The IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition IWC x Hot Wheels

When you say pilot’s watch and IWC, you might have jet fighters, Top Gun or Spitfire in mind. Meaning, anything related to planes and aviation. But the Schaffhausen-based brand has decided to slightly enlarge the concept and to use the pilot’s collection also for anything related to motorsport, including of course the long-lasting relation with Mercedes-AMG and Lewis Hamilton, but also to the brand’s motorsport team, IWC Racing. On the occasion of the 78th Goodwood Members’ Meeting this weekend, IWC and Hot Wheels celebrate the return to Goodwood with a new limited edition, the IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition IWC x Hot Wheels IW377904.

While the brand has been mostly communicating recently on its Pilot’s Watch collection, and by that we mean all things related to aviation, there’s more to IWC’s range of watches than airplanes. In fact, the world of automotive design and motor racing has long been a key element for IWC. From partnerships with Mercedes-AMG and the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team to sponsoring GT and classic car races, IWC is closely involved with many facets of motorsport. In 2018, the watchmaker founded its own racing team, IWC Racing, which has since competed at various classic car races, racing a superb 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing – number 68, dressed in silver and black. And as the 78th Goodwood Members’ Meeting, taking place this weekend in the South of England, marks the comeback of the classic car event (last year’s edition was cancelled), IWC Racing will be participating with its 300 SL on the legendary Goodwood Motor Circuit, with Austrian racing driver Laura Kraihamer behind the wheel.

For the occasion, IWC is teaming up with Hot Wheels (the world’s bestselling toy with 20,000 designs and over 8 billion cars sold) to present a new version of its classic Pilot’s Watch Chronograph, the “Edition IWC x Hot Wheels Racing Works” IW377904. Based on the classic 43mm version of this watch, it is housed in a blasted titanium case resulting in a matte and darker surface. Crown and pushers are done in the same vein, giving a stealthy, instrumental look to this edition, worn on a silver and black NATO-like textile strap – the colours of IWC Racing’s 300 SL. Other specifications are classic, with a sapphire crystal secured against displacement caused by drops in air pressure and a water-resistance of 60 metres. The left side of the case is engraved with the Hot Wheels flame-like logo.

Another key element of this edition is its dial, with a racing-inspired black background with a chequered racing flag pattern, contrasting with the black sub-counters with a concentric pattern. Depending on the incidence of light, the laser-engraved squares will alternate between a lighter and darker shade. Hands and markers are coated with grey luminous material to continue with the grey/black theme. The display is classic to the brand’s entry-level chronographs and features a day-date function.

Under the sapphire caseback with the number 68 of the car is the IWC Manufacture calibre 69385, an integrated automatic chronograph movement with a column wheel. Running at 4Hz, it is meant to replace all Valjoux-based ébauches but runs a bit short on power reserve at 46 hours.

Availability & Price

The IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition IWC x Hot Wheels Racing Works IW377904 will be a limited edition of 50 pieces. It comes with a 1/64 Hot Wheels model car of IWC’s 300 SL, also limited to 50 pieces (making it one of the rarest Hot Wheels models ever released). Both the watch and the model car are presented in a metal toolbox with the instruction manual for the watch, a booklet about the project and a limitation plate with the individual corresponding set number. The set will be priced at CHF 10,900.

In addition, set number 1 will be auctioned for charity by Bonhams. Starting today, potential buyers can place their bids online until October 22nd, at this page here. The proceeds from the auction will go to the Two Bit Circus Foundation.

For more details, please visit www.iwc.com.