IWC SCHAFFHAUSEN LAUNCHES NEW PERFORMANCE CHRONOGRAPHS WITH TACHYMETER SCALES DEDICATED TO ITS MOTORSPORT PARTNERS

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Schaffhausen, 13th November 2023: Ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix™, IWC Schaffhausen is introducing two performance chronographs dedicated to its motorsport partners Mercedes-AMG and the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team. Crafted from titanium or Ceratanium®, the Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 combines IWC’s expertise in chronographs and advanced materials. A distinguishing feature is the ceramic bezel with a tachymeter scale, enabling the wearer to measure the average speed based on the distance travelled. Black dials with a glossy finish, recessed totalisers, applied indices and numerals filled with Super-LumiNova® complement the sleek design. All models are powered by the IWC-manufactured 69385 calibre and are water-resistant to 10 bar.

IWC Schaffhausen has an extensive legacy of manufacturing instrument watches. Performance criteria such as high accuracy, robustness, reliability and durability are therefore deeply ingrained in the company’s DNA as a watchmaker. The performance ethos that is expressed through IWC’s products is also reflected through two of its longest standing partnerships. In 2004, the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer became a partner of Mercedes-AMG, the performance car subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz. As a logical continuation, IWC became the “Official Engineering Partner” of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team in 2013. The Swiss luxury watch manufacturer is now launching two performance chronographs dedicated to its motorsport partners.

“The Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 combines our extensive know-how in developing industry-leading chronographs with our comprehensive expertise in advanced materials. Both these new chronographs feature ceramic bezels with tachymeter scales, adding the dimension of speed to the highly accurate stop time measurements and making these robust chronographs the perfect companions for people with a dynamic, fast-paced lifestyle.” - Christoph Grainger-Herr, CEO of IWC Schaffhausen

The Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 AMG (Ref. IW388305/04) features a case, crown and pushers crafted from robust and lightweight titanium. IWC pioneered this hard-to-machine metal in the watch industry in 1980 when it released the first wristwatch with a titanium case and bracelet. IWC had acquired the specific know-how for machining titanium in close collaboration with French aerospace company Aérospatiale. 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 (Ref. IW388305), while the other version (Ref. IW388304) features a titanium bracelet with H-links and an integrated folding clasp.

Last year, IWC introduced the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 Edition “Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One™ Team”. The official team watch is worn by the team, including designers, aerodynamicists, race engineers, strategists and mechanics. Now, IWC is also launching a performance chronograph dedicated to its partner.

The Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team (Ref. IW388306/07) features a case made of Ceratanium®. Developed by IWC, this material combines the lightness and structural integrity of titanium with a hardness and scratch-resistance similar to ceramic. The lightweight material is based on a special titanium alloy forged to IWC’s specifications. The case components are machined from bars using computer- controlled turning and milling centres. Afterward, they are elaborately finished by hand and fired in a kiln at high temperatures. During this firing process, a phase transformation occurs, and the material’s surface obtains properties similar to ceramic and its striking matte black finish. One version is fitted with a black rubber strap with a Ceratanium® pin buckle (Ref. IW388306). The other version features a Ceratanium® bracelet with an integrated folding clasp (Ref. IW388307).

A TACHYMETER SCALE ADDS THE DIMENSION OF SPEED
An outstanding functional feature of the Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 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.

A MASTERPIECE OF CRAFTSMANSHIP AND FINISHING
Matching the polished black ceramic bezels, all models feature black dials with a glossy finish and black hands. The recessed totalisers and the applied indices and numerals, in blackened nickel, filled with Super-LumiNova®, provide additional depth and ensure excellent night-time readability. The manufacturing of this intricate dial represents a feat of craftsmanship and finishing. The polished black lacquer finish is the result of an elaborate, highly controlled and perfected production process. The three totalisers are individually finished and printed before they are mounted on the lacquered base plate to create the final dial. The approximately 20 appliques are individually polished by hand, fixed to the dial and then filled with luminous material.

HIGH-PERFORMANCE CHRONOGRAPH ENGINE
All versions of the Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 are powered by the IWC-manufactured 69385 calibre movement. Comprising 242 parts, this mechanical chronograph movement has been engineered with an uncompromising focus on robustness, reliability, and precision. Its bi-directional pawl winding system builds up a power reserve of 46 hours in the mainspring. Column-wheel control of the chronograph ensures that individual phases in the switching sequence are clearly defined. There is also a distinct tactile resistance when the buttons are pushed. The chronographs features IWC’s characteristic vertical subdial arrangement. The stopped minutes are displayed directly at the 12 o’clock position, enhancing readability. The assembly of these movements at IWC’s Manufakturzentrum is organized in a dedicated line. Dividing the process into several smaller steps is paramount for achieving the best possible quality. After assembly and regulation, all movement functions are tested automatically over 12 days in the FIM (Final Inspection Movement) cell developed by IWC.

In addition, 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.