Daimler AG’s performance brand, Mercedes-AMG, is teaming up with IWC Schaffhausen, a Swiss-based maker of expensive watches, for a new special-edition timepiece that highlights a collaboration spanning nearly two decades.
The Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “AMG” is the latest product of the partnership that has linked the Swiss luxury watchmaker and the German car manufacturer since 2004. It’s also the latest timepiece offered by a premium automaker.
Recently, Jaguar commemorated the 60th anniversary of its iconic E-type with a watch set produced by Bremont. Prior to that Aston Martin revealed a new partnership with Girard Perregaux, naming the company its official watchmaker. The pair will begin introducing a series of timepieces later this year.
Many other automakers, including Land Rover, Bugatti, Porsche and Ferrari also offer watches in addition to other accessories including luggage, clothing and other personal items.
Shared commitment to excellence
It is the first IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph in titanium and powered by the IWC-manufactured 69385 caliber movement and features a carbon-fiber dial, which was unveiled during a webcast featuring racing driver Maro Engel, who is a “brand ambassador” for both IWC and AMG.
“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,” said Philipp Schiemer, CEO of Mercedes-AMG during the webcast.
“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.”
The collaboration is grounded in common values, including the pursuit of technical perfection and uncompromising quality, he added.
Christoph Grainger-Herr, CEO of IWC Schaffhausen, noted the two brands share a passion for performance and design, and a commitment to engineering excellence down to the smallest detail as well — as motorsports.
“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,’ he added.
Watch keys on automotive materials
Crafted from automotive engineering materials, the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “AMG ” is IWC’s first 43 millimeter Pilot’s Watch Chronograph featuring the IWC-manufactured 69385 caliber 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.
It is the first Pilot’s Watch Chronograph with a case made of light, scratch-resistant titanium. The Mercedes-AMG logo is emblazoned on the tinted sapphire crystal case back. The timepiece is fitted with a black embossed calf leather strap with contrast stitching and folding clasp.
The Grade 5 titanium finish also gives the watch its matte grey appearance, inspired by AMG’s signature Selenite Grey Magno paint finish. The dial features woven carbon fiber directly derived from AMG’s aero components. The raw material is continuous carbon fiber, which is processed on weaving machines into textile structures, giving the end product its characteristic woven “carbon look.”Watch mavens can begin placing pre-orders May 21 for the $9,100 self-winding watch.
