2023 IWC Pilot Chronograph 41mm 'AMG Petronas' IW388108

Here we have a 2023 IWC Pilot Chronograph 'AMG Petronas' IW388108 featuring a 41mm lightweight Grade 5 Titanium case with a sandblasted finish. This is the first official team watch IWC created for the Mercedes Team. The amalgamation of modern materials and incredible engineering is integral to Formula One. The case flanks curve, leading to a tapered lug-to-lug length of 51.5mm and a case thickness of 14mm, giving the watch an impressive wrist presence. Down the right side, we have the chronograph pushers and a signed screw-down crown in the centre. The thin, smooth bezel holds a convex sapphire crystal, which is secured against a drop in air pressure and has an AR coating on both sides for high visibility. A sunburst black dial with the Petronas green minute track and baton indexes is precisely printed. Large Arabic numerals in the same Petronas green sit just underneath, marking the hours. At 3 o’clock, a day/date window. At 12 o’clock, a 30-minute register, at 6 o’clock a continuous seconds register and finally at 9 o’clock a 12-hour register, each slightly recessed and finished with concentric circles. Sword’s hands are outlined in black with an infill of Petronas green luminance complemented by a Petronas green-coated tapered chronograph hand. At 3 o’clock, we have the IWC motif completing this Formula One-inspired pilot chronograph built to withstand the forces experienced on the track and in the air. On the reverse, a screw-down exhibition case back with the watch details engraved around its outer edge. Inside an automatic IWC Cal. 69385, 33 jewels, 28,800 beats per hour.  The movement comprises 231 components, featuring a modified IWC skeletonised rotor, engineered to extremely tight tolerances by Horological craftspeople. The watch comes with three quick-release (which IWC call EasX-CHANGE system) 20mm straps, complete with a signed buckle. This watch is sold with its original IWC presentation box and original IWC paperwork.

This watch is sold with its original IWC presentation box and original IWC paperwork. The watch is from January 2023. It comes with three IWC quick-release 20 mm straps (which IWC calls the EasX-CHANGE system), complete with a signed buckle. The watch is in worn condition but is overall fair condition; there is a scratch on the crystal at around 10 o'clock. See the photos. The watch comes with our 12-Months warranty.

This is the first official team watch IWC created for the Mercedes Team, but thankfully, regardless of any Mercedes connection you may have, this watch stands on its own without screaming a huge Mercedes logo. The contract of colours and the tone of the titanium make for such a great wearing experience, especially when paired with the choice of IWC straps this one comes with. I would not think twice about adding this fantastic watch to your collection today!

Reference : IW388108
Movement : Automatic IWC Cal. 69385
Age : January 2023
Year : 2023
Case Size : 41mm
Case Thickness : 14.5mm
Lug to Lug : 51mm
Lugs : 20mm
Condition : Pre-Owned
Box and Papers : Box & Papers
Case Material : Titanium
Warranty : 12-Months Warranty
The wrist model's wrist size is 7inch

The year 1885 marked a significant milestone for IWC with the launch of the first pocket watches featuring a revolutionary digital hours and minutes display known as the Pallweber system. As time progressed, the company continued to break new ground, producing one of the first ladies' wristwatches in 1899, showcasing IWC's commitment to innovation and inclusivity in horological design. In 1905, Ernst Jakob Homberger took over IWC's management on behalf of Rauschenbach's heirs, eventually becoming the sole owner after acquiring C.G. Jung's holdings in 1929. The following years saw remarkable advancements, such as the introduction of IWC's first pilot's watch in 1936, which featured a clever rotating bezel and indicator to log take-off times. The iconic Portuguese watch was designed in 1939, followed closely by the creation of the Big Pilot 52T SC, which catered to a growing demand for larger timepieces with a central second hand. During the tumultuous times of World War II, IWC introduced its first W.W.W. military watch in 1944, specifically crafted for the British military. Four years later, the Pilot's Watch Mark 11 was designed, incorporating an iron cage to protect against magnetic fields. A pivotal moment came in 1950 when Albert Pellaton unveiled the Calibre 85, IWC's first automatic movement featuring an innovative patented pawl-winding system. In 1955, Hans Ernst Homberger became the last private owner of IWC, continuing the legacy of craftsmanship and innovation. The late 1960s brought new challenges with the quartz crisis; however, IWC managed to adapt and evolve. In 1967, they launched the Aquatimer dive watch, and in collaboration with other Swiss brands, they participated in the development of the Beta 21 quartz movement in 1969. The renowned watch designer Gerald Genta made his mark in 1976 with the creation of the iconic Ingenieur, symbolising elegance and engineering prowess. A significant shift occurred in 1978 when German instrument manufacturer VDO Adolf Schindling AG acquired IWC, marking a new era for the brand. During this time, F. A. Porsche designed a groundbreaking chronograph, recognised as the world's first timepiece encased in titanium, a material primarily used in the aviation industry. The spirit of innovation that Florentine nurtured throughout his life continues to resonate in modern IWC watches. In 1990, the company unveiled a horological masterpiece: the Grand Complication, featuring a perpetual calendar, minute repeater, and moon phase indicator—a true testament to IWC's craftsmanship. At the prestigious Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) in Geneva in 2000, IWC dazzled attendees with the introduction of the Big Pilot's Watch. The watch showcased an exceptional automatic 7-day movement that earned accolades from watch enthusiasts and collectors alike. Since then, IWC has become an esteemed member of the Richemont Group, a collective of luxury brands. In 2017, IWC unveiled its groundbreaking invention, “Ceratanium®,” a unique blend of titanium and ceramic alloy meticulously engineered over five years of research and development. This remarkable material combines the lightweight nature of titanium with the strength and scratch resistance of ceramic, yielding a sleek, stealthy black finish that has since become iconic. Today, IWC continues to push the boundaries of watchmaking, consistently innovating and expanding the horizons of horological artistry while honouring its rich heritage.