The new Replica IWC Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph represents the Pilot’s Watch collection’s definitive entry into the motoring sector, whether linked to high-performance production cars, such as the Mercedes AMG collection, or the Formula 1 team led by Toto Wolff, who since 2004 it has used special editions of the IWC models in its collection.
The Pilot’s Watch with tachymeter scale
What has always surprised is not so much the association between the Replica IWC chronograph and the world of racing, but the lack of a specific model that could adequately represent the world of racing. The Pilot’s Watch Chronograph, which arises from the legacy of the Flieger Chronograph, was originally conceived for aviation.
From aviation to cars (definitively)
An automotive-style sports chronograph, as is right observing the history of this complication, is equipped with a tachymetric scale for measuring the average speed in relation to the distance traveled and the new IWC Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph were designed with the aim to compete in the original category to which the sports chronograph belongs.
There are two variations created by the brand, the IWC Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 AMG model and the IWC Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One™ Team model.
They share the basic architecture, i.e. the 41.1 mm diameter and 14.8 mm thick case but they use different materials and aesthetic combinations that differentiate them greatly from each other.
IWC Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 AMG
Titanium (obviously and probably grade 5 alloy, even if not declared) is the material chosen for the case and bracelet of the classic model, the one which, in IWC’s intentions, represents the classic backbone of the offering. Changes to the original layout include not only the thin black ceramic ring but embossed subdials applied to a lacquered base.
The lacquered dial
The base of the dial is in fact a lacquered disk to which indexes and numbers filled with luminescent material are applied; the genesis of the watch is evident with the large triangle with dots on the sides, at twelve o’clock, a legacy of the brand’s aviator watches.
The all-titanium configuration, if you opt for the bracelet, is very attractive: the crown and chrono buttons are polished in contrast, just as the quick-release bracelet has mirror-polished central links on a brushed base in the matt gray color typical of the titanium alloy .
It closely resembles the bracelet of an Ingenieur (Aqua version) in terms of finish and aesthetics but features a clasp with double safety button. Although unstated, we believe the IWC logo button in the center hides the micro-adjustment system.
We will only be able to confirm this after trying it. The AMG logo appears on the visible caseback. The list price is 10,900 Euros on strap and 13,100 Euros with bracelet.
IWC Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One™ Team
After various versions of the Pilot’s Watch intended for drivers and members of the Formula 1 team, IWC has created the first version of its chronograph designed for the partner in the highest category of motor sports. Unlike the titanium model, this collection adopts Ceratanium®, the titanium and ceramic alloy that debuted on the Pilot’s Watch Double Chronograph.
Petronas colours
Grey-black (it is the typical color of this composite developed by Replica IWC) and Petronas green dominate the scene and make the declination of the IWC pilot’s chrono even more personal, if possible. The dimensions of the case do not change; the black is well contrasted by the white and Petronas green adopted on the date window, on the small continuous seconds hand and on the flange.
In our opinion, it is splendid in configuration with a bracelet, also in Ceratanium® because it represents a unique chronograph in the current panorama.
Also in this case, the EasX-Change system allows you to change the strap and bracelet at will and, consequently, also to customize the watch as you prefer; for example, in our opinion this model is well suited to mounting the green strap introduced on the Pilot’s Watch during the Miami Grand Prix last year.
The watch costs 15,200 Euros in the version with strap and 22,400 Euros in the version with bracelet. The complexity and cost in making the bracelet explain the significant price difference between the two models.
Replica IWC Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 features the IWC caliber 69385
Both are equipped with the 69385 movement, a 4 Hz caliber with an autonomy of 46 hours when fully charged. It is a robust mechanical movement, widely used by IWC and equipped with a column wheel to control the chronograph function.
Final thoughts
It would be more correct to talk about initial sensations, because we have not yet seen the models live. IWC’s debut among the most classic sports chronographs with a tachymeter scale is appreciable and intelligent and the execution is an interesting novelty.
The titanium version in particular will be the “bread and butter”, the one that is likely to garner the widest consensus. IWC’s desire to decisively enter this segment is evident but at the same time we would have warmly welcomed an equally enhanced movement, for example a 5 Hertz caliber accompanied by a truly excellent technical pedigree (case and bracelet).