In Formula 1, every millisecond counts, and no one understands that better than Kimi Antonelli, the 18-year-old prodigy redefining what it means to be fast and focused.
His F1 debut with Mercedes-AMG Petronas goes beyond showcasing raw talent. It’s a statement of precision, timing, and total control under pressure. And on his wrist? The perfect match: an IWC Schaffhausen timepiece crafted with the same uncompromising engineering and purpose as the car that carries him to the finish line.
Antonelli isn’t just racing, he’s learning, evolving, and syncing with a legacy of mechanical perfection. In this blog, we dive into what makes this partnership between IWC and Kimi Antonelli F1 more than a sponsorship. It’s a shared philosophy between man and machine, where speed meets craftsmanship, and where a watch becomes more than an accessory; it becomes part of the drive.
Antonelli’s Joining the IWC Family
In early 2025, IWC Schaffhausen officially welcomed 18-year-old Kimi Antonelli into its circle of brand ambassadors, a move that felt less like a corporate arrangement and more like the meeting of kindred spirits in engineering excellence. For fans of both Mercedes-AMG F1 and high-end watchmaking, it was a partnership rooted in authenticity rather than surface-level promotion.
“I’m getting more and more into it… Now I really like wearing watches and IWC… and I’m learning about how everything works,” Antonelli told Boss Hunting. That off-the-cuff admission reveals something far more compelling than a scripted endorsement; it’s a glimpse into a young driver developing a genuine connection to the craftsmanship on his wrist.
His curiosity mirrors what draws collectors to IWC watches in the first place: a fascination with what’s beneath the surface. As Antonelli grows into his Formula 1 career, so too does his appreciation for the complex mechanics that keep precision alive, whether in the cockpit or under a sapphire crystal.
The Pilot’s Watch Mark XX
Kimi Antonelli’s IWC of choice? The Pilot’s Watch Mark XX Mercedes‑AMG Petronas Formula One™ Team Edition is a timepiece that does more than complement his race suit. It embodies the same values that fuel his performance behind the wheel: precision, durability, and adaptability.
Crafted from Grade 5 titanium, this model is as lightweight as it is rugged, an ideal material for a driver who demands agility, not bulk. Paired with the team’s unmistakable Petronas green rubber strap, it doesn’t just reflect the Mercedes-AMG livery, it anchors the watch as part of the team’s identity.
What’s ticking beneath the surface is just as compelling. Powered by the Calibre 32111 automatic movement, the Mark XX delivers an impressive 120-hour power reserve, five full days of continuous performance. Its anti-magnetic case shields the movement from the interference of high-tech paddock environments, while the quick-release strap system ensures fast adaptability, whether you’re in the garage or on the go.
Mindset Meets Mechanics
One candid quote from Kimi Antonelli cuts through the noise:
“I think … it’s a nice feeling that you can actually look at the time on the watch… I don’t have to pull out my phone every time.”
Simple? Yes. But for someone living in a world ruled by data, telemetry, and race pace deltas, this says a lot.
For Kimi, it’s not just about telling time, it’s about trusting time. Just as he relies on braking points and tire temperatures, he now trusts the precise mechanics on his wrist.
In the cockpit, milliseconds matter. Off the track, the mindset is the same. An IWC Schaffhausen timepiece offers instant access to precision, no screen taps or swipe gestures needed. That quiet confidence, relying on something mechanical, personal, and engineered to perform, mirrors Kimi’s entire approach to racing.
When mindset meets mechanics, performance becomes instinct. And that’s exactly what defines both Antonelli and his IWC.
Symbol of Shared Performance & Team Unity
Kimi Antonelli’s IWC watch isn’t just a sleek timekeeper; it’s a statement of identity. Crafted with the same precision and resilience that define the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team, his Pilot’s Watch Mark XX mirrors the team’s values: performance under pressure, reliability in motion, and unity through engineering.
When Antonelli stepped onto the Canadian Grand Prix 2025 podium, earning his first-ever Formula 1 top-three finish at just 18 years old, the watch was there, right on his wrist. Not just as an accessory, but as a reflection of the split-second decisions and relentless teamwork that made the moment possible.
In that high-adrenaline moment, champagne flying, anthems playing, the crowd erupting, his IWC was more than a detail. It was a symbol of belonging. Worn by drivers, engineers, and team leaders alike, the IWC timepiece is a visible thread connecting every member of the Silver Arrows.
Voice of the Young Prodigy: What Kimi Really Thinks
For Kimi Antonelli, wearing an IWC is a part of his evolution as a driver and as a thinker. He’s spoken openly about how discovering the intricacies of IWC’s craftsmanship has sparked a deeper appreciation for engineering, mirroring the exact mindset he’s developing under the mentorship of Toto Wolff and alongside George Russell.
It’s not simply about how the watch looks; it’s about what it represents. A fusion of mechanical intelligence, elegance, and discipline. Whether he’s studying telemetry or learning the nuances of a precision-made movement, Kimi is connecting the dots between form, function, and focus.
