiences is what has united us since 2004 – and the Pilot‘s Watch Chronograph Edition “AMG” once again underlines our strong partnership,” said Philipp Schiemer, CEO of Mercedes-AMG.

Crafted from automotive engineering materials, the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “AMG” (Ref. IW377903) is IWC‘s first 43mm Pilot‘s Watch Chronograph featuring the IWC-manufactured 69385 calibre, as well as the first Pilot‘s Watch Chronograph with a case made of extremely light and scratch-resistant titanium. The Grade 5 titanium finish gives the watch its matte grey appearance, inspired by AMG‘s signature Selenite Grey Magno paint finish. The dial features precisely woven carbon fibre, a material directly derived from AMG‘s aero components. These parts are produced in a complex process involving heat and pressure and are known for their 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 black carbon dial provides the perfect contrast to the silver chronograph sub-dials, reminiscent of motorsport instruments.

The all-around performance watch is powered by the IWC-manufactured calibre 69385, a robust and precise 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.

The Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “AMG” was unveiled at a webcast hosted by Philipp Schiemer and Christoph Grainger-Herr. Both elaborated on their passion for racing, the values both brands share, and the sustainable future of watchmaking and mobility. They were joined by Maro Engel, who brought in the perspective of a professional racing driver. The IWC brand ambassador is also a Mercedes-AMG factory driver and has an in-depth knowledge of both companies. The webcast can be watched via https://watches.iwc.com/amgwebcast.

The Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “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.