INTRODUCING: The IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Constant-Force Tourbillon Edition “AMG ONE OWNERS”
Fergus NashIf you’ve ever been catching some public transport and spotted someone wearing a six-figure luxury watch, you know the feeling of seeing something extraordinary in an ordinary context. The Mercedes-AMG ONE is possibly the most extreme example of this concept — a hypercar using Formula 1 technology to achieve over 1000 horsepower in a street-legal package that will turn heads wherever it goes. Such an exorbitantly noticeable car deserves an equally exciting watch, and that’s where the IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Constant-Force Tourbillon Edition “AMG ONE OWNERS” comes in.
The partnership between Mercedes-AMG and IWC has been unwavering since 2004, but it wasn’t until 2013 when IWC became the “Official Engineering Partner” of Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 Team that the joint forces came under the global eye. With the image of an IWC Big Pilot’s Watch printed on the racing gloves of Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg, the brand identities of both IWC and Mercedes were fused together as the team rocketed on to eight consecutive Formula 1 World Championship constructor’s titles — a level of domination never before seen in F1.
Considering the levels of engineering that went into packaging an F1 hybrid powertrain within a road-going vehicle, it should be no surprise that the IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Constant-Force Tourbillon Edition “AMG ONE OWNERS” isn’t just an off-the-shelf watch with some special colours thrown in. The case is machined from a very specific alloy called titanium aluminide, which is simultaneously lighter and harder than regular titanium or aluminium. Its low-weight and high-temperature resistance makes it an ideal material for motorsport engines, and makes for a slightly dark grey, sporty watch case.
The technology involved in the IWC in-house calibre 94800 is mechanically impressive too, with a constant-force escapement that ensures consistent torque delivery from the two mainspring barrels, negating the potential loss of accuracy as the watch gets low on power. The tourbillon that houses the balance wheel also aids timekeeping consistency, lowering the effects of gravity on the balance spring should the watch be kept in the same position for an extended period. The two mainspring barrels in conjunction with an 18,000vph beat rate offer a generous 96-hour power reserve that’s displayed via an indicator on the dial, and to top it all off you’re also provided with a northern and southern hemisphere moon phase display.
Visually, the IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Constant-Force Tourbillon Edition “AMG ONE OWNERS” makes the most of its technology and materials, with a mixture of polished and sandblasted finishes as well as the use of Petronas Green that honours yet another longstanding partner of Mercedes-AMG motorsport divisions. The Mercedes star is also integrated into a pattern on the rubber strap, getting creative with injection moulding.
The IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Constant-Force Tourbillon Edition “AMG ONE OWNERS” pricing and availability:
The IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Constant-Force Tourbillon Edition “AMG ONE OWNERS” will be exclusively available to owners of the Mercedes-AMG ONE hypercar, and the price is available on request.
| Case Material | Titanium aluminide |
| Case Dimensions | 46.2mm x 13.5mm |
| Water-Resistance | 60m |
| Dial | Black and Petronas Green |
| Straps | Black and Petronas Green rubber |
| Movement | IWC Calibre 94800 |
| Power Reserve | 96 hours |
| Complications | Hours, minutes, seconds, constant-force escapement, tourbillon, double moonphase, power reserve |
| Price | Price on request |