Watchmakers and motorsport engineers have much in common. Both fields require precision, craftsmanship, and a meticulous approach to detail that boggles the mind. Heritage also plays a part, as experts look to the past to inspire their designs today. These areas of commonality are why IWC Schaffhausen and Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team are such natural partners.
Ever since IWC joined forces with the Formula One giants in 2013, it has produced a number of luxurious timepieces inspired by Mercedes’ success on the track. These remarkable examples of horological engineering and artistry not only strengthen IWC’s deep-rooted connection to the world of motorsport but also fuel the Swiss brand’s passion for innovation at its manufacture.
Most recently, IWC revealed three novelties at Watches & Wonders to coincide with the Hollywood event of the summer, Brad Pitt’s much anticipated F1 The Movie. The Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41, the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 and the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph APXGP are powered by the IWC-manufactured 69385 calibre and feature eye-catching black, gold and white details to reflect the colours of APXGP, the fictional team in the pulse-quickening movie.
Actor Damson Idris plays driver Joshua Pearce on screen and wears the Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 that has an 18-carat 5N gold case – the first time IWC has produced a Performance Chronograph in a precious metal. Joining the Performance model are two stainless steel chronographs in 41mm and 43mm with black dials, white numerals, golden minute markers and the APXGP logo on both the caseback and laser engraved on the black rubber strap.
Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team Principle Toto Wolff attended the premiere of F1 The Movie in New York City with his daughter Rosa. Mercedes driver George Russell also walked the red carpet. Toto described the movie’s producer Jerry Bruckheimer as “an icon of film industry” and said, “He was so curious about how Formula One works.” George said it was a “surreal moment” to see Brad Pitt trackside during shooting and added, “It was amazing to see these people you’ve looked up to for so long loving and enjoying what we do.”