Did you know that the cooperation between IWC and Mercedes-AMG Racing started in 2004 and has gone through nearly two decades now? During this period, they not only launched a number of special watches, but also continued to innovate in design. The two pilot watches IW388304/IW388305 released in recent days are even more eye-catching, especially the red speedometer ring, which is simply born for racing! Want to know more about the story and design philosophy behind it? Then read on!

The history of cooperation between IWC and Mercedes-AMG Racing

Since 2004, IWC has developed a close cooperative relationship with the Mercedes-AMG racing team, and has successively launched a number of special watches with the theme of the team. This time, IWC released the new IW388304/IW388305 two Mercedes-AMG team special edition pilot watches, marking another milestone in the cooperation between the two parties.

Engineer Series AMG Special Edition Watch

From 2005 to 2017, the joint watches between IWC and the Mercedes-AMG team were all part of the Engineer series. In 2005, IWC released the first AMG special watch IW380902. The 42.5 mm titanium case is equipped with the 80110 self-winding movement and is limited to 250 pieces. This limited edition watch not only commemorates the 40th anniversary of the founding of AMG, but also becomes the beginning of a joint model between IWC and the Mercedes-AMG team.

Pilot Series AMG Special Edition Watch

The transformation of the pilot series AMG special edition watch is closely related to the brand strategic adjustment. Starting from 2019, all IWC’s Mercedes-AMG team co-branded watches will be pilot series. IW389005 is the first pilot series AMG special edition released in 2019. The 42mm black ceramic case is equipped with the 69380 automatic chronograph movement and is limited to 50 pieces. IW503002 is a special edition pilot dual time zone watch for the Mercedes-AMG team released in 2020. The functional design is more complex, but it is also made of black ceramic material. It is worth mentioning that the back of IW503002 is engraved with the portraits of team founder Henry Ford and racing driver Carl Benz, which also effectively combines racing culture with the pilot series.

The future of IWC and Mercedes-AMG Racing

The cooperation between IWC and Mercedes-AMG Racing does not end here. The two Mercedes-AMG team special edition pilot watches IW388304/IW388305 released at the end of 2023 have significant changes in appearance design compared with the past. Especially IW388305, for the first time in the pilot series, a ceramic speed measuring ring is introduced, and the speed measuring scale is designed in red, echoing the iconic red element of the Mercedes-AMG team. This change also better adapts to the positioning of the team’s co-branded watches.

Conclusion

The cooperation between IWC and the Mercedes-AMG team is really a perfect combination, which not only shows the craftsmanship of high-end watches, but also conveys the passion of racing. Especially the design of the new watch is really hard to put down! What do you think of these two new watches? Is there a feeling that makes your heart beat? Welcome to share your views in the comment area, and don’t forget to like and support!