By admin 
The collaboration between Mercedes-AMG and IWC Replica has intensified; at the recent Miami Grand Prix we had proof of this with the launch of the new IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 Edition Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team, which involved teams, ambassadors and partners before, during and after the weekend. It is therefore not surprising that a Mercedes-AMG car is celebrating the second thematic launch after a few weeks: the Big Pilot’s Watch Constant-Force Tourbillon Edition “AMG One Owners”. The watch is reserved exclusively for future owners of the new Mercedes-AMG “AMG One”, a road transplant of the Formula 1 technology from the team that has dominated the scene in the last decade.
Mercedes-AMG and IWC Schaffhausen recently renewed their partnership; the renewal has given new impetus by pushing for integration between brand and team, as recently proven by the creation of unique pieces such as the Big Pilot’s Perpetual Calendar with Petronas colors and smoked dial made exclusively for Toto Wolff, the team principal of the team. The exercise starts from afar and the first attempt of this kind dates back to 2019 (see image above).
About AMG One
AMG One is the first hyper-car produced by the Mercedes sports division in close collaboration with the Formula 1 team which is responsible for the technical paternity. The car is in all respects the road transposition of a Formula 1 car. The powertrain unit derives from the one mounted on the 2016 W07 Hybrid single-seater (the car with which Nico Rosberg won his first and only world championship) adapted to a use that involves a mission profile different from that expected on a Formula 1 car, and which in this case requires prolonged use.
The salient data of the car are as follows: AMG One develops a maximum combined power of 1063 horsepower (delivered by the 1.6-liter V6 combustion engine and four electric motors) and reaches a top speed of 352 km/h. The aerodynamic care is extreme and probably the most sophisticated ever seen so far on a hyper-car.
IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Constant-Force Tourbillon Edition “AMG One Owners”.
It is understandable that IWC therefore chose an uncommon watch to associate with the car and the project, drawing on its constant force tourbillon patent. Nonetheless, as already experienced with the Pilot’s Watch Petronas, the declination aims to enhance its exclusivity through colors and new materials, intervening where possible considering the basic technical architecture. The case is made of titanium aluminide, an intermetallic compound between titanium and aluminium. We will not go into the technical detail regarding the nature of an intermetallic compound, even if we can; more generally, it is interesting to know that TiAl boasts high mechanical resistance, combined with lightness and resistance to corrosion and high temperatures. Lightness is extremely welcome on a 46.2mm diameter and 13.5mm thick watch that celebrates a car where lightness is a design requirement.
Speaking of compounds, there are three types of titanium aluminide in the industry but it is probable, even if not expressly mentioned, that IWC has made use of the γ–TiAl variant widely adopted in the aeronautical sector, mainly in jet turbine blades. It is a declaration of intent rather than a necessity linked to use, in the case of a wristwatch. The central block of the case is made of TiAl, while elsewhere standard materials have been used such as titanium for the crown (presumably Grade 5) or Ceratanium® for the ring that closes the case, coupled with the sapphire crystal.
The watch is equipped with the fine watchmaking caliber 94800 with 2.5 Hertz and four days of autonomy when fully charged. “Orologically” speaking, we are in the field of an exquisitely classic complication; the movement features a tourbillon and a constant force energy release mechanism (patented) which releases the escapement from the uninterrupted release of energy from the barrel so as to modulate the release up to the escape wheel, throughout the entire range of use (from maximum at minimum charge). By doing so, the constant release of energy to the escapement wheel theoretically guarantees benefits on running accuracy.
Aesthetically, the watch has received what I have dubbed the “Mercedes-AMG Petronas treatment” consisting of Petronas green tones such as the thin ring outside the bezel, coupled with the writing referring to the phases of the moon in the northern and southern hemispheres, shown on the relevant counter placed, approximately, at 13 o’clock. The strap is made of rubber with a bi-material injection process and with the Mercedes star, present on the bodywork of the AMG One, replicated along the entire extension of the strap.
Final thoughts
It would be preferable to talk about comments, because the watch will never be available to the public although some collectors would gladly add it to their collection despite not having purchased an AMG One. Although there is no declaration on the matter, the maximum number of examples expected is expected to be 275, as many as those expected for the car (already all sold).
It is also presumable that IWC produces it only on request, foreseeing that not all buyers of an AMG One are necessarily interested in purchasing one, nor are they as passionate about watches as they are about sports cars. On the merits, in my opinion the watch is splendid and not out of tune considering that the original model, whose price is around 220,000 Swiss Francs, was born as a pure high-end sports watch. The hope is that the experiment will continue, soon enriching the catalog with further models in partnership but available to the public including, at this point, a Big Pilot’s Watch in TiAl.