IWC Pilot's Watch Mark XX Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team

The world of motorsports and horology have long enjoyed a symbiotic relationship, both driven by a pursuit of engineering excellence and cutting-edge technology. This harmonious connection is embodied in the latest collaboration between IWC Schaffhausen and the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team: the IWC Pilot's Watch Mark XX Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team. This timepiece represents a unique partnership, blending the rich heritage of IWC's pilot's watches with the high-octane world of Formula One.

IWC Schaffhausen, a Swiss luxury watch manufacturer founded in 1868, has a long and storied history of creating precision timepieces. The company's founder, American watchmaker Florentine Ariosto Jones, sought to combine the craftsmanship of Swiss watchmaking with the advanced production technologies of the American system. IWC quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality watches, and in the 1930s, they began developing specialized pilot's watches that could withstand the rigors of aviation. The original Mark series, introduced in 1948, became legendary for its accuracy, robustness, and legibility, setting the standard for pilot's watches for decades to come. IWC, known as the International Watch Company, is a luxury Swiss watch manufacturer located in Schaffhausen, Switzerland. They are known for their high-quality timepieces, particularly their pilot's watches.



The Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team, based in Brackley, United Kingdom, is a dominant force in the world of Formula One racing. The team's history can be traced back to 1970 when Tyrrell Racing first entered the sport. After various ownership changes, the team was acquired by Mercedes-Benz in 2009 and rebranded as Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS. Since then, the team has enjoyed unprecedented success, winning multiple Constructors' and Drivers' Championships. Their commitment to innovation, teamwork, and relentless pursuit of victory aligns perfectly with IWC's own values.

The IWC Pilot's Watch Mark XX Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team is a remarkable timepiece that captures the essence of this partnership. This isn't the first time the two brands have collaborated, the new watch is actually the second official team watch IWC has created for its longstanding motorsport partner. The 40mm case, a nod to the classic pilot's watch size, is crafted from grade 5 titanium. This material, known for its exceptional strength-to-density ratio, is frequently used in the automotive industry for parts that require high strength and low weight, such as engine valves. The use of titanium not only makes the watch lightweight and comfortable to wear but also underscores the connection to the world of motorsport, where every gram saved can make a difference on the track.

Visually, the watch is striking. The titanium case, after machining and sandblasting, exhibits a distinctive greyish shimmer. This matte finish gives the watch a modern, technical aesthetic, reminiscent of the advanced materials used in Formula One cars. The black dial provides a stark contrast, allowing the numerals and indices, printed in the signature PETRONAS green, to stand out prominently. This color, instantly recognizable to fans of the team, adds a dynamic and sporty element to the watch's design. The hands for the hours, minutes, and seconds are coated with Super-LumiNova in the same PETRONAS green, ensuring optimal legibility even in low-light conditions. This thoughtful detail is both functional and visually appealing, enhancing the watch's overall design coherence.



One of the most notable features of this watch is the attention to detail in the choice of colors. The PETRONAS green, used for the numerals, indices, and luminescent material on the hands, is not just a color; it's a symbol of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team's identity. This particular shade of green, developed by the team, has become synonymous with their brand and is instantly recognizable on the track. Its inclusion in the watch's design serves as a constant reminder of the partnership between IWC and the Formula One team. It's a subtle yet powerful way to incorporate the team's branding into the watch without being overly ostentatious.

The sapphire crystal, convex and treated with an anti-reflective coating on both sides, ensures a clear and unobstructed view of the dial. This feature is crucial for a pilot's watch, where quick and accurate time reading is essential. The anti-reflective coating reduces glare, allowing the wearer to easily read the time even in bright sunlight or under the glare of cockpit lights. The convex shape of the crystal adds a subtle depth to the dial, enhancing its visual appeal. It's a classic design element that harkens back to the early days of aviation, when domed crystals were common on pilot's watches.

At the heart of the watch lies the IWC-manufactured 32111 calibre, an automatic movement renowned for its precision and reliability. This movement boasts an impressive 120-hour power reserve, which means the watch can run for five days without needing to be wound. This extended power reserve is particularly useful for those who may not wear the watch every day or who prefer to alternate between different timepieces. The 32111 calibre operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz) and comprises 163 components, including 21 jewels. The movement is meticulously crafted and finished, reflecting IWC's commitment to quality and precision.



The case of the watch is a masterclass in engineering. Crafted from grade 5 titanium, it offers an exceptional balance of strength and lightness. Titanium is a material that is increasingly favored in both the watchmaking and automotive industries for its unique properties. It is significantly lighter than stainless steel, making the watch more comfortable to wear for extended periods. Despite its lightness, titanium is incredibly strong and durable, able to withstand the rigors of daily wear and tear. The use of grade 5 titanium, in particular, is noteworthy. This alloy, which contains 6% aluminum and 4% vanadium, is known for its exceptional strength and corrosion resistance.

