Since 2013, IWC Schaffhausen has accompanied the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One^TM Team as Official Engineering Partner – and in the 14^th year of the partnership, the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer unveils its newest team watch. Going back to 2022, the official team watches reflect the shared ethos of performance, engineering and cutting-edge design. Comprising various chronographs and an automatic model, the series is anchored in joint characteristics and design codes – such as the use of advanced performance materials like titanium, ceramic and Ceratanium^®, alongside dials or accents in the team’s signature PETRONAS green shade. Like its predecessors, the fourth team watch is an expression of IWC’s watchmaking legacy and the uncompromising performance that the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One^TM Team showcases on racing circuits around the world.

The new Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One^TM Team (Ref. IW388121) is a robustly engineered chronograph equally at home in the paddock and on the wrist. The defining feature of this edition is its dial in a deep, saturated purple. The color is a tribute to the city of Singapore and its national flower; an orchid bred in 1893 by Armenian-Singaporean horticulturist Agnes Joaquim. It serves as Singapore’s national emblem and is said to represent resilience, boldness and innovation – traits and values that are also found in the shared universe of IWC and the MercedesAMG PETRONAS Formula One^TM Team. Under its colorful surface, the Vanda Miss Joaquim hides the enormous complexity of nature – just like the pure, instrumentstyle dial of the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 hides the complexity of the mechanical movement underneath. The launch of the new team watch also accompanies a new collection by adidas, the official team partner and kit supplier. The collection is centered around the core of adaptive precision in F1^TM engineering and the performance-driven identity of adidas.

As with all previous team watches, the new chronograph also carries accents in the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One^TM Team’s signature color. The distinctive PETRONAS green shade marks the numerals and indices; applied as a luminescent coating on the hands, it cuts a compelling contrast against the dial’s rich purple. The eye-catching design is complemented by a purple rubber strap. Thanks to the EasX-CHANGE^® system, it can be swapped for another strap option at the touch of a button.

A MATERIAL FORGED FOR MOTORSPORT

The case, measuring 41 millimeters in diameter, is crafted from Grade 5 titanium – a material prized throughout Formula One^TM for its favorable strength-to-density ratio and resistance to heat. Titanium tips the scales at roughly half the weight of steel and does not corrode. The metal is not only used in engine components such as connecting rods and valves but also plays a direct role in ensuring drivers’ safety on the racetrack: the Halo device, which arches over the cockpit as a protective roll structure, is likewise machined from a high-strength titanium alloy. The watch’s titanium case carries a brushed finish that draws out the metal’s distinctive silvery-gray luster.

A CHRONOGRAPH ENGINEERED FOR PRECISION AND RESILIENCE

Beating inside is the IWC-manufactured 69385 caliber, a mechanical chronograph built on a classical columnwheel architecture and engineered with a focus on precision, reliability, and robustness. The stop minutes are indicated at 12 o’clock via IWC’s hallmark vertical subdial layout, making elapsed-time readings effortless and intuitive. This dial configuration has been a signature feature of IWC’s Pilot’s Chronographs for more than four decades. The combined day-date display at 3 o’clock adds a layer of everyday practicality. A bidirectional pawl winding system provides a 46-hour power reserve. Finished with Geneva stripes and circular graining, the movement can be viewed through the transparent sapphire-glass case back.

THE FOURTH OFFICIAL TEAM WATCH

The first team watch arrived at the 2022 Miami Grand Prix: the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 Edition “Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One^TM Team” (Ref. IW388108) in titanium. The following year, at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, IWC unveiled the Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One^TM Team (Ref. IW388306), featuring a Ceratanium^® case and polished black ceramic bezel with tachymeter scale. In 2025, IWC and its partner opened the season with the release of the Pilot’s Watch Mark XX Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One^TM Team (Ref. IW328210), a three-hand watch prized for its slender profile and versatility. Like its predecessors, the new team watch will be worn by team members trackside – mechanics, engineers and beyond – as well as by staff at the team’s headquarters in Brackley, England.

Since Carl Benz filed the patent for the first automobile 140 years ago and Gottlieb Daimler built his motorized carriage shortly afterwards, Mercedes-Benz has dedicated itself to constantly innovating and creating the world’s most desirable cars for its customers. This ambition has driven every breakthrough – from the world’s first automobile in 1886 to today’s intelligent, safe electric vehicles. Based on a shared passion for engineering, performance, and design, IWC Schaffhausen became a partner of Mercedes-AMG in 2004. Since 2013, the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer has also been the “Official Engineering Partner” of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula OneTM Team, the official works team of MercedesBenz. The brands have also joined forces on numerous other projects involving, for example, special edition watches inspired by the design codes of the legendary G-Class. Beyond that, IWC and Mercedes-Benz have brought this partnership to life through countless memorable experiences for their customers – from visits to Formula OneTM and other gripping motorsport races, such as the 24 Hours of Nürburgring endurance race, to exhilarating “Driving Experiences” behind the wheel of Mercedes-AMG’s most powerful sports cars.

As Mercedes-Benz celebrates “140 Years of Innovation” with “140 Years. 140 Places.”, three new S-Class saloons are travelling to 140 selected locations worldwide, covering more than 50,000 kilometers across six continents and highlighting the brand’s technology, heritage, pioneering spirit, and global presence. Against this backdrop, IWC unveils a limited-edition Big Pilot’s Watch with the Perpetual Calendar ProSet. Marking one of IWC’s most innovative developments in perpetual calendars in decades, this highly innovative new mechanism was introduced earlier this year at Watches and Wonders in Geneva.

The Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar ProSet 140 Years Mercedes-Benz (Ref. IW329603) is limited to 140 pieces – with each one embodying a year of pioneering innovation in the history of Mercedes-Benz. The brushed and polished 42-millimeter stainless steel case frames a black dial with solid gold appliqués and gold-plated hands. The minute track is printed in white for easy legibility. On the sapphire-glass case back, a historic logo commemorates this milestone occasion. Introduced in 1926 following the merger of Daimler MotorenGesellschaft (DMG) with Benz & Cie., it was the first logo for Mercedes-Benz, combining the laurel wreath, adopted from the Benz emblem, with DMG’s emblematic three-pointed star.

A NEW LEVEL OF FLEXIBILITY AND EASE OF USE

IWC’s journey into mechanical calendars began in 1985, when the company presented the perpetual calendar developed by legendary watchmaker Kurt Klaus. With the new Perpetual Calendar ProSet, the brand has now completely reimagined this complication, which remains one of the greatest challenges in watchmaking to this day. The new module is based entirely on gears and protected by four patents. As a result, the calendar can now be adjusted forward and – for the first time – also backward using a single position of the crown. This new approach makes the calendar adjustments in both directions as easy and intuitive as setting the time itself. Unlike most traditional perpetual calendars, the ProSet requires no additional pushers, no changes in crown position, and no complicated setting menus. Behind this apparent simplicity lies a true engineering feat, which requires components with intricate and highly complex geometries. To manufacture them, IWC uses the LIGA process, an advanced microstructuring technology based on lithography and electroforming.

DOUBLE MOON PHASE ACCURATE TO WITHIN ONE DAY EVERY 1,040 YEARS

The Perpetual Calendar ProSet displays its information on four subdials. The date is shown at 3 o’clock, the month at 6 o’clock, and the day of the week at 9 o’clock. The moon phase is positioned at 12 o’clock. Thanks to a newly calculated reduction gear, the display will deviate by only one day after 1,040 years. IWC’s signature Double Moon® ensures the moon is shown correctly for viewers in both the northern and southern hemispheres. The four-digit year display – another hallmark of IWC’s perpetual calendars – is located between 7 and 8 o’clock on the dial. The Perpetual Calendar ProSet is powered by the IWC-manufactured 82665 caliber, featuring a nickelphosphorus escapement and a silicon hairspring. The bidirectional Pellaton automatic winding system is reinforced with ceramic components and builds up a power reserve of 60 hours in the mainspring. This Big Pilot’s Watch is fitted on a black rubber strap. Thanks to the integrated EasX-CHANGE^® system, the strap can be swapped for another option without any tools.

A COLLECTION BUILT ON PERFORMANCE AND INNOVATION

The new Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar ProSet 140 Years Mercedes-Benz joins a collection that reflects many different facets of Mercedes-Benz. The Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 AMG (Ref. IW388305) embodies the shared passion for performance and design that has linked IWC and Mercedes-AMG since 2004. As “Official Engineering Partner” of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One^TM Team since 2013, IWC has also launched several team watches. The first was the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 Edition “Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One^TM Team” (Ref. IW388108) in 2022, followed in 2023 by the Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One^TM Team (Ref. IW388306) in Ceratanium^®. The Pilot’s Watch Mark XX Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One^TM Team (Ref. IW328210) marked the start of the 2025 season.

With two striking special editions, IWC celebrated the shared utilitarian heritage of its Big Pilot’s Watch and the iconic G-Class “Geländewagen” from MercedesBenz: the Big Pilot’s Watch AMG G 63 in 18-carat Armor Gold^® (Ref. IW501201) and the Big Pilot’s Watch AMG G 63 (Ref. IW506201) – IWC’s first watch with a case made of a ceramic matrix composite (CMC), a material innovation developed in close collaboration with the German Aerospace Center (DLR).

In 1976, legendary Geneva artist and watch designer Gérald Genta created the Ingenieur SL, Reference 1832. Revolutionary for its purity of form and the boldness of its presence, it announced the birth of an entirely new product category within the watch industry. Half a century on, the stainless steel luxury sports watch with an integrated bracelet has lost none of its luster.

