Prestigious Swiss watch manufacture IWC Schaffhausen just released a new limited edition timepiece celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Mercedes-AMG, the performance motoring arm of Mercedes-Benz. The watch is a Ingenieur Chronograph model in stainless steel, and will be available in a limited run of 250 pieces and just a fraction of the price higher than the standard IWC Ingenieur Chronograph Sport model.
The very heart of the watch, much like the Mercedes-AMG engine, is very much the centre point of this watch. However, the watch shares the same movement as the regular production IWC Ingenieur Chronograph Sport or the IWC Portugieser Chronograph. The said movement is the automatic winding in-house made Calibre 89361, with a 68-hour power reserve. The movement offers the important automatic flyback functionality, a feature that is so important in the industry of motorsports, as the chronograph is used to time lap intervals with general ease. The watch also features a unique hour and minute totalizer at 12 o’clock, which was designed to make the chronograph reading more intuitive.
One of the biggest differences between this ’50th Anniversary Of The Mercedes-AMG’ and other IWC housing the Calibre 89361, is in regards to the design and functionality of the case back. Like the original Ingenieur from 1955, this example is fitted with an soft iron cage-like back that actively helps in making the watch anti-magnetic, although IWC have yet to give a number of how anti-magnetic the watch is. The back of the soft cage has holes drilled into it in a radial formation, giving the appearance of a high performance brake disc. In addition, the back of the cage is engraved with the words, “Tribute To One Man One Machine.” This is a reference to the fact that each Mercedes AMG engine is assembled from scratch by a single AMG mechanic.
The dial is silver plated with a zero-to-sixty-styled index, to seemingly fit into the theme of motorsport inspired design changes. On the same note, the red, white and anthracite colour scheme of the dial is meant to represent the various race-tracks around the world – red and white for the curbs and anthracite for the asphalt. All the hands relating to the chronograph function are in red, while the ones responsible for telling the time are in black. The dial is completed by a date window at 3 o’clock and features a tachymeter scale that whilst is not wholly useful in this day and age – was expected and very useful when the chronograph function was used in motorsports.
The watch is housed in a 44mm titanium case and features a screw-down crown, rectangular pushers and a water resistance of 120m. The watch is 15.9mm thick, and is crafted in grade 5 titanium, giving an appearance of stainless steel that give an overall appearance that the watch is seriously heavy. However, grade 5 titanium has the benefits of being stronger yet lighter then steel. While the use of titanium is not unique to this limited edition, it definitely fits in with the idea of performance motorsports where lightweight, strong materials are highly prized. The case has brushed sides, highly polished front and back bezels and polished crown guards and pushers. As a limited edition, the bezel for the case back is engraved with ‘Edition 50th Anniversary of Mercedes-AMG’ and ‘One out of 250’.
For those that follow IWC Schaffhausen, or even the motorsport/F1 circuit, would know that IWC and Mercedes have a strong relationship, dating back to 2004. This has ultimately resulted in many limited edition timepieces. This limited edition represents yet another successful milestone between the two brands. IWC Schaffhausen feature prominently on the cars and wrists of the Formula One drivers Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas. Alongside this special commemorative release, Mercedes has also released five special edition Mercedes-AMG GT3 “Edition 50”cars, and the owners of each cars will receive the watch as well. Like the watch, the car was specifically designed and launched to celebrate the 50-year anniversary.
The IWC Schaffhausen Ingenieur Chronograph Sport ’50th Anniversary of the Mercedes-AMG’ is a classic timepiece, featuring stunning design features that pay homage to not only Mercedes-AMG, but also to the industry of motor racing and motorsport. As a limited edition, the watch is only $800 premium over the standard IWC Ingenieur Chronograph, making this particular example a highly collectible yet affordable timepieces for collectors. The timepiece is also a limited edition run of 250 pieces and feels so much more rarer than limited editions of other pieces in the industry. The ’50th Anniversary’ piece is finished with a black calfskin strap and is available from retailers and online for $11,800.
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