The screw-in crown, a feature often found on pilot's watches, enhances the watch's water resistance. With a water resistance rating of 10 bar, the watch can withstand pressures equivalent to a depth of 100 meters. This makes it suitable for swimming and other water-related activities. The screw-in crown ensures that the watch remains watertight even under pressure, protecting the delicate movement from water damage. It's a practical feature that underscores the watch's robustness and versatility.

The IWC Pilot's Watch Mark XX Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team is fitted with a vibrant PETRONAS green rubber strap. This strap, designed with IWC's EasX-CHANGE system, allows for quick and tool-free strap changes, providing the wearer with the flexibility to customize the look of their watch. The rubber material is both comfortable and durable, making it ideal for an active lifestyle. The EasX-CHANGE system is a user-friendly feature that allows the wearer to easily swap out straps without the need for specialized tools. This feature is particularly appealing to those who like to change the look of their watch to match different outfits or occasions. The PETRONAS green rubber strap is not only visually striking but also highly practical. Rubber is a material that is resistant to water, sweat, and UV radiation, making it an excellent choice for a sports watch.



The 40mm case diameter is a versatile size that will suit a wide range of wrist sizes. It's large enough to make a statement without being overly bulky. The height of the case is 10.6mm, which gives the watch a slim profile. This slimness, combined with the lightness of the titanium case, makes the watch incredibly comfortable to wear. It's a watch that can be worn all day without feeling heavy or cumbersome on the wrist. The case diameter is perfectly proportioned, striking a balance between presence and wearability.

The dial of the watch is a study in legibility and functionality. The black background provides excellent contrast for the PETRONAS green numerals and indices. The large Arabic numerals are easy to read at a glance, a key requirement for a pilot's watch. The date display, located at the 3 o'clock position, is discreet yet functional. The use of Super-LumiNova on the hands ensures that the time can be read even in the darkest of environments. The hands of the watch are coated with Super-LumiNova, a luminescent material that glows in the dark. This feature is essential for a pilot's watch, as it allows the wearer to read the time even in low-light conditions. The use of PETRONAS green for the Super-LumiNova adds a unique touch to the watch's design, further emphasizing the partnership with the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team.

The IWC-manufactured 32111 calibre movement is a testament to the brand's horological expertise. With a power reserve of 120 hours, it far surpasses the industry standard. The movement is also equipped with a central hacking seconds function, which allows for precise time setting. This feature is particularly useful for pilots and others who require accurate timekeeping. The hacking seconds function allows the wearer to stop the seconds hand when setting the time, ensuring that the watch is synchronized to the exact second.

The partnership between IWC Schaffhausen and the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team is a natural fit. Both brands share a commitment to innovation, precision, and performance. This collaboration has resulted in a timepiece that is not only a functional tool but also a symbol of the shared values of these two industry leaders. The partnership between IWC and the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team is a celebration of shared values and a commitment to excellence. Both brands are known for their dedication to innovation, precision, and performance. This collaboration has resulted in a timepiece that is both a functional tool and a symbol of the shared values of these two industry leaders.



The PETRONAS green rubber strap, with its 20mm width, complements the case perfectly. The EasX-CHANGE system is a testament to IWC's commitment to user-friendly design. It allows for easy strap changes without the need for any tools, making it convenient for the wearer to switch between different strap options. This feature is particularly appealing to those who like to customize their watch to match different outfits or occasions. It's a practical feature that adds to the watch's versatility.

The IWC Pilot's Watch Mark XX Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team is priced at $6,100. This price reflects the watch's high-quality materials, meticulous craftsmanship, and the prestige associated with both the IWC and Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team brands. The watch is currently available for purchase through IWC boutiques and authorized retailers worldwide.

Case: Grade 5 Titanium, 40.0 mm Diameter, 10.6 mm Height, Screw in crown, 10.0 bar Water Resistance.

Movement: 32111 Calibre, Automatic winding, 120 hours Power Reserve, 28'800 VPH (4 Hz) Frequency, 163 Components, 21 Jewels.

Dial: Black dial, PETRONAS Green numerals and indices, PETRONAS Green Super-LumiNova coated hands, Date display.

Strap: Green rubber strap, EasX-CHANGE system, 20.0 mm Strap width.

Price: $6,100

Reference Number: IW328210

Notes: Official watch of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team. Newest collaboration watch with the team.