An exciting encounter between pilot watches and Formula 1: the IWC Mercedes F1 Team Watch

IWC Schaffhausen is producing the team watch for the Mercedes-AMG Formula 1 team for the third time, celebrating the manufacturer's long-standing and successful collaboration. Founded in 1868 by Florentine Ariosto Jones, IWC Schaffhausen has a long history of producing pilot watches, which have conquered the skies with their functionality. The term "pilot watch" basically refers to watches designed for aircraft pilots. They typically feature a black dial, bright hands and indices, and a large crown, all of which serve the aforementioned functionality. IWC has been a partner of the Mercedes-AMG Formula One Team since 2013, representing race drivers on the ground in this case. It is in this spirit that this extremely exciting IWC Schaffhausen pilot's watch was created.

The titanium case of the Pilot’s Watch Mark XX Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team model represents the pinnacle of modern materials technology. Grade 5 titanium alloy, which is among the highest quality titanium alloys, is often used in both aviation and the automotive industry. It is no coincidence that this alloy is used in this marriage of motorsport, pilot watches and watchmaking, symbolizing the union. The elegant, shiny gray appearance of the sandblasted surface of the titanium case is reminiscent of the distinctive silver arrows, or Silver Arrows, that used to adorn Mercedes F1 cars.

This year's Formula 1 season is special for both the team and the watchmaker, as Sir Lewis Hamilton, who had been an IWC brand ambassador until now, has left to join Ferrari. Hamilton joined the German team at the same time as IWC, and the success of their collaboration rivals that of Mercedes and Ferrari legend Michael Schumacher, with both Hamilton and Schumacher standing on the podium of the premier class with seven world championship titles each. The pilot's watch is expected to be seen on the wrists of Hamilton's replacement, Italian hopeful Kimi Antonelli, and his more experienced teammate, George Russell. Interestingly, Antonelli was born in the so-called "Terra dei Motori," or Motorsport Valley, which is home to Italian car manufacturing, including Ferrari.

The 40-millimeter diameter watch is equipped with an IWC 32111 automatic movement with a 120-hour power reserve. The movement's precision is guaranteed by 28,800 vibrations per hour, while the solid titanium case protects the movement and ensures water resistance up to 10 bar. The sapphire crystal watch glass is coated on both sides with an anti-reflective coating. The black dial is adorned with Arabic numerals and indices in the team's iconic Petronas green, while the hour, minute and second hands are coated with Super-LumiNova® for excellent readability at night.

The watch features a triangular mark at 12 o'clock, which is characteristic of pilot watches and helps to orientate the watch. Another interesting feature of the model is that it also has a date window at 3 o'clock. The rubber strap, which is easy to replace, also features the colors of the team's main sponsor. The back of the watch is engraved with "Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team" in a hexagonal pattern.

The IWC Pilot’s Watch Mark XX Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team is the perfect choice for anyone with a keen interest in the dynamic world of Formula 1 and fans of the Mercedes-AMG team. For those who want to see the excitement and high performance of Formula 1 reflected in a wristwatch, this model is an excellent companion for both everyday wear and race weekends.