BY JOVAN KRSTEVSKI
Following the colorful Mark XX AMG Team watch, IWC now delves into the more experimental side of its pilot watch offerings with a new limited edition, the Big Pilot’s Watch Shock Absorber XPL Toto Wolff x Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team. This watch, created in collaboration with the Mercedes-AMG F1 team principal, takes the already robust Shock Absorber XPL platform and refines it with distinct aesthetic changes.
IWC’s proprietary Ceratanium alloy is used to forge a case with 44mm × 12.6mm dimensions. Ceratanium combines the lightweight properties of titanium with the scratch resistance of ceramic for superior robustness and as a bonus, giving the watch a mysterious and stealthy matte black finish. The case design retains the traditional Big Pilot’s Watch silhouette, but the overall weight reduction and impact resistance align with the watch’s focus on extreme shock absorption.
The dial stays in line with IWC’s functional and highly legible aesthetic. A black background serves as the base, with contrasting luminescent numerals and markers for clear readability. The hands, also luminescent, ensure visibility in low-light conditions. Instead of the standard IWC logo placement, this version emphasizes the experimental nature of the XPL series with a clean, instrument-like layout.
The IWC-manufactured Calibre 32101 movement lies within, designed to endure extreme forces thanks to the SPRIN-g PROTECT system. The movement is suspended within the case using a flexible cantilever spring, allowing it to absorb and dissipate shocks of up to 30,000g. This setup ensures that even significant impact forces do not translate directly to the movement. Despite this complex protective system, it still offers an outstanding power reserve of 120 hours.
The watch comes fitted with a black rubber strap featuring a textile inlay. Limited to 100 pieces, the Big Pilot’s Watch Toto Wolff XPL is priced at CHF 95,000, EUR 102,000, USD 102,000. Availability will be restricted to select IWC boutiques.
