Written by Rod Mckinnon
IWC and AMG, the high-performance subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz AG recently unveiled the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “AMG”. The two brands seamlessly complement each other and have had a synergistic relationship since 2004 – grounded in many common values, including the pursuit of technical perfection and uncompromising quality. Just like I was told when I bought my first AMG C63 – Rod this ride will change you… I say the same to all future owners of the IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition ‘AMG’ – Watch Fam… This watch will change you.
“IWC Schaffhausen and Mercedes-AMG share both a passion for performance and design, as well as a commitment to engineering excellence down to the smallest detail. Over the last 17 years of our partnership, IWC and AMG have shared exhilarating moments in motorsport and beyond and we have created many lasting memories for our clients. Today we are proud to introduce Mercedes-AMG as a permanent feature of our Pilot‘s Watch Collection, starting with the Pilot‘s Watch Chronograph Edition “AMG”, explains Christoph Grainger-Herr, CEO of IWC Schaffhausen.
“The partnership between Mercedes-AMG and IWC has all the components that are needed for a successful and long-lasting collaboration. It’s very rare to come across a company and people with so many common interests and values. Our commitment to craftsmanship of the highest level and our pursuit of emotional product experiences is what has united us since 2004 – and the Pilot‘s Watch Chronograph Edition “AMG” once again underlines our strong partnership,” said Philipp Schiemer, CEO of Mercedes-AMG.
Measuring 43mm in diameter, the new Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “AMG” boasts multiple “firsts.” It is the first Pilot‘s Watch Chronograph with a case made of extremely light and scratch-resistant titanium and the first to feature the 69385 caliber. A14.9mm thick case might seem like a lot but the titanium body clearly makes up for the weight. The Grade 5 titanium finish gives the watch its matte grey appearance, inspired by AMG‘s signature Selenite Grey Magno paint finish. The chronograph pushers are placed at the two and four o’clock positions while the lugs hold a black embossed calf leather strap with contrast stitching and folding clasp.
The highlight of this piece would have to be the woven carbon fibre dial, a material directly derived from AMG‘s aero components. These parts are produced in a complex process involving heat and pressure and are known for their remarkable lightness and rigidity. The raw material is continuous carbon fibres, which are processed on weaving machines into textile structures, giving the end product its characteristic woven “carbon look”. The black carbon dial provides the perfect contrast to the silver chronograph sub-dials, reminiscent of motorsport instruments. Personally, I would’ve loved to see an Ingenieur base used for this collaboration piece but hey no complaints.
Powering this watch is an IWC-manufactured calibre 69385 – a robust and precise chronograph movement that enables stop time measurements of up to 12 hours. The chronograph function is controlled by a column wheel, an intricate component with two functional levels. The Mercedes-AMG logo is emblazoned on the tinted sapphire crystal case back. The Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “AMG” is priced at AUD $14,300 and will be available for pre-order from 21st May online at IWC.com, through IWC boutiques and authorised retail partners. The timepiece is eligible for registration under the My IWC care program and thus benefits from a 6-year extension to the standard 2-year International Limited Warranty.
