IWC debuts the Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix
Jamie Weiss- IWC unveils a pair of racing-oriented chronographs in collaboration with long-time motorsports partner Mercedes-AMG
- Crafted from titanium or Ceratanium, they feature polished black ceramic tachymeter bezels
- Recessed subdials and AMG-inspired touches further differentiate the pair from other IWC chronographs
If you’re a Formula 1 fan, you’re no doubt eagerly anticipating the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix this weekend: a high-octane romp down the Las Vegas Strip that promises to be an adrenaline-filled, highly ritzy affair. Mercedes driver, seven-time World Champion and IWC ambassador Lewis Hamilton has long lobbied for a race in Sin City, so he’s no doubt looking forward to the Grand Prix.
He’ll also, no doubt, be chuffed to find out he’ll have a new IWC to wear for the occasion, too. Just in time for Vegas, the Schaffhausen brand has followed up the lengthily-named Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 Edition “Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team” that was released last year with yet another collaboration with Mercedes-AMG, which is an even more dedicated motorsports watch than previous Mercedes collabs.
The IWC Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 might share the same basic form and movement as previous Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 references, but it has one key differentiating feature: a proper tachymeter bezel, crafted from polished black ceramic. Indeed, it’s the first IWC Pilot’s Watch in a long time to feature a tachymeter bezel.
Its dial is subtly different from other Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41s as well. It features applied indices and numerals filled with Super-LumiNova rather than the painted indices of other models, as well as azuraged subdials with raised timing rings. The devil’s in the details, but these tweaks help the Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 stand out among the pack.
Two main variants are available: a grade 5 titanium model and a Ceratanium model, the latter of which also features a running seconds hand and day/date window text in ‘Petronas Green’, a signature Mercedes-AMG colour. Both variants feature smoked sapphire crystal casebacks with printed model designations, with the titanium model additionally featuring a large AMG logo. Matching metal bracelets are available for both variants, as well as black rubber straps.
The Ceratanium Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 is one of only a handful of IWC models to feature a full Ceratanium bracelet. (Actually, the first IWC to get a full Ceratanium bracelet was Lewis Hamilton’s piece unique ‘Black Lives Matter’ Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar – a nice little F1 connection.)
For a watch brand that’s been so deeply involved in motorsport for so long with Mercedes, it’s been a bit of a head-scratcher that IWC hasn’t introduced a more conventional motorsports chronograph up until now. I guess F1 drivers are sometimes called ‘pilots’, so it’s OK for them to wear pilot’s watches? In any case, it’s cool to see IWC build upon its relationship with Mercedes and motorsport with this more focused racing chronograph.
IWC Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 pricing and availability
The IWC Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 is available now from IWC boutiques and online. Price: from A$15,300.
| Brand | IWC Schaffhausen |
| Model | Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 |
| Reference Number | IW388304 (titanium on bracelet) IW388305 (titanium on rubber) IW388306 (Ceratanium on rubber) IW388307 (Ceratanium on bracelet) |
| Case Dimensions | 41.1mm (D) x 14.8mm (T) x 51.8mm (LTL) |
| Case Material | Titanium, Ceratanium |
| Water Resistance | 100 metres, screw-down crown |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire front, smoked sapphire caseback |
| Dial | Black |
| Strap | Case-matching bracelet with folding clasp or black rubber with pin buckle |
| Movement | IWC 69385, automatic |
| Power Reserve | 46 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, small hacking seconds, day/date, chronograph |
| Availability | Available now for enquiries |
| Price | A$15,300 (titanium on rubber) A$18,300 (titanium on bracelet) A$22,900 (Ceratanium on rubber) A$33,800 (Ceratanium on bracelet) |