The first showdowns of the 2025 Formula 1 season are still just a few months away, but IWC decided to start the year by discreetly launching the IWC Pilot's Watch Mark XX Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team watch. We hope that the many advocates of Mercedes, AMG, Petronas and F1 will all pick up one of these watches, now that their company is perfectly represented in this IWC reference IW328210.
This year marks the 12th anniversary of IWC’s collaboration as the “Official Engineering Partner” of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One™ team. Over the years, we have seen the emergence of mainstream models, such as this Pilot's Watch Chronograph 41, as well as absolutely surprising limited editions, such as the famous IWC Big Pilot's Perpetual Calendar “Toto Wolff” edition. For my part, I remember some quite vivid memories, like when Toto Wolff violently slammed his fist on the equipment in the Mercedes team garage, in response to the decisions of the stewards – while wearing this impressive 46.2 mm watch , who resisted these strong emotions in every race.
It's not just the size that catches the eye, but also the color. If the first does not apply, the second is found on the IWC Pilot's Watch Mark XX Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team watch. Although it measures only 40 mm wide, its indexes, markings and inscriptions in turquoise green – sorry, Petronas green – as well as its bracelet, leave no doubt about its affiliation with the Formula 1 team. over time, IWC has also been able to appropriate this color, especially since Rolex has enjoyed removing certain colors over the years, such as turquoise on various Oyster Perpetual models, while Patek Philippe has used Tiffany blue only for inaccessible limited editions. So it's true that, although not everyone likes it, Mercedes-AMG Petronas green has somehow become IWC green.
The 40mm wide case is just 10.6mm thick, which is ideal for a luxury single display (plus date) watch. Regarding the essential features, the water resistance is rated at 10 bars (100 m), the crown screws tightly against the case for peace of mind, and the bracelet is easily replaced thanks to the “IWC EasX-CHANGE” system. ®”, a name that is sure to make you smile. I challenge you to find a bracelet changing system with a more original name than this one.
The case is made of lightweight titanium which has a sandblasted finish on all its surfaces. While this is not the most luxurious presentation for a case, it evokes a distinctive look and fits perfectly with the association with a team as technical and demanding as that of Formula 1. The dial sports large hour and minute hands of the Mark XX as well as generously sized Arabic indexes, with the exception of the “3” which is replaced by a matching date window. Personally, I think every marker should be luminescent on an IWC pilot watch dial, but I recognize that there are fans of applying cross lumens to the 3, 6, 9 and 12 o'clock notations, as well as on the large needles.
Behind a titanium caseback, we find the IWC caliber 32111, a movement similar to the Baumatic from Baume & Mercier. The 32110 offered a 3-day battery life, but the updated 32111 now provides a 5-day power reserve, although it has not yet been certified by the COSC for its accuracy. With its 120 hour power reserve and 4 Hz frequency, the IWC caliber 32111 is a more efficient and exclusive movement compared to the basic ETA and Sellita options that other watches at this level offer, but a COSC certification would be appreciable for these more technical limited editions.
If you're passionate about Formula 1, the Mercedes-AMG Petronas team, IWC, the Pilot's Watch Mark XX, or any combination of these, there's a good chance that this new, instantly recognizable titanium model glance, attracts you. Not everyone wants to shell out for an expensive chronograph, nor does everyone share Toto Wolff's preferences for watches larger than 46mm wide. So a comfortable, more streamlined watch makes a lot of sense. It is also an interesting addition to the Mark XX collection, as it is arguably the most daring model in this extensive collection. The IWC Pilot's Watch Mark XX Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team watch (IWC reference IW328210) is priced at 6 100 USD. To find out more, visit the brand's website.
