Swiss luxury watch maker IWC Schaffhausen is celebrating nearly 20 years of partnership with Mercedes-AMG. To mark the occasion, the brand has launched two special editions of its iconic Big Pilot’s Watch. These have been inspired by, and pay homage to an automotive icon from Mercedes, the AMG G 63, colloquially known as the G-Wagen. IWC claims both the G-Class and the Big Pilot’s Watch share a similar ‘utilitarian legacy’. Interestingly, both timepieces have been christened the Big Pilot’s Watch AMG G 63, and they can be differentiated by their unique model codes. Both watches incorporate several characteristic exterior design cues of the G-Class.
Big Pilot’s Watch AMG G 63 (18-carat Armor Gold)
One of them (Ref. IW501201) features an 18-carat ‘Armor Gold’ case and crown, a black dial and a black rubber strap with microfibre inlay. The black and gold colour scheme is said to be inspired by the recently launched Mercedes-AMG G 63 ‘Grand Edition’. As for Armor Gold, it is an innovative alloy developed by IWC Schaffhausen. Thanks to an improved microstructure, this alloy is significantly harder and more wear-resistant than conventional 5N gold, making the relatively soft, and precious metal much more resistant to external influences. Thanks to a combination of sand-blasted surfaces and polished edges, this version of the Big Pilot’s Watch AMG G 63 showcases a contemporary character.
Big Pilot’s Watch AMG G 63 (CMC)
The other special edition (Ref. IW506201) is touted as the first IWC timepiece to feature a super high-strength ceramic matrix composite (CMC) case, engineered in collaboration with the German Aerospace Center (DLR). Due to its extreme damage and thermal shock tolerance, CMC is regarded as the go-to material for applications with extremely high requirements in terms of lightness, strength, and temperature resistance – from aerospace to the manufacturing of brake discs for performance vehicles.
G-Class-Inspired Design
In addition to the Big Pilot’s signature power reserve display at three o’clock, both new editions feature a small second counter at nine o’clock. The opposing sub-dials, with external white rings, imitate the headlight design of the G-Class.
Both versions of the Big Pilot’s Watch AMG G 63 are powered by IWC’s 52010 calibre automatic movement. The self-winding mechanism houses parts manufactured from wear-free zirconium oxide ceramic, and it is capable of building up a power reserve of up to seven days in two barrels. The movements are visible through a tinted sapphire glass back, which features a Mercedes-Benz star and has been designed to resemble the G-Class’ spare wheel cover. At this point, IWC has not confirmed how many units of these special edition timepieces are up for grabs. The lucky few who can get their hands on one can do so through IWC boutiques or online at IWC.com.