With Lewis Hamilton leaving the Mercedes-AMG stable this year, one of the questions that has been on our lips is, what’s next for IWC’s collaborations with the Formula One team? Will they swap their high-profile Hamilton collaborations for George Russell, the driver taking over the team’s number one position? Well, their first post-Hamilton collaboration is dedicated to neither of the drivers and is instead dedicated to the whole team. It’s the IWC Pilot’s Watch Mark XX Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team.
This is IWC’s second Team Watch, following up 2022’s Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41. Being a Team Watch means you can expect to see it worn by everyone from the drivers to the team principal, Toto Wolff and even the mechanics and engineers without whom the team simply wouldn’t function. And, of course, the super fans who want to show their team support. Compared to the previous chronograph, the Pilot’s Watch Mark XX feels like a watch better suited to life in the pit lane.
At a 40mm diameter it’s a touch smaller on the wrist compared to the 41 Chrono meaning you’re less likely to bash it on the expensive equipment all around. Plus, with its military pilot’s watch heritage, it’s ultra-legible thanks to oversize Arabic numerals making it easy to read at a glance. It’s also dressed in the classic colours of the team, a dark, black dial with matching hands and vibrant Petronas blue accents – even the date window is colour matched.
On top of that, there are no chronograph subdials crowding the display. Here, comfort and wearability take priority over everything else. Admittedly in an F1 context, the lack of a chronograph does sting, there’s no timing laps or pit stop splits here. But if that’s important to you, the 41 Chronograph isn’t going anywhere.
The IWC Pilot’s Watch Mark XX Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team simply offers a more accessible alternative to the chronograph for people who prefer its clean design and lower price point. Specifically, it’s £5,600 compared to the £7,000 chrono. Plus, while it may lack some of the additional functions, the Mark XX still houses an impressive movement, the Calibre 32111 with 120-hour power reserve.
Price and Specs:
More details at IWC.