In 2023, IWC Schaffhausen brought back Gérald Genta’s visionary design with the Ingenieur Automatic 40. While honoring the original’s distinct aesthetic, the model was comprehensively re-engineered to meet the highest standards of ergonomics and finishing. The Swiss luxury watchmaker has since then continuously expanded the collection. A milestone came with the Ingenieur Automatic 35 – a more compact model in a 35-millimeter case size. Now, IWC Schaffhausen adds a new chapter with a surprising Pool-colored dial.

The Ingenieur Automatic 35 (Ref. IW324902) features a 35-millimeter case and integrated bracelet crafted in robust and durable stainless steel. Its centerpiece is the dial in a fresh new color called Pool. As it is characteristic of the Ingenieur, the dial carries the signature “Grid” pattern consisting of small lines and squares that lends it striking visual depth. Rhodium-plated hands and applied indices filled with Super-LumiNova^® provide elegant contrast and ensure easy legibility in low light conditions. The distinctive bezel, another defining design code of the Ingenieur, is secured to the case ring by five functional screws. Finally, the bracelet, which attaches via the middle links, improves the ergonomics and offers a supple and comfortable fit on the wrist. The “Probus Scafusia” featured on the crown underlines IWC’s unwavering commitment to craftsmanship and manufacturing excellence.

A FASCINATING PLAY OF LIGHT ACROSS EVERY SURFACE 

The Ingenieur Automatic 35 leaves nothing to be desired in terms of finishing. The watch skillfully combines different surface treatments to achieve a beautiful interplay of light during the day and at night. Both the case and bezel feature satin-finished and polished surfaces, while the bracelet’s center links are polished against satin-finished H-links. A sapphire crystal case back reveals the Caliber  47110 within. The automatic movement with a 42-hour power reserve is decorated with circular graining and Geneva stripes and also features a gold-plated oscillating mass.
 

THE 35-MILLIMETER COLLECTION NOW SPANS SIX MODELS

At Watches and Wonders in Geneva, IWC introduced the Ingenieur Automatic 35 (Ref. IW324911) with a diamond-set 18-karat 5N gold bezel, and the Ingenieur Automatic 35 (Ref. IW324907) with a deep blue dial. These three models complete a collection that originally comprised the Ingenieur Automatic 35 in stainless steel with a silver-plated dial (Ref. IW324901) and a black dial (Ref. IW324906), as well as one edition crafted entirely in 18-karat 5N gold and featuring a gold-colored dial (Ref. IW324903).

IWC Schaffhausen has been a Global Partner of Laureus Sport for Good since 2005 – one of the brand’s most enduring alliances. Founded in 2000 under the patronage of Nelson Mandela, who proclaimed that “sport has the power to change the world,” Laureus Sport for Good today supports more than 290 programmes in over 36 countries. Using sport as a means to overcome violence, discrimination and disadvantage, the foundation has transformed the lives of over seven million children and young people worldwide. As part of this commitment, IWC has since 2006 released an annual Laureus special edition watch – each distinguished by a dial in the characteristic Laureus blue hue. This year, the tradition continues with a new addition to the Pilot’s collection. 

Limited to 1,000 pieces worldwide, the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Laureus (Ref. IW378010) features a 43-millimetre stainless steel case. It is distinguished by its dial in the characteristic Laureus blue hue, contrasted by silver-plated subdials and rhodium-plated hands filled with Super-LumiNova^®. True to the purposeful design language of the Pilot’s Watch family, the dial is clean and legible with the two chronograph totalisers positioned at 9 and 12 o’clock and the small seconds indicator at 6 o’clock. Another useful feature is the day and date aperture at 3 o’clock. The hour markers and numerals are printed in white on the dial, further enhancing legibility in low-light conditions. The watch is presented on a five-link stainless steel bracelet equipped with IWC’s EasX-CHANGE^® system, a tool-free mechanism that allows the wearer to swap the metal bracelet for another strap at the touch of a button. The case back ring, crafted in stainless steel, features an engraving of the foundation’s name. 
 

HIGH-PERFORMANCE CHRONOGRAPH MOVEMENT INSIDE 

This chronograph is powered by the IWC-manufactured 69385 calibre. Engineered with a focus on performance, reliability and precision, this mechanical chronograph in a classic column-wheel design enables the wearer to accurately measure stop times of up to 12 hours. The hours and minutes are displayed in the totalisers at the 9 and 12 o’clock positions. The IWC-typical vertical subdial layout places the stopped minutes directly at the 12 o’clock position, making them easy and intuitive to read. The bidirectional pawl winding system reliably builds up a power reserve of 46 hours in the mainspring. The movement is decorated with circular graining and Geneva stripes, and is visible through the sapphire glass case back.
 

FUTBALO GIRLS USES FOOTBALL AS A FORCE FOR EQUALITY 

This year, IWC has chosen to highlight “Futbalo Girls”, a Laureus-supported programme from Germany that uses football to empower girls and young women. Run by the non-profit organisation “Integration durch Sport und Bildung e.V.” and supported by Laureus, the programme organises free weekly football sessions in cooperation with schools and community centres across the country. What began as a pilot initiative in a district of Oldenburg in 2000 has grown into the largest girls’ football initiative outside organised sport in Germany, reaching over 1,500 participants per week through more than 1,200 sessions per year. There are no fees, no prior experience required and no performance pressure – the focus is on enjoyment, inclusion and building confidence. Older participants are trained as coaches, taking on leadership roles and becoming role models for younger girls. The results are striking: 84 per cent of participants report an increase in self-determination and social competencies, and over 95 per cent say that football is not just a sport for boys.

This year, IWC Schaffhausen marks a double milestone: 90 years of Pilot’s Watches, and the extension of that aviation legacy beyond the sky and into space. Reflecting this ambition, the booth immerses visitors in the world of space exploration. Its architecture draws inspiration from a space station, while offering a sweeping view of Earth as seen from orbit. At its centre, a sculpture of the Little Prince connects this engineering story to the spirit of curiosity and exploration that defines this year’s Le Petit Prince collection. Eileen Gu and George Russell were welcomed by IWC Schaffhausen CEO Chris Grainger-Herr and Chief Marketing Officer Franziska Gsell, who walked them through the new collections and detailed the stories behind the novelties. 

“I always look forward to visiting the IWC family in Geneva. Every year they create a truly immersive experience, and this time, the concept and storytelling have been especially inspiring. You really feel like you are looking out into space, and you can’t help but think of all of the possibilities we have yet explore,” explained Eileen Gu. 

By recently winning another Olympic gold medal in Halfpipe and two Olympic silver medals in Slopestyle and Big Air, Eileen Gu has added another highlight to her already impressive achievements, cementing her place as the most decorated freestyle skier in the history of the sport.

During her visit to the booth, Eileen wore the Portofino Automatic 34 Day & Night Le Petit Prince (Ref. IW459806) – the first Le Petit Prince edition outside the Pilot’s Watches collection. Looking at her wrist, she said that the story of the Little Prince has fascinated her since her childhood: “I am thrilled to see that the little fellow has made his way into the Portofino collection. Seeing him standing on the small moon here is such a charming detail, and a reminder that you should never lose your sense of curiosity and always keep exploring the world around you.” 

While the visit for Eileen Gu marked a return, MercedesAMG PETRONAS Formula One^TM Team Driver George Russell made his long-awaited debut at the renowned Geneva watch exhibition. The six-time Grand PrixTM winner, who had achieved his latest victory at the season-opening race in Australia, wore the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 Le Petit Prince (Ref. IW389410), one of the key pieces of IWC’s new Le Petit Prince collection. “I really like the presence this 41-millimetre chronograph with a deep blue dial has on my wrist. This piece masterfully combines the characteristic, highly legible instrument design of a Pilot’s Watch with the more emotional side of aviation and the story of one of the greatest aviation pioneers. It’s an unexpected yet very IWC combination that simply works,” Russell commented.

Another novelty that captured Eileen Gu’s and George Russell’s attention was the Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar ProSet, the first perpetual calendar that can be adjusted both forward and backward through a single position of the crown. The engineering behind this watch resonated with both IWC brand ambassadors, making them look ahead to future achievements while also remembering their path to becoming two of the most influential personalities in global sports. Russell added: “The story of IWC engineering a calendar that can be adjusted in both directions, as easy and intuitive as setting the time, that is the kind of precision I can relate to as a racing driver. It is like setting yourself the ultimate goal in watchmaking and then working consistently and passionately to achieve it.”

IWC Schaffhausen boasts 90 years of experience in crafting tool watches that are purpose-designed to meet the requirements of aviation. In recent years, the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer has gained first experiences in space through participating in the Inspiration4 and Polaris Dawn human spaceflight missions. However, every watch that has traveled to space to date has essentially been a modified terrestrial aviation watch. As commercial space exploration enters a new era, IWC Schaffhausen is now pushing the limits with the Pilot’s Venturer Vertical Drive (Ref. IW328601). This milestone marks the first IWC watch that has been designed and engineered from the ground up for the unique and challenging demands of human spaceflight.

DESIGNED FOR OPERATION WITHOUT A CROWN 

The Pilot’s Venturer Vertical Drive features an innovative, patent-pending rotating bezel system that allows all watch functions to be controlled without the use of a crown. Inspired by the scenario of astronauts wearing a space suit during spacewalks (EVA, or Extravehicular Activity), the ultimate exploration moment, the watch is designed to be able to be operated while wearing gloves. 

