IWC Big Pilot Shock Absorber XPL: The Mercedes-AMG Petronas Edition

The IWC Big Pilot Shock Absorber XPL, first introduced in 2021 with groundbreaking shock resistance exceeding 30,000G, returns in a bold new edition. This time, it arrives in collaboration with Toto Wolff, the team principal of Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team. The latest limited edition embraces the team’s signature colors, features a redesigned case with pronounced side guards and elongated lugs, and introduces a textured dial with a striking new layout.

Crafted from Ceratanium, a high-tech blend of titanium and ceramic, the case measures 44mm in diameter with a thickness of 12.60mm, offering a lightweight yet ultra-durable structure with a matte black finish. The watch is equipped with sapphire crystal, an oversized conical crown at 3 o’clock, wide guards that extend symmetrically to both sides, and an open case back. With 100 meters of water resistance, this timepiece is built to withstand extreme conditions.

The dial now features a black grained texture with applied baton indexes at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock, while a triangle with two dots marks the 12 o’clock position. Openworked hands, along with the indexes, are filled with Super-LumiNova for optimal legibility in low light. A stepped minute ring lines the outer edges of the dial, while shock-absorbing springs coated in Petronas green luminescent material add a dynamic visual element. The central seconds hand enhances functionality, and the branding at 12 o’clock is complemented by “Shock Absorber” and “Automatic” at 6 o’clock.

Under the hood, the timepiece houses the IWC Manufacture Calibre 32101 automatic movement, delivering a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and an impressive five-day power reserve. With 21 jewels and a matte black finish, the movement is visible through the sapphire crystal case back, which also features a skeletonized rotor signed by Toto Wolff.

Completing the look is an integrated Petronas green rubber strap, with an additional black rubber and textile strap included. Limited to just 100 pieces, the IWC Big Pilot Shock Absorber XPL Toto Wolff Edition is priced at €102,000, making it a must-have for collectors and motorsport enthusiasts alike.

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General Specifications:

Brand: IWC

Model: Pilot’s Watch Big Pilot Shock Absorver XPL Toto Wolff x Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team

Reference: IW356201

Dial: Black

Lume: Super-LumiNova

Case Material: Ceratanium

Case Dimensions: 44 mm Diameter, 12.60 mm thickness

Crystal: Sapphire glass

Case Back: Sapphire glass

Water Resistance: 100 Meters

Strap: Petronas green rubber strap plus a black rubber-textile strap

Calibre: IWC 32101

Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds

Winding: Automatic

Frequency: 4 Hz (28,800 Vph)

Jewels: 21

Power Reserve: 120 hours

Components: 154

Price: € 102,000

Availability: Now

Limited Edition: Yes, 100 pieces