IWC

Schaffhausen, 3 June 2022 – In collaboration with its partner Mercedes-AMG, IWC Schaffhausen has created the Big Pilot’s Watch Constant-Force Tourbillon Edition “AMG ONE OWNERS”. Available exclusively for future owners of the performance hybrid Mercedes-AMG ONE, this masterpiece of horological engineering features the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer’s patented constant-force mechanism, which transmits completely even impulses of force to the escapement. The case is made of titanium aluminide (TiAl), an advanced high-tech material that is extremely challenging to machine. Thanks to its high temperature resistance, this intermetallic compound is also used for components of high-performance engines in motorsport. The striking design features details and colour codes are directly inspired by the Mercedes-AMG ONE.

Since the birth of Formula 1™, engineers have been dreaming of bringing the supreme technology from the elite class of motor racing to the streets. After a long engineering journey, Mercedes-AMG is about to make this dream come true. The German performance and sports car manufacturer will soon initiate the production of the Mercedes-AMG ONE hypercar. The two-seater will transfer the latest and most efficient Formula 1™ hybrid technology almost one to one from the racetrack to the street for the first time. The performance hybrid will produce over 1,000 horsepower at a maximum speed of over 350 km/h.

The Big Pilot’s Watch Constant-Force Tourbillon Edition “AMG ONE OWNERS” (Ref. 590502) features IWC’s patented constant-force mechanism. This complication disengages the escapement from the direct flow of power through the wheel train and transmits completely even impulses of energy to the escape wheel. As a result, even as the torque in the mainspring diminishes, the balance wheel oscillates with virtually the same amplitude. In combination with the tourbillon, which compensates for the negative influences of gravity, this ensures a highly exact rate. The IWC-manufactured 94800 calibre is manually wound and stores a power reserve of 96 hours in its twin barrels. The fully blackened movement is visible through the sapphire glass back. The case back is made of Ceratanium®. Based on a special titanium alloy, this IWC-developed material is as light and rigid as titanium and, at the same time, almost equally as hard and scratch-resistant as ceramic.

TITANIUM ALUMINIDE REFLECTS IWC’S UNIQUE TITANIUM LEGACY

The Big Pilot’s Watch Constant-Force Tourbillon Edition “AMG ONE OWNERS” reflects the unique competence IWC acquired in machining titanium since the 1980s. The case is made of titanium aluminide (TiAl). TiAl is lighter and harder than conventional titanium, highly resistant to corrosion, and biocompatible. This high-tech material belongs to the group of intermetallic compounds. Due to the specific mixing ratio of titanium and aluminium, atoms and electrons arrange themselves in a particular way. This causes the material to have certain nonmetallic properties in addition to the classic properties of a metal. In the case of TiAl, it is its high temperature resistance that stands out. For this reason, the material is used for the turbine blades of modern jet engines, where lightness and temperature resistance are essential requirements. Its specific properties also make it the ideal choice for components of high-performance engines in motorsport.

Because titanium aluminide has a difficult machining behaviour, manufacturing a TiAl watch case is a real engineering feat. In addition, the requirements for the purity of the raw materials are very high, and the production of the titanium aluminide alloy is costly and complex. Today, IWC is one of the few watch manufacturer capable of producing a titanium aluminide case. The case of the Big Pilot’s Watch Constant-Force Tourbillon Edition “AMG ONE OWNERS” is elaborately finished with polished and sandblasted surfaces

A DESIGN INSPIRED BY THE MERCEDES-AMG ONE

In addition to the constant-force tourbillon at 9 o’clock,the black dial also features a double moon phase display for the northern and southern hemispheres and a power reserve display at 4 o’clock, reminiscent of a tachometer. The louvred, ring-shaped structure of the outer dial ring takes inspiration from the air inlets that dominate the front of the Mercedes-AMG ONE. The design also features details in Petronas green – the signature colour of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One™ team, whose plug-in hybrid technology the new car brings to the street. A thin ring in Petronas green, for example, marks the transition between the polished and sandblasted parts of the case. Details in Petronas green can also be found on the dial and on some of the movement components.

The Big Pilot’s Watch Constant-Force Tourbillon Edition “AMG ONE OWNERS” is fitted with a two-tone rubber strap. Manufactured using the so-called multi-component injection moulding process, it is black on the outside and green on the inside. Numerous Mercedes stars in Petronas green are visible on the outer side of the strap.

The Big Pilot’s Watch Constant-Force Tourbillon Edition “AMG ONE OWNERS” will be available exclusively to the future owners of the Mercedes-AMG ONE. If you are a car owner, Mercedes-AMG and IWC Schaffhausen will contact you with information regarding the order process.