The movements of the bezel are transmitted to the winding stem through an efficient clutch system known as “Vertical Drive.” A rocker switch on the side of the case enables the wearer to change between various functions, including winding the movement or setting the two different time zones. The watch can be wound using the integrated oscillating mass or by rotating the bezel anti-clockwise. This hybrid winding system ensures efficient operation both on Earth and in microgravity or zero-gravity environments. 
 

DISPLAYING THE MISSION’S REFERENCE TIME IN 24-HOUR FORMAT 

The Pilot’s Venturer Vertical Drive boasts a matte black dial that is reduced to the absolute essentials and avoids light reflections. With highly legible markings, it displays two different times. The mission’s reference time is indicated by the central hour and minute hand, and also in 24-hour format by a dedicated hand on the outer dial scale, which runs from 00:00 to 24:00.

The necessity for a 24-hour display comes from the fact that a spacecraft or a space station completes an orbital cycle around the Earth roughly every 90 minutes. This means astronauts experience as many as 16 sunrises and sunsets within a 24-hour period. To manage this rapid sequence of day and night, they adhere to GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) or UTC (Coordinated Universal Time). These formats retain the familiar 24-hour rhythm of Earth time, enabling the crew to keep a consistent routine with work and sleep times while in space. 

The central hour and minute hands are normally synchronized with this reference time. If required, however, the hour hand can be moved in one-hour increments to display a second time zone. An astronaut in space can use this function, for example, to show the home time in any location on Earth. After returning to Earth, the second time zone feature transforms the watch into the quintessential companion for frequent flyers: with a simple turn of the bezel, it can be set to display the time at the destination of travel. 

The edges of the black triangular hour and minute hands are coated with green Super-LumiNova^®, while the arrow-shaped tip of the 24-hour hand glows blue in the dark. The blue second hand points to the inner scale, which features a thin ring in the same shade of blue. The color is a nod to the horizon of the Earth as seen by astronauts from space. 

This dual-time display is made possible by the newly engineered IWC-manufactured 32722 caliber, an efficient automatic movement with a 120-hour power reserve that includes an integrated GMT module. There is also a date indication at 3 o’clock. 
 

EXTREME ROBUSTNESS AND PERFORMANCE 

When ascending to space on a rocket, the engines generate powerful vibrations and astronauts experience acceleration forces of up to 4g, which is equivalent to four times the force of gravity on Earth. In space, hardware is exposed to vacuum, radiation and extreme fluctuations in temperature. Temperatures can exceed 100 °C in direct sunlight and plummet to -150 °C in the shade. 

To ensure high robustness and reliable operation during all phases of a mission, the Pilot’s Venturer Vertical Drive is crafted entirely from advanced performance materials. Its case is made of white zirconium oxide ceramic. With a Vickers hardness rating second only to diamond, ceramic ranks among the hardest substances on Earth. The rotating bezel and case back are crafted from Ceratanium^®. Developed by IWC, Ceratanium^® combines the lightness and structural integrity of titanium with a hardness and scratch resistance similar to that of ceramic. The combination of these two materials makes the watch not only highly robust and resilient but also immune to temperature fluctuations and corrosion. The case back features an engraving that symbolically evokes a space vehicle, reflecting humanity’s curiosity and spirit of exploration.

The Pilot’s Venturer Vertical Drive is fitted with a white integrated FKM rubber strap. FKM (fluorinated rubber) offers excellent thermal insulation and is resistant to UV radiation, ensuring extreme durability.
 

TESTED AND CERTIFIED FOR SPACEFLIGHT BY VAST 

The Pilot’s Venturer Vertical Drive has undergone extensive type testing by IWC’s brand partner, Vast. Vast is building Haven-1, scheduled to be the world’s first commercial space station. Haven-1 will inform Haven-2, a multi-module, continuously crewed station that is the proposed successor to the International Space Station (ISS). Haven stations are state-of-theart, human-centric innovation labs for both private astronauts and government missions. For Haven-1’s inaugural mission, four crew members will embark on a short duration journey which will include opportunities to conduct advanced science, research and in-space manufacturing. Haven-1 will not support EVAs however its missions will lay the groundwork for future capabilities. 

“IWC’s dedication to engineering excellence, delivering uncompromising accuracy, reliability, and astronaut-focused design, aligns perfectly with Vast’s human-centric approach to developing Haven-1. We’re thrilled to see this tool watch go from design and testing to launch,” added Max Haot, Vast CEO.

At their headquarters in Long Beach, California, engineers at Vast conducted thorough evaluations of the watch, assessing its resistance to vibrations and pressure changes, as well as the compatibility of its materials with the Haven-1 environment. The vibration tests, for example, exceeded the typical forces that astronauts experience during ascent. The watch was secured to a platform that generated rapid directional changes, exposing it to forces of up to 10g. After each test, the engineers verified that the watch remained intact and fully functional.

The Pilot’s Venturer Vertical Drive has successfully met all the testing criteria required for Haven-1 spaceflight environments and crew usage, earning an official certification for spaceflight from Vast.
 

ABOUT VAST 

Vast is developing next-generation space stations to ensure continuous human presence in space, enabling advanced microgravity research and manufacturing, and unlocking a new space economy for government, corporate, and private customers. Using an incremental, hardware-rich and low-cost approach, Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station. Haven Demo’s 2025 success made Vast the only operational commercial space station company to fly and operate its own spacecraft. Next, Haven-1 is expected to become the world’s first commercial space station when it launches in 2027, followed by additional Haven modules to enable permanent human presence by 2030.

Displaying the intricate rhythm of the Gregorian calendar on the dial of a mechanical watch has been one of the greatest challenges in fine watchmaking. IWC Schaffhausen embarked on this journey over 40 years ago. In 1985, the Da Vinci Perpetual Calendar Chronograph (Ref. IW3750) introduced the world to the genius of Kurt Klaus. With his ingenious crown-controlled perpetual calendar, the legendary watchmaker defined this complication for decades. Inspired by his pioneering spirit and bold vision, the next generation of engineers at IWC is now building on Kurt Klaus’s legacy and carrying it into the future with the new Perpetual Calendar, IWC-ProSet™.

The Perpetual Calendar ProSet is presented in three versions. 

• The Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar ProSet Le Petit Prince (Ref. IW339601) features a 43-millimetre white zirconium oxide ceramic case and a deep blue dial with a gradient finish. The numerals and indices are printed in white on the dial, while the hands are rhodium-plated and filled with Super-LumiNova^®. This watch is fitted with a white rubber strap featuring the EasX-CHANGE^® system. 
   

• The Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar ProSet Le Petit Prince (Ref. IW329601) features a 42-millimetre stainless steel case and 5-link stainless steel bracelet with EasX-CHANGE^® system. The deep blue dial is complemented with rhodium-plated appliques for the indices and numerals, while the hands are also rhodiumplated.

  Both the appliques and the hands are filled with Super-LumiNova^®. This watch comes with an additional blue rubber strap. With the integrated EasX-CHANGE^® system, the metal bracelet can be exchanged for the rubber strap quickly and easily without any tools. Both models feature stainless steel crowns and stainless steel case back rings with an engraving of “Edition Le Petit Prince”. As a charming reference to Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s most famous novel, the rotor of the automatic winding system boasts a gold-plated medallion depicting the Little Prince on his asteroid. 

• The Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar ProSet (Ref. IW329602) features a 42-millimetre 18-carat 5N gold case, crown and case back ring. The precious metal is paired with a dark olive green dial. The applied gold indices and numerals, and the gold-plated hands, are filled with SuperLumiNova^®. This watch is fitted with an olive green buffalo leather strap with an 18-carat 5N gold pin buckle.

FORWARD AND BACKWARD CALENDAR ADJUSTABILITY 

Like Kurt Klaus’s original mechanism, the Perpetual Calendar ProSet automatically accounts for varying lengths of months and adds a leap day every four years. While the dial maintains its familiar appearance, the internal mechanics have been completely overhauled. Engineered from the ground up with forward and backward adjustability in mind, the Perpetual Calendar ProSet is based entirely on gears with multiple functional layers and flexible, extendable and retractable fingers. This innovative new approach makes it possible to adjust the calendar in both directions using a single position of the crown. There is no need for separate corrector buttons, changes of crown positions or having to follow complicated setting menus. These adjustments can be made via the patented quick-correction function, moving the displays in precise daily steps. 
 

MOON PHASE WITH AN ENHANCED ACCURACY OF 1040 YEARS 

For the Perpetual Calendar ProSet, IWC’s engineers recalculated the reduction gear leading to the moon phase display. As a result, the indicator deviates from the moon’s actual orbit by just one day every 1,040 years. IWC’s signature Double Moon^TM shows the phase of the moon as seen from the northern and southern hemispheres. Each night around midnight, the synchronised switching sequence advances the date, weekday and moon phase. At the end of a month, the month display is advanced by one position, and after twelve months, the year is moved forward. The four-digit year display, a hallmark of IWC’s perpetual calendars, is located between 7 and 8 o’clock. 
 

A SMART MECHANICAL PROGRAMME ADJUSTS THE MONTH LENGTHS 

In months with fewer than 31 days, the mechanical programme of the calendar comes into play. All adjustments are governed by a complex geometry arranged across several layers within the programme wheel. The month length wheel contains different elevations to provide information about the lengths of the months. In shorter months, its unique shape triggers the extension of flexible fingers. When these fingers are extended, the 24-hour wheel engages not one but several teeth during its nightly switching sequence, ensuring that the calendar advances directly to the 1st of the next month. At the end of February, the leap year wheel, which completes one revolution every four years, indicates whether it is a leap year. This information is also transmitted through a finger: in regular years, the finger is extended, while it remains retracted in a leap year. 
 

MICRO-ENGINEERING ENABLES HIGHLY COMPLEX GEOMETRIES 

Components such as the 24-hour wheel, the programme wheel, the month length wheel or the moon phase gears feature intricate geometries and must be manufactured with the highest precision. To achieve this, IWC utilises the advanced LIGA process. This micro-structuring technique combines lithography, electroplating and moulding. It enables the manufacturing of highly complex shapes and intricate geometries with previously unattainable levels of precision. Another significant advantage of this process is the capability to integrate multiple functional layers into a single component. 
 

PRECISE AND STATE-OF-THE-ART AUTOMATIC CALIBRE 

The calendar module has been integrated into the IWC-manufactured 82665 calibre, which is equipped with a nickel-phosphorus escapement and a silicon hairspring. The highly efficient Pellaton winding system uses movements of the oscillating mass in both directions to wind the mainspring. Components of the winding system that are subject to high stress, such as the automatic wheel or the clicks, are manufactured from virtually wear-free zirconium oxide ceramic. The movement is elaborately finished and decorated with circular graining and Geneva stripes. On all three new watches, the movement can be viewed through the transparent sapphire glass case back.

For 20 years, IWC Schaffhausen has been collaborating with the heirs of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, honoring the French pilot and author’s humanist values and literary legacy with numerous special editions. The mesmerising blue-dial editions inspired by “The Little Prince” have been a defining element of the partnership. Celebrating Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s most famous literary work, which has been translated into more than 650 languages and dialects, these editions have become a beloved signature within the IWC’s Pilot’s Watches collection. The timeless tale follows a young prince as he leaves his tiny asteroid and embarks on an epic journey through the cosmos to distant planets. Through his conversations with their inhabitants, he uncovers enduring truths about profound themes such as love, loss and friendship. To commemorate two decades of partnership, IWC introduces five anniversary edition Pilot’s Watches dedicated to the Little Prince, in a broad spectrum of case sizes ranging 36 to 43 millimetres.

The Pilot’s Watch Mark XX Le Petit Prince (Ref. IW328301) features a 40-millimetre case, a crown and a case back ring made of 18-carat 5N gold. Its deep blue dial with a sunray finish beautifully contrasts the gold. The appliques are crafted from solid 18-carat 5N gold, while the hands are gold-plated and filled with Super-LumiNova^®. This distinctively elegant Pilot’s Watch is equipped with a blue rubber strap featuring an 18-carat 5N gold pin buckle and the EasX-CHANGE^® system for quick and easy strap changes. The Pilot’s Watch Mark XX Le Petit Prince (Ref. IW328221) is housed in a 40-millimetre stainless steel case. It features a deep blue dial with a sunray finish, printed with white indices and numerals. The gold-plated hands are filled with Super-LumiNova^® for enhanced legibility. This watch also comes with a blue rubber strap featuring the EasX-CHANGE^® system. Both models are powered by the IWC-manufactured 32112 calibre, featuring an automatic winding system and a power reserve of 120 hours. The 18-carat 5N gold version boasts a tinted sapphire glass case back showcasing an illustration of the Little Prince. In contrast, the stainless steel version has a solid steel case back engraved with the same drawing. 
 

TWO CHRONOGRAPHS IN TRIBUTE TO THE LITTLE PRINCE 

The Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Le Petit Prince (Ref. IW378011) and the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 Le Petit Prince (Ref. IW388120) are both crafted from stainless steel. The former has a case diameter of 43 millimetres, while the latter measures 41 millimetres. 

Both models are characterised by deep blue dials with a sunray finish, a hallmark of IWC’s special editions dedicated to Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s famous novel. The dials feature indices and numerals printed in white. As a signature design element, the chronographs feature gold-plated hands filled with Super-LumiNova^®. The tinted sapphire glass case backs showcase The Little Prince, surrounded by the characteristic “Le Petit Prince” lettering, a moon and two stars. The chronographs are powered by the IWC-manufactured 69385 calibre, a mechanical chronograph movement in classic column-wheel design storing a power reserve of 46 hours. The watches are fitted with durable blue rubber straps. The integrated EasX-CHANGE^® system allows wearers to change the straps quickly and easily without tools. 

The Pilot’s Watch Automatic 36 Le Petit Prince (Ref. IW458802) features a 36-millimetre stainless steel case and a deep blue dial with a sunray finish. The indices and numerals are printed in white, while the gold-plated hands are filled with Super-LumiNova^® for enhanced legibility. The stainless steel case back is adorned with a detailed engraving of the Little Prince. This automatic model is powered by the IWC-manufactured 32102 calibre, which boasts a power reserve of 120 hours. It is f itted with a blue calfskin strap secured with a stainless steel pin buckle.

Antoine de Saint-Exupéry was a man of two worlds. By profession, he was a pilot – a pioneer of early mail aviation who crossed the Sahara and the South Atlantic. By vocation, he was a writer and philosopher, whose novels and essays translated the experience of flight into a reflection on what it means to be human. He never separated the two. For Saint-Exupéry, the cockpit was not a place of escape but of clarity – a vantage point from which the essential things in life, usually hidden in the noise and hustle of the everyday, became suddenly, startlingly visible. In 2006, IWC Schaffhausen began a collaboration with the descendants of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry that has grown into one of watchmaking’s most meaningful creative partnerships. Over two decades, it has given rise to special editions and anniversary pieces, joint museum projects and exhibitions, as well as charity initiatives organized in collaboration with the Antoine de Saint-Exupéry Youth Foundation to champion the author’s humanist values.

The cornerstone of the partnership, however, has always been the blue-dial special editions inspired by “The Little Prince”. First published in 1943 and since translated into more than 600 languages and dialects, Saint-Exupéry’s most famous novel follows a young prince on a journey through space to different planets, where he engages in conversations with their inhabitants and discovers enduring truths about love, loss, and friendship. Its most celebrated line – “It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye” – has resonated with readers across generations and cultures, and continues to give the story its quiet, universal appeal. 

The deep blue sunray-finished dial, the signature feature of IWC’s special editions dedicated to “The Little Prince”, is not an arbitrary choice. In Saint-Exupéry’s story, the sky is everywhere – vast, silent and full of meaning. The Little Prince travels through it to reach distant planets, and it is in the infinite space between the stars that he learns his most valuable lessons. IWC’s deep blue dials evoke the same sense of depth and distance, of something boundless glimpsed through the glass of a cockpit window. Worn on the wrist, these dials are an invitation to never lose one’s sense of curiosity and always look beyond the horizon.

This year, as IWC Schaffhausen celebrates both 90 years of Pilot’s Watches and 20 years of collaboration with the heirs of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, the collection reaches new territory. For the first time, the new Perpetual Calendar ProSet – representing one of the most significant advances in perpetual calendar design in years – appears in a Le Petit Prince edition, pairing horological innovation with the collection’s unmistakable spirit of discovery. For the first time, a Le Petit Prince chronograph is crafted from white ceramic. And, also for the first time, a Le Petit Prince edition ventures beyond the Pilot’s Watches family into the Portofino collection. As a charming detail, the Little Prince is depicted standing on the moon of the watch’s day and night display, gazing at the night sky. 

• Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar ProSet Le Petit Prince (Ref. IW339601): white zirconium oxide ceramic case, deep blue dial with a gradient finish, rhodium-plated hands filled with Super-LumiNova^®, white rubber strap with EasX-CHANGE^® system, IWC-manufactured 82665 calibre. 
   

• Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar ProSet Le Petit Prince (Ref. IW329601): stainless steel case and bracelet, deep blue dial, rhodium-plated hands and appliqués, stainless steel bracelet and additional blue rubber strap with EasX-CHANGE^® system, IWC-manufactured 82665 calibre. 
   

• Pilot’s Watch Mark XX Le Petit Prince (Ref. IW328301): 18-carat 5N gold case, blue dial with a sunray finish, solid 18-carat 5N gold appliqués, gold-plated hands with Super-LumiNova^®, blue rubber strap with EasX-CHANGE^® system, IWC-manufactured 32112 calibre. 
   

• Pilot’s Watch Mark XX Le Petit Prince (Ref. IW328221): stainless steel case, deep blue dial with a sunray finish, gold-plated hands with Super-LumiNova^®, blue rubber strap with EasX-CHANGE^® system, IWC-manufactured 32112 calibre. 
   

• Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Le Petit Prince (Ref. IW378011): 43-millimetre stainless steel case, deep blue dial with a sunray finish, gold-plated hands with Super-LumiNova^®, blue rubber strap with EasX-CHANGE^® system, IWC-manufactured 69385 calibre. 
   

• Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 Le Petit Prince (Ref. IW388120): 41-millimetre stainless steel case, deep blue dial with a sunray finish, gold-plated hands with Super-LumiNova^®, blue rubber strap with EasX-CHANGE^® system, IWC-manufactured 69385 calibre. 
   

• Pilot’s Watch Automatic 36 Le Petit Prince (Ref. IW458802): stainless steel case, deep blue dial with a sunray finish, gold-plated hands with Super-LumiNova, blue calfskin strap, IWC-manufactured 32102 calibre. 
   

• Portofino Automatic Day & Night 34 Le Petit Prince (Ref. IW459806): stainless steel case, deep blue dial with a sunray finish, gold-plated hands with Super-LumiNova^®, blue alligator leather strap from Santoni, Calibre 35180.

Ceramics exemplify the comprehensive expertise in advanced materials that IWC Schaffhausen has built up over the past four decades. Since pioneering this hard, scratch-resistant material in 1986, the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer has continuously enhanced its expertise in this field. Significant developments have included watch cases crafted from brown silicon nitride, black boron carbide, or a ceramic matrix composite (CMC). Last year, IWC introduced its proprietary luminous ceramic technology, Ceralume^®, and presented the first concept watch. Now, this groundbreaking material innovation, combined with one of IWC’s signature complications, makes its official debut in the Pilot’s Watches collection. 

Limited to 250 pieces, the Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar Ceralume^® (Ref. IW505801) features a 46.5-millimetre case made of luminous white ceramic. The Ceralume^® case is paired with a white luminous dial and a white rubber strap, both enhanced with SuperLumiNova^® pigments. The indices and numerals are printed in a different shade of white on the dial, while the grey hands are filled with luminous material. This makes the Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar Ceralume^® a watch with two entirely different expressions. In daylight, it captivates with its varying shades of white and grey and the interplay of shiny and matte surfaces. In darkness, the watch transforms completely; the case, dial, and strap emit an intense bluish glow, while the numerals and hands appear as nothing but dark shadows against the fully luminous dial. 
 

CERALUME^® MARKS ANOTHER GROUNDBREAKING CERAMIC INNOVATION 

Ceralume^® is the result of a multi-year development effort by IWC’s engineering division XPL, which was supported by experts from RC Tritec. This leading Swiss technology company is renowned for its Super-LumiNova^® luminous pigments. Acting similar to a light-storage battery, this ceramic compound absorbs light energy from sunlight or artificial light and re-emits it as visible light, a cycle that can be repeated indefinitely. While conventional white ceramic is created by mixing zirconium oxide with other metallic oxides, luminous ceramic requires a blend of ceramic powders and Super-LumiNova^® pigments. The main challenge is achieving a completely homogeneous mixture of these raw materials, which have different particle sizes. To do this, IWC’s engineers designed a dedicated ball-milling process. Ceramic powders and Super-LumiNova^® pigments are placed in a rotating cylindrical drum partially filled with small balls. As the drum spins, the balls are lifted and then dropped in a cascading motion, using both impact and attrition to break down the mixture into a finer, more homogeneous powder. 
 

THE EMBLEMATIC PERPETUAL CALENDAR COMPLICATION 

The Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar Ceralume^® features IWC’s legendary perpetual calendar complication, developed by Kurt Klaus in the 1980s. Mechanically programmed to recognize the varying lengths of months, the calendar also automatically adds a leap day every four years at the end of February. The date, weekday, month and moon phase are displayed across four subdials, while the four-digit year display is located between 7 and 8 o’clock. IWC’s signature Double Moon^® display shows the moon as seen from the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Thanks to a precisely calculated reduction gear, it only deviates by one day after 577.5 years. 
 

HIGH-END AUTOMATIC CALIBRE WITH PELLATON WINDING SYSTEM 

The calendar module is powered by the IWCmanufactured 52616 calibre. Featuring a Pellaton winding system reinforced with components made of virtually wear-free ceramic, the movement stores a power reserve of 168 hours (7 days) in the mainspring. The luminous details even extend to the back of the watch, where the “Probus Scafusia” medallion integrated into the rotor is made of Super-LumiNova^® and glows in the dark. Decorated with circular graining and fitted with blued screws, the movement is visible through the transparent sapphire glass case back. 
 

A DEVELOPMENT FROM IWC’S ENGINEERING DIVISION XPL 

IWC Experimental (IWC XPL) is the in-house engineering division of IWC Schaffhausen. The department focuses on fundamental research in areas like shock protection and new materials. Its mission is to develop technologies, prototypes and products that are designed to enhance the durability of mechanical watches and extend their fields of application to environments with extreme conditions, such as space. The first brainchild of IWC XPL was the SPRIN-g PROTECT^® shock absorber system, followed by the luminescent ceramic technology Ceralume^®. 

IWC Schaffhausen is not the owner of the SuperLumiNova^® trademarks. These marks are protected as the legal property of a third party.

With the new Ingenieur, IWC Schaffhausen revisits the bold and visionary design created by Gérald Genta in the 1970s, pairing it with enhanced ergonomics and a highly detailed finishing. Since the launch of the Ingenieur Automatic 40 in 2023, the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer has continuously extended the collection with new sizes, materials and complications such as the emblematic crown-controlled perpetual calendar from Kurt Klaus. IWC now introduces an exclusive new model featuring the undisputed “queen of complications” in fine watchmaking, the tourbillon.

Limited to 100 pieces, the Ingenieur Tourbillon 41 (Ref. IW345901) features a 41.6 millimetres case and an integrated bracelet crafted from 18-carat 5N gold. The characteristic bezel, crown protection and crown are also made of this precious metal. Securing the bezel to the case back ring, the five functional screws are made of 18-carat Armor Gold^®, a material with significantly higher hardness values than conventional gold alloys. Featuring the characteristic “Grid” pattern, the structured dial is a hallmark feature of the Ingenieur and adds a stunning level of texture and depth. Its dark olive green hue beautifully contrasts the gold. The hands are gold-plated, and the appliques, which are individually set by hand, are made of solid gold. As it combines various techniques, the Ingenieur Tourbillon 41 also boasts a high level of detail in its finishing. The case, bezel and bracelet links are satin-finished and feature polished edges. Gold brings out the intricate lines and angles of the Ingenieur particularly well, underscoring the sculptural beauty of the Gérald Genta-inspired design. 
 

STATE-OF-THE-ART TOURBILLON AT 6 O’CLOCK 

The tourbillon places the balance wheel and the escapement inside a small cage that rotates around its axis once every minute. This continuous rotation counteracts the effects of gravity on the oscillating system, contributing to a highly accurate rate. The flying minute tourbillon of the Ingenieur Tourbillon 41 is placed at the 6 o’clock position and suspended from gold-coated bridges, providing a stunning visual spectacle. Consisting of 56 individual parts, the delicate mechanism weighs just 0.635 grams. Due to the high number and minuscule size of its components, the tourbillon ranks among the most complex complications for a watchmaker to assemble. Thanks to the integrated tourbillon stop, the mechanism can be brought to a complete halt, allowing the watch to be set with down-to-the-second accuracy. The pallet lever and the escape wheel are treated with Diamond Shell^® technology, an innovative coating that reduces friction and enhances the flow of energy in the movement.
 

HIGH-END MOVEMENT WITH PELLATON WINDING 

The Ingenieur Tourbillon 41 is powered by the IWC-manufactured 82905 calibre. Its highly efficient Pellaton winding system utilises the rotor’s movements in both directions to reliably build up a power reserve of 80 hours in the mainspring. Components of the winding system that are subject to high stress are manufactured from virtually wear-free zirconium oxide ceramic. Among these are the automatic wheel and the clicks, which are crafted from black ceramic, while the rotor bearing is made of white ceramic. The movement also features a high level of detail in the finishing. As an example, the automatic bridge and the rotor are both gold-plated and decorated with Geneva stripes. The oscillating mass features an integrated “Probus Scafusia” medallion, crafted from solid gold and symbolising IWC’s commitment to craftsmanship and quality.

Titanium is characterised by its low weight, high strength and excellent corrosion resistance. Its matte grey colour also makes it an attractive material for use in wristwatches. Over more than four decades, IWC Schaffhausen has acquired comprehensive expertise in machining and finishing this metal. With the introduction of the Gérald Genta-inspired Ingenieur in 2023, the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer also presented an automatic model with a case and bracelet crafted from grade 5 titanium. This year, IWC launches a new model that blends this signature case material with a complication equally emblematic of the brand: the crown-controlled perpetual calendar from Kurt Klaus.

The Ingenieur Perpetual Calendar 41 (Ref. IW344904) combines the Gérald Genta-derived integrated bracelet design with an execution in titanium for the first time. It features a grade 5 titanium case measuring 41 millimetres in diameter and an integrated titanium bracelet. The bracelet is attached to the case via its middle links, offering excellent ergonomics. As titanium is about 45 percent lighter than steel, the watch feels very comfortable on the wrist. The characteristic round bezel, a hallmark feature of the Ingenieur, is secured to the case ring with five functional screws. This titanium watch is further distinguished by its high-end finishing. The case, bezel, crown protection, and bracelet links are sandblasted, with their edges lightly polished, while the crown is sandblasted. A satin finish on the sides of the case and the bracelet accentuates the intricate lines and angles of the Gérald Genta-inspired Ingenieur design. 
 

ELABORATELY FINISHED DIAL COMPLEMENTS THE TITANIUM LOOK 

The matte grey dial blends harmoniously with the titanium case and bracelet. Having the same colour as the metal, it lends the watch a strikingly monolithic look, almost as if it had been carved out of a solid block of titanium. The dial features the characteristic “Grid” structure, consisting of small lines and squares, adding depth and texture to it. The subdials displaying the calendar information are treated with a circular satin finish and feature a refined azurage on their edges. In the subdial at 6 o’clock, the single moon disc boasts a detailed azurage background. Both the applied metal markers and the hands are filled with Super-LumiNova^®, ensuring excellent legibility.
 

THE PERPETUAL CALENDAR OFFERS A HIGH DEGREE OF AUTONOMY 

Developed in the early 1980s by IWC’s former head watchmaker, Kurt Klaus, the perpetual calendar is mechanically programmed to account for many of the Gregorian calendar’s irregularities. It will automatically recognize the different lengths of the months and also insert a leap day every four years at the end of February. The date is displayed in the subdial at 3 o’clock, the month at 6 o’clock, while the day of the week is shown at the 9 o’clock position. The moon phase has been integrated into the subdial at 6 o’clock. Thanks to a special reduction gear train, it will only deviate from the moon’s actual orbit by one day after 577.5 years. The counter at 9 o’clock also features a small leap-year indicator that counts down the years to the next leap year. 
 

A MECHANICAL POWERHOUSE WITH CERAMIC COMPONENTS 

Inside the titanium case, the IWC-manufactured 82600 calibre is at work. This high-end automatic movement features a Pellaton winding system, which uses movements of the oscillating mass in both directions to wind the watch. The mainspring stores a power reserve of 60 hours. Components of the movement that are subject to high stress are crafted from zirconium oxide ceramic. Ceramic is, like titanium, a signature IWC material. It is hard and virtually wear-free, making it a suitable choice for the automatic wheel and the clicks. The balance wheel oscillates at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz), ensuring accurate timekeeping. Visible through the sapphire glass case back, the movement is decorated with Geneva stripes, circular graining and blued screws.

In 1986, IWC Schaffhausen introduced its first wristwatch with a case crafted from black zirconium oxide ceramic. Over the past four decades, the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer has continuously expanded its expertise with this highly engineered material. Ceramic offers compelling advantages such as its light weight, hardness and scratch-resistance. After introducing the first Ingenieur in black zirconium oxide ceramic last year, IWC complements the collection with a new model crafted entirely from dark olive green ceramic, underscoring its coloured ceramic expertise. 

The Ingenieur Automatic 42 (Ref. IW338902) features a case ring, bezel, case back ring and crown protection made of dark olive green ceramic. Coloured ceramic is made by mixing zirconium oxide with other metallic oxides in a precisely defined mixing ratio. As the colour changes during the sintering process, it is highly complex to achieve a uniform shade across different components. The integrated ceramic bracelet is attached to the case ring via its middle links, making it sit ergonomically on the wrist. As ceramic is lighter than steel, the bracelet offers excellent wearing comfort. The “Grid”-patterned dial features the same green hue as the ceramic components. The new Ingenieur Automatic 42 is also distinguished by golden accents. Its crown is crafted from 18-carat 5N gold. The screws that secure the bezel to the case ring are made of 18-carat Armor Gold^®, a material with significantly higher hardness values than conventional gold alloys. The hands and appliques are gold-plated and both filled with Super-LumiNova^®. 
 

A MULTI-PART CERAMIC CASE CONSTRUCTION 

The manufacturing of ceramic watch cases and components represents a true feat of engineering. One of many challenges is that the parts shrink by about one-third during the sintering process. This loss in size must be factored in already during the design phase. The new Ingenieur Automatic 42 is a true-to-proportion ceramic execution of the Gérald Genta-derived integrated bracelet design. IWC achieves this with a multi-part ceramic case construction, which eliminates the need for a movement container. A thin titanium ring secures the movement, holds the functional screws from both the front and the back, and ensures a high water resistance of 10 bar. The sapphire crystals and gaskets are pressed directly into the case and case back ring, respectively. This innovative approach yields a case construction that remains perfectly faithful to the original stainless steel design.
 

THE CHALLENGES OF FINISHING CERAMIC 

With a value of about 1300 on the Vickers scale, ceramic ranks among the hardest materials on Earth. After sintering, the material can only be processed further and machined using special diamond tools. With the Ingenieur Automatic 42, IWC once again underscores its expertise in ceramic finishing by combining satin f inishing, sandblasting and polishing on the same watch. The case and bracelet components are satin-finished, and a delicate polishing is applied around their edges. Finally, a smooth sandblasting is added on top to achieve a refined look and just the right level of light reflection. 
 

HIGH-END MOVEMENT WITH CERAMIC COMPONENTS 

The Ingenieur Automatic 42 is powered by the IWC-manufactured 82110 calibre, featuring a Pellaton winding system and a 60-hour power reserve. Initially conceived by IWC’s former Technical Director, Albert Pellaton, during the 1950s, this efficient winding system utilises rotations of the oscillating mass in both directions to wind the mainspring. Parts that are subject to high stress are manufactured from zirconium oxide ceramic, making them essentially immune to wear and tear. The automatic wheel and the clicks are crafted from black ceramic, while the central rotor bearing is made of white ceramic. The balance wheel oscillating at 4 Hertz ensures a high level of precision. Elaborately decorated and finished with Geneva stripes, the movement can be viewed through the transparent sapphire glass case back.

The Ingenieur Automatic 35 is a highly ergonomic automatic model with a case diameter of 35 millimetres and a thickness of just 9.4 millimetres. Despite its compact size, it retains all the characteristic design elements from the Gérald Genta-inspired Ingenieur. Key features include the distinctive bezel with five functional screws, an integrated bracelet attaching via its middle links and a “Grid” dial with applied metal markers. The Swiss luxury watch manufacturer now adds two new models to the collection. 

The Ingenieur Automatic 35 (Ref. IW324911) is the first model in the current Ingenieur collection to feature diamonds. Its screw-on bezel, made from 18-carat 5N gold, is embellished with 45 white diamonds weighing a total of 0.7 carats. The edges of the bezel are polished, creating an elegant frame for the diamonds. This luxury sports watch boasts a stainless steel case and an integrated bracelet, complemented by a silver-plated “Grid” dial. The hands and appliques are gold-plated, and both are filled with Super-LumiNova^® for enhanced legibility. 

The Ingenieur Automatic 35 (Ref. IW324907) introduces IWC’s signature blue dial colour to the 35-millimetre Ingenieur collection. IWC has been producing watches with blue dials since the late 1960s, with one of the earliest models being the Ingenieur Automatic, Reference 866AD. Today, blue is among the most sought-after dial colours. This new model combines a stainless steel case and bracelet with a deep blue “Grid” dial. The rhodium-plated hands and appliqués are filled with Super-LumiNova^®. 

The Ingenieur Automatic 35 impresses with its highly detailed finishing, which combines satin-finishing and polishing on the case and the bezel. Its bracelet pairs satin-finished H-links with beautifully polished middle links. 
 

SEE-THROUGH SAPPHIRE GLASS CASE BACK 

Both new models feature transparent sapphire glass backs that showcase the 47110 calibre, which offers automatic winding and a power reserve of 42 hours. Finished with circular graining and Geneva stripes, the movement also features a gold-plated oscillating weight. The two novelties complement the existing Ingenieur Automatic 35 collection. 

Previously, it included the Ingenieur Automatic 35 in 18-carat 5N gold with a goldcoloured dial (Ref. IW324903), as well as the Ingenieur Automatic 35 in stainless steel with a silver-plated dial (Ref. IW324901) and a black dial (Ref. IW324906).

In Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s popular novel, “The Little Prince,” the young prince leaves his home asteroid, B-612, to explore the universe. During his journey, he visits various planets and meets their inhabitants, learning profound lessons about love, loss, and friendship. IWC Schaffhausen has been celebrating this timeless story with special-edition watches. Their signature feature is their deep blue dial with a sunray finish, reminiscent of the vastness of space. The Swiss luxury watch manufacturer is now introducing its first “Le Petit Prince” edition made from white ceramic. 

The Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 Le Petit Prince (Ref. IW389410) features a 41-millimetre case made from white zirconium oxide ceramic. This advanced material is lighter and harder than steel, scratch-proof, and has a smooth, velvety surface, making it an excellent choice for wristwatches. The white ceramic case beautifully contrasts with the deep blue dial, which has a sunburst finish and a distinctive colour gradient. The emblematic bold indices and numerals are printed in white. The hands in the subdials, as well as the hour and minute hands, are rhodium-plated and filled with Super-LumiNova^® to enhance legibility. The titanium case back is adorned with an engraving depicting the Little Prince. Additionally, the watch is equipped with the practical EasX-CHANGE^® strap change system, allowing the white rubber strap to be changed at the touch of a button. 
 

HIGH-PERFORMANCE CHRONOGRAPH MOVEMENT INSIDE 

The Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 Le Petit Prince is powered by the IWC-manufactured 69381 calibre. Engineered with a focus on performance, reliability, and precision, this mechanical chronograph in a classic column-wheel design allows the wearer to accurately measure stop times of up to 12 hours. The hours and minutes are displayed in two totalisers at the 9 o’clock and 12 o’clock positions. According to the IWC-typical vertical dial layout, the stopped minutes are placed directly at 12 o’clock, enhancing readability. The movement features a bidirectional pawl-winding system, which reliably builds a power reserve of 46 hours in the mainspring.

Since it was first published over 80 years ago, “The Little Prince” has remained immensely popular with both children and adults. The enchanting story follows a Little Prince as he embarks on a journey through space to faraway planets, gaining valuable insights along the way. In his most famous literary work, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry explores profound philosophical themes such as love, loss, and friendship. One of the book’s iconic quotes is, “It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.” It serves as a potent reminder that true understanding and beauty come from emotions and feelings, rather than merely seeing. IWC Schaffhausen now introduces its first Le Petit Prince edition in the Portofino collection. 

The Portofino Automatic Day & Night 34 Le Petit Prince (Ref. IW459806) features a compact 34-millimetre case crafted in durable stainless steel. The design of this elegant and timeless dress watch is complemented with a deep blue dial with gold-plated hands and appliques. These dials, which are treated with an elaborate sunray finish, are a signature feature of IWC’s special editions honoring Saint-Exupéry’s timeless tale. A highlight of this watch is the day-and-night indication at 6 o’clock, which visualises the continuous transition between day and night and completes one full rotation every 24 hours. At noon or at midnight, either the sun or the moon appears in the upper section of the small disc, indicating whether it is currently day or night. As a charming design detail, the Little Prince is depicted standing on the moon, gazing at the starry night sky. The stainless steel case back also features an engraving of the Little Prince. 

This watch is powered by the Calibre 35180, which features an automatic winding system and has a power reserve of 50 hours. It is paired with a hand-coloured blue alligator leather strap from the Italian leather artisan Santoni, which is equipped with a quick-change system and a butterfly folding clasp.

Since its introduction in 1998, the Portugieser Chronograph has brought a touch of sporty elegance to IWC Schaffhausen’s Portugieser collection. With its two vertically arranged subdials and an inner flange with a quarter-second scale, the chronograph has established itself as one of the Swiss luxury watchmaker’s most recognizable and popular watch designs. IWC now presents a creative reimagining of this timeless classic: the first all-black version crafted from Ceratanium^®.

Limited to 1,500 pieces, the Portugieser Chronograph Ceratanium^® (Ref. IW371631) features a 41-millimetre case, crown and pushers crafted from Ceratanium^®. Developed by IWC, this advanced material combines the lightness and robustness of titanium with a hardness and scratch-resistance similar to that of ceramic. Another characteristic of Ceratanium^®, which is based on a special titanium alloy and fired at high temperatures in a kiln, is its distinctive, dark and metallic finish. The all-black design of the chronograph is further enhanced with a black dial, black appliques and black hands. The applied Arabic numerals, indices and quarter-second scale are discreet elevations against the background of the black dial. A black rubber strap with a square pattern complements the monolithic look of this watch. 
 

ROBUST AND RELIABLE CHRONOGRAPH MOVEMENT 

The Portugieser Chronograph Ceratanium^® is powered by the IWC-manufactured 69355 calibre, a mechanical chronograph movement engineered with a focus on robustness, reliability and longevity. The column-wheel control mechanism for the chronograph function provides clearly defined phases in the switching sequence and offers distinct tactile feedback when the buttons are pressed. The movement features an automatic doublepawl winding system, which reliably builds up a power reserve of 46 hours in the mainspring.

In 2019, George Russell debuted in Formula One™. After joining the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team in 2022, the Briton instantly claimed pole at the Hungarian Grand Prix™ and seven podiums within his first 20 races. Russell has since secured five Grand Prix victories for the team, with his latest win at the 2025 Singapore Grand Prix. The acclaimed racing driver has now collaborated with IWC’s creative team to design two limited-edition Pilot’s Watches, bringing his creative vision to the brand.

Throughout his whole career, the colour blue has had a significant meaning for Russell. After initially racing for the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team with a black helmet, he soon reverted to the blue-dominant design that has long served as the foundation of his racing brand. Standing apart on the Formula 1™ grid, the colour blue is uniquely associated with Russell and emblematic of the duality he brings as a driver: calm under pressure, yet fiercely competitive. This unique shade, which is also present in Russell’s current helmet design, is at the core of these special editions: both feature dial details and rubber straps in Russell’s signature blue colour.

“It has been an unforgettable experience working with IWC Schaffhausen’s creative team on the design of my first ever limited-edition watches. By incorporating my signature blue colour that has accompanied me during most of my career as a racing driver, as well as my 63 Logo, these watches feel truly personal and unique to me. These two limited-edition Pilot’s Watch pieces are reflective of where my journey has taken me so far and of what I have been able to achieve on and off the race track”, says George Russell.

The Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 George Russell (Ref. IW389411) combines materials that are emblematic of the comprehensive expertise IWC has acquired since the 1980s. Its 41.9-millimetre case is crafted from black zirconium oxide ceramic, a material IWC pioneered four decades ago. Ceramic is lighter than steel and highly scratch-resistant, making it an attractive choice for watches. The crown and the pushers are made of Ceratanium^®, an IWC-developed material that combines the lightness of titanium with a hardness and scratch-resistance similar to that of ceramic. The black dial features indices and numerals printed in George Russell’s signature blue shade. The black hands are filled with Super-LumiNova^® in the same colour. The chronograph is powered by the IWC-manufactured 69380 calibre with a power reserve of 46 hours.

The Pilot’s Watch Automatic 41 George Russell (Ref. IW328107) is housed in a 41-millimetre case made from black zirconium oxide ceramic, with its crown made from Ceratanium^®. Similar to the chronograph, the model displays indices, numerals and Super-LumiNova^® in the signature blue shade associated with George Russell. It is powered by the IWC-manufactured 32112 calibre, which includes a double-pawl winding system that provides a power reserve of 120 hours.

Both watches feature titanium case backs with distinct engravings of the number 63, the starting number the driver has raced with since he was a child winning karting championships all the way through to Formula One. The chronograph and automatic models are fitted with blue rubber straps in the same signature blue hue found on the dial, complete with Ceratanium® pin buckles. Thanks to the integrated EasX-CHANGE^® system, these straps can be exchanged quickly and easily without any tools.

IWC Schaffhausen has a tradition of welcoming the Chinese Lunar New Year with special editions across its collections. In continuation of this, the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer launches a limited edition of its Portugieser Automatic 42 to welcome the Year of the Horse, which begins on 17^th February 2026. A symbol of strength, energy and freedom, the horse is seen as a bringer of success and good fortune. People born in a Year of the Horse are said to be active, independent and hardworking. They enjoy being in motion and often show a love for adventure. The Year of the Horse is, therefore, typically associated with progress, the rise of new opportunities and the courage to move forward and pursue new goals in life with confidence. 

The Portugieser Automatic 42 Year of the Horse (Ref. IW501709) features a stainless steel case with a diameter of 42 millimetres. The case construction with a more slender side profile and box-shaped sapphire crystals on the front and back lends the watch an even more refined and elegant appearance. The burgundy dial, inspired by the auspicious red tones widely used in Lunar New Year celebrations, features the characteristic and well-balanced Portugieser design. The characteristic dial layout with the small seconds at 9 o’clock and thepower reserve display at 3 o’clock dates back to the first Portugieser Automatic (Ref. 5000) from 2000. Golden hands, Roman numerals and appliques complement the rich burgundy-coloured dial. An additional detail is the small date window, which has been discreetly placed at the 6 o’clock position.

IN-HOUSE MOVEMENT FEATURING A ROTOR IN THE SHAPE OF A HORSE

Inside the case, the IWC-manufactured 52011 calibre is at work. Its efficient Pellaton winding system features components made of virtually wear-free ceramic. Using movements of the rotor in both directions, it builds up a power reserve of 168 hours (7 days) in two barrels. A highlight is the gold-plated rotor, visible through the sapphire glass case back, and crafted in the shape of a galloping horse to pay tribute to the Lunar New Year. The Portugieser Automatic 42 Year of the Horse is delivered with a choice of two straps for added versatility: a black alligator leather strap and an additional burgundy alligator leather strap. Both straps can be fitted with the stainless steel folding clasp that is delivered with the watch.

Since 2005, Laureus Sport for Good has used sport as a tool to help children and young people overcome violence, discrimination and disadvantage. The Foundation operates numerous social sport programmes in countries all over the world. IWC Schaffhausen has been a Global Partner of Laureus Sport for Good since its inception and also collaborates with the Laureus Foundation Switzerland. A highlight of this partnership is the Laureus Charity Night in Zurich, a fundraising event where IWC donates a unique timepiece every year. Following the success of last year’s auction, bidding will again be offered online in collaboration with Bonhams. The complete proceeds will be donated to the Laureus Foundation Switzerland to support its social sport programmes aimed at supporting disadvantaged young people.

Up for bidding is one of a limited edition of 100 pieces of the Big Pilot’s Watch Shock Absorber XPL Toto Wolff x Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team. This special edition of the Big Pilot’s Watch Shock Absorber XPL is dedicated to Toto Wolff, the CEO and Team Principal. The idea for this watch originated during the 2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix when Toto Wolff wore a prototype model on his wrist. In a viral moment, he famously slammed his headset on the table as tensions on the racetrack reached boiling point. Remarkably, the watch on his wrist survived the incident unscathed.

It owes its extraordinary resilience to the integrated SPRIN-g PROTECT^® shock absorber system, which was developed by IWC’s Engineering Division XPL. Protecting the movement from accelerations of up to an incredible 30,000 g, the system cushions the movement inside the case using a spring made from bulk metallic glass (BMG), an advanced material that is significantly more elastic than conventional metals. When the watch is subjected to an impact, the force is evenly distributed across the spring’s length and width before it can reach the movement and its components.

The watch being auctioned was personally worn by Toto Wolff during the recent Singapore Grand Prix™, where Mercedes driver George Russell took first place. In addition to the watch, the auction lot also contains an elegant white team polo shirt, signed by Toto Wolff himself. The watch is offered with an estimate of CHF80,000-200,000 with all proceeds being donated to charity.

Penny Andrews, Bonhams Head of Watches London, said: “Building on from the success of Bonhams IWC and Toto Wolff Charity Auction in 2022 that raised £160,000 for charity, we are delighted to take part in this year’s charity gala, offering the limited-edition IWC Schaffhausen timepiece worn by Toto Wolff. The Laureus Charity Night is a notable event, where significant funds are raised for such a valuable cause, helping children f ind positivity through sports. The watch will be available on bonhams.com from 15-25 October with all proceeds donated to the charity.”

Bonhams will auction the watch from leading Swiss luxury watch manufacturer IWC Schaffhausen in an online sale that runs from 15^th-25^th October on bonhams.com. The Laureus x IWC Schaffhausen online sale will end to coincide with the annual Laureus Sport for Good Gala, which takes place in Zurich on 25^th October.

https://www.bonhams.com/auction/31972 

LAUREUS FOUNDATION SWITZERLAND

The aim of the Laureus Foundation Switzerland is to enable children and young people to live a positive life full of self-determination through sports. Beyond sports and its associated values, Laureus also systematically promotes the integration and personal development of the young, as well as their physical and mental well-being. The main focus is not on achievement but rather on enjoying sports and shared experiences. The foundation helps young people who need support – regardless of their gender, ethnicity, religion, social class or health issues.

Laureus supports over 15,000 children in Switzerland through six charitable sports projects each year. The dedication of around 30 Swiss ambassadors, including track athlete Mujinga Kambundji, skier Marco Odermatt and Schwingen wrestler Christian Stucki, is a wonderful source of inspiration for all the children and young people involved. The Laureus Foundation Switzerland was established in 2006 by IWC Schaffhausen in collaboration with Mercedes Benz as part of the international Laureus Sport for Good Foundation.

ABOUT THE BONHAMS NETWORK

Bonhams is a global network of auction houses, with the largest number of international salerooms, offering the widest range of collecting categories and selling at all price points. Bonhams is recognised for its bespoke service, and a dedication to local market relationships, enhanced by a global platform. With 14 salerooms, Bonhams presents over 1,000 sales annually, across more than 60 specialist categories, including fine art, collectables, luxury, wine & spirits, and collector cars. 

Founded in 1793, Bonhams has representatives in more than 30 countries and operates flagship salerooms in London, New York, Paris, Los Angeles, and Hong Kong. In 2022, Bonhams added four international auction houses to its network: Bukowskis, Stockholm; Bruun Rasmussen, Copenhagen; Cornette de Saint Cyr, Paris and Brussels; and Skinner, Massachusetts. The success of Bonhams’ global strategy is a result of recognising the shift in growing intercontinental buying and increased digital engagement. 

More information HERE

Every autumn, professional golfers and amateur players alike meet in Scotland to play side by side at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. Known for its unique format, it combines two separate competitions within one event – a DP World Tour individual professional tournament and a Team Championship, pairing each professional with a high-profile amateur player.

For the fifth consecutive year, IWC Schaffhausen supports the Championship as the official timing partner. A celebration of Links golf at its finest, the event has a lively atmosphere, sense of camaraderie and sportsmanship like no other.

Amongst this year’s professional players are IWC Brand Ambassadors Laurie Canter, Louis Oosthuizen, Taichi Kho, Wilco Nienaber, and Pablo Larrazabal. Taking place from October 2^nd – 5^th, 2025, they play on some of the most scenic yet challenging courses in the country: the Old Course at St. Andrews, the Championship Course at Carnoustie and Kingsbarns, which has been described as a ‘modern classic’.

ALFRED DUNHILL LINKS CHAMPIONSHIP

The Alfred Dunhill Links Championship is a pinnacle golfing event on the DP World Tour. With its unique format, it is a magnet for golfers and spectators from every corner of the globe. Played over three world-famous Links courses – the Old Course at St Andrews, the Championship Course at Carnoustie and the Kingsbarns Golf Links – the tournament includes two separate competitions.

One competition is an individual professional tournament for the world’s leading golfers with a US$5 million prize fund. The other one is a team competition where some of the world’s most celebrated amateur golfers are each paired with one of the professionals.

This is the 40^th year that Alfred Dunhill has supported golf at St Andrews – first in the Alfred Dunhill Cup from 1985, then in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship from 2001. During that time, many millions have been raised for charity.

Vast is engineering and building the world’s first commercial space station, Haven-1. To prepare for it, Vast will soon launch Haven Demo, an in-orbit test bed for critical space station technologies. Haven-1 is a state-of-the-art, human-centric space station, home to an innovation lab for both private astronauts and government missions. During Haven-1 missions, the crew can utilize the Haven-1 Lab to conduct scientific research, technology development, and in-space manufacturing that will benefit life on Earth and support long-term exploration of space.

Through its presence onboard the Inspiration4 and Polaris Dawn commercial human spaceflight missions, IWC has gained invaluable initial experience in the field of space exploration. This strategic engineering collaboration will enable IWC to continue to advance its innovations and develop spaceflight-ready watches. At Vast headquarters, Vast engineers will test prototypes to put the hardware through simulated launch vibration conditions and evaluate material compatibility with Haven-1. The prototypes will be evaluated and appropriately tested in a similar way to some of the hardware that will fly on Haven Demo and Haven-1 – a testament to the authenticity of IWC’s aerospace lineage. 

This engineering collaboration marks Vast’s inaugural brand partnership and reflects the commercialization opportunities for low-Earth orbit.

ABOUT VAST 

Founded in 2021 by Jed McCaleb, Vast is developing humanity’s next-generation space stations and pioneering the path to long-term living and thriving in space. Haven-1, scheduled to be the world’s first commercial space station, is currently in development and is expected to launch in 2026. Vast is also developing Haven-2, the proposed successor to the International Space Station (ISS), designed to serve NASA’s Commercial LEO Destinations (CLD) programme as a micro-gravity laboratory in space. Vast’s long-term ambition is to create artificial gravity habitations that enable humans to live in space, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring a spacefaring future for all.

IWC Schaffhausen looks back on a history spanning more than 150 years. Every era has produced watches that are still highly sought after by enthusiasts today, be it because of their historical significance, intricate engineering or timeless design. To provide a trustworthy and transparent source for purchasing historical IWC watches, the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer now introduces IWC. Curated., its new offering of hand-picked historical IWC watches.

EXPERTLY RESTORED AND CERTIFIED IN SCHAFFHAUSEN 

The watches offered within IWC. Curated. are individually selected and sourced by experts from the IWC Museum in Schaffhausen. The focus lies on references that represent important eras of the brand’s history or watchmaking legacy. In addition, IWC also offers a service to locate and procure specific references on the customer’s behalf.

At the IWC headquarters in Schaffhausen, each watch undergoes a meticulous examination. Skilled vintage watchmakers, who have decades of experience in repairing and servicing historical timepieces, restore their cases, bracelets, and movements. The goal is to restore the watches as close as possible to original condition using authentic and, if possible, period-correct components. Vintage watchmakers enjoy privileged access to IWC’s extensive corporate archives, which contain a wide selection of spare parts for every watch and movement ever produced in Schaffhausen.

Upon completion of the restoration process, IWC issues an official certification that details the authenticity and provenance of each watch. All IWC. Curated. watches come with IWC’s International Limited Warranty, which can be extended to eight years upon registration.

AVAILABLE IN SELECTED BOUTIQUES AROUND THE WORLD 

IWC. Curated. will initially be available exclusively in selected boutiques in Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Dubai and Japan. Enthusiasts can explore the historical watches at the Schaffhausen boutique, at the Battersea Power Station boutique in London (United Kingdom), the flagship boutique in Dubai Mall (United Arab Emirates), and the boutique in Ginza (Japan). Among the watches available for purchase is an original Ingenieur SL, Reference 1832, designed by the renowned Geneva watch designer and artist Gérald Genta in the 1970s. Another IWC. Curated. watch is the Da Vinci Perpetual Calendar Chronograph (Ref. 3750) from 1985, the first IWC watch to feature the perpetual calendar developed by Kurt Klaus. With his ingenious, crown-controlled perpetual calendar, IWC’s legendary watchmaker in the early 1980s created a complication that continues to be the benchmark for efficiency and ease of use today. Also, on offer is a genuine Navigator’s Wristwatch Mark 11 (Store Ref. No. 6B/346), an antimagnetic tool watch manufactured in 1952 for the British Royal Air Force.

Building on IWC’s extensive ceramic expertise, the Colors of TOP GUN collection comprises ceramic watches in different shades. Inspired by the world of naval aviation and developed in collaboration with Pantone^®, these colors include Mojave Desert, Lake Tahoe, Woodland, Oceana and Jet Black. The Swiss luxury watch manufacturer now presents a new color called TOP GUN Miramar. It is inspired by the light blue t-shirts that TOPGUN instructors wear under their flight suits. Having gone through a rigorous selection and intensive training process, they are considered some of the most skilled pilots and instructors. 

Limited to 1,000 pieces, the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 TOP GUN Miramar (Ref. IW389409) features a light blue ceramic case, complemented by a dial and a waterrepellent rubber strap in the same color. The blue hands are coated with Super-LumiNova^® to enhance legibility in low-light conditions. The process of manufacturing a colored ceramic watch is a remarkable feat of material engineering. Zirconium oxide is mixed with different metallic oxides in a precisely defined ratio. As the color changes during the sintering process, numerous trials are needed to achieve exactly the desired result. One specific challenge was transferring the new ceramic color to other components of the watch, such as the dial and the rubber strap. Each part is made of materials with unique properties and requires specific manufacturing processes.

The Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 (Ref. IW388117) marks the first time IWC Schaffhausen introduces a Pantone^® color in a stainless steel watch. The chronograph features a 41-millimeter stainless steel case, combined with a TOP GUN Miramar blue dial and rubber strap. The rhodium-plated hands filled with Super-LumiNova^® enhance legibility. 

A HIGH-PRECISION CHRONOGRAPH MOVEMENT INSIDE 

Both chronographs are powered by movements from the IWC-manufactured 69000 caliber family. These chronograph movements have been engineered with a focus on robustness, reliability and precision. The column-wheel design ensures that the switching sequences are clearly defined, providing a distinct tactile feedback when the buttons are pushed. The efficient double-pawl winding system generates a power reserve of 46 hours in the mainspring. A signature feature is the IWC-typical vertical dial layout, which places the stopped minutes at 12 o’clock for easy and intuitive reading. The stainless steel version includes an open case back, offering a view of the movement, while the ceramic variant has a titanium case back engