In Formula 1, milliseconds make champions, and precision isn’t just expected, it’s engineered. That’s why for over a decade, IWC Schaffhausen has served as the Official Engineering Partner of the Mercedes‑AMG Petronas Formula One™ Team, a role focused on technical collaboration, not just sponsorship.
Since 2013, this partnership has fused racing performance with Swiss horological mastery, creating timepieces that share the same DNA as the dominant cars they support, from the materials used to the mindset behind every design.
As the 2025 Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal approaches, we look back at how IWC and Mercedes-AMG have redefined what it means to measure time on and off the grid.
The Origin of the Partnership (2013): Engineering Icons Align
The partnership between IWC Schaffhausen and the Mercedes‑AMG Petronas Formula One™ Team officially began in 2013, when IWC was named the team’s Official Engineering Partner. This wasn’t a simple branding deal; it was a technical alignment. Mercedes-AMG chose IWC because both companies share the same commitment to precision engineering, innovation, and performance under pressure.
From the very beginning, IWC brought more than just watchmaking expertise to the table. The brand contributed real-world insights into material science and mechanical durability, including the use of advanced materials like titanium, Ceratanium®, and anti-magnetic alloys. These are not just marketing features; they’re engineered to withstand the extreme environments of motorsport, from high G-forces in corners to the mechanical stress of a pit lane.
Together, the two brands have continued to refine their technologies with the same philosophy: performance must be measurable, consistent, and resilient, whether it’s a Formula 1 car on the track or a chronograph on the wrist.
Iconic IWC Timepieces from the Partnership
Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 “Mercedes‑AMG Petronas F1 Team”
The Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 “Mercedes‑AMG Petronas F1 Team” was the first official team watch designed specifically for the Mercedes-AMG Petronas crew. Crafted from lightweight yet durable Grade 5 titanium, the same material used in F1 car components, it features the signature Petronas green detailing on the dial and strap, echoing the team’s livery.
Inside, the IWC-manufactured 69385 calibre ensures reliable chronograph performance, essential for timing laps and pit stop strategies. Its 46-hour power reserve and quick-change strap system are designed with both functionality and fast-paced environments in mind.Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41
The Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 was built using IWC’s proprietary Ceratanium®, a blend of titanium’s weight efficiency and ceramic’s scratch resistance. This chronograph is designed for rugged, high-performance use. Its tachymeter bezel allows for real-time speed calculations, making it more than just a design feature: it’s a direct nod to motorsport precision. The double-pusher layout enhances usability under stress, similar to how a driver or engineer relies on fast, intuitive controls during a race.
Pilot’s Watch Mark XX “Petronas Edition”
Engineered for pure functionality, this Pilot’s Watch Mark XX “Petronas Edition”
of the iconic Mark series strips back to the essentials. Encased in Grade 5 titanium and powered by the Calibre 32111 movement with a 5-day power reserve, it’s built for longevity and endurance. The luminous green accents aren’t just visual flair; they reflect the team’s branding and improve visibility in low light, much like the backlit displays on a modern F1 steering wheel. It’s a clean, utilitarian timepiece for fans who appreciate precision over flash.
Big Pilot’s Watch Shock Absorber XPL “Toto Wolff Edition”
Named after team principal Toto Wolff and limited to just 100 pieces, the Big Pilot’s Watch Shock Absorber XPL “Toto Wolff Edition” represents the pinnacle of IWC’s experimental engineering. It features the proprietary SPRIN-g PROTECT system, a cutting-edge shock absorber capable of withstanding forces up to 30,000 g.
The case is constructed from Bulk Metallic Glass and ceramized titanium, materials selected for their extraordinary resilience. This is more than a collector’s item; it’s a lab-tested instrument capable of surviving conditions that mimic the violent shocks of an F1 crash or cargo shipment.
The 2025 Canadian Grand Prix: A Milestone for the Partnership
The Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal (June 13–15) is pivotal in Formula 1’s 75th anniversary season. Circuit Gilles‑Villeneuve combines high-speed straights (requiring power unit reliability) with tight chicanes (demanding brake temperature consistency), a direct parallel to the stress profiles IWC tests its timepieces against.
This season also marks an important driver lineup shift: George Russell with his official IWC-engineered Ingenieur pieces, and rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli debuting in Mercedes’ W16 car. Their joint presence signals the next evolution in this technical alliance (Russell and Antonelli forming the new driver pairing).
Though IWC has no stand at Circuit Gilles‑Villeneuve, the watches will be present on wrists in garages, behind the wheel, and on driver ambassadors. In Montréal, La Maison Monaco, the only official retailer in the city, stands ready from June 11–15 with exclusive installations and boutique-only models marking the F1 weekend.
