IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Shock Absorber XPL Toto Wolff x Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team

IWC unveils the Big Pilot’s Watch Shock Absorber XPL Toto Wolff Edition, blending shock protection with a design inspired by Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1.

As the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team intensifies its preparations for the new season, IWC presents the Big Pilot’s Watch Shock Absorber XPL Toto Wolff x Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team IW356201.

Limited to 100 pieces, this timepiece merges the Swiss luxury watchmaker’s cutting-edge SPRIN-g PROTECT shock absorber system with a technical design inspired by the team’s black and PETRONAS green colour scheme.

At the heart of this model is the patented SPRIN-g PROTECT system, engineered to shield the movement from extreme g-forces caused by impacts. It features a cantilever spring crafted from bulk metallic glass (BMG), an advanced material significantly more elastic than conventional crystalline metals. 

This specially shaped spring distributes stress evenly across its structure, absorbing a large portion of the impact energy before it reaches the movement. Coated with Super-LumiNova in the team’s signature green, the spring glows in the dark, reinforcing the watch’s striking aesthetics.

The imposing 44 mm × 12.6 mm case, along with its oversized crown, is crafted from Ceratanium, a proprietary material that combines the lightness and robustness of titanium with ceramic-like hardness.

Water resistant to 100 metres / 330 feet, the watch is paired with an integrated green rubber strap and comes with an additional black rubber strap.  

Protected by an arched sapphire crystal, secured against displacement by drops in air pressure, the black dial features a grainy technical structure, which is stamped into the brass base with a special tool. The newly designed triangular black hands also feature Super-LumiNova around their edges. 

Adding depth to the display, the outer minute scale appears to float on lamellae positioned around the dial.

Driving the watch is the IWC-manufactured 32101 calibre, operating at 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour) and featuring a double pawl automatic winding system that delivers a 120-hour power reserve. 

Its plates, bridges and oscillating mass are blackened to match the all-black design. 

A tinted sapphire glass case back, adorned with Toto Wolff’s signature, offers a glimpse of the high-performance movement.

The new IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Shock Absorber XPL Toto Wolff x Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team, ref. IW356201, has a suggested retail price of €104,000 / US$102,000. iwc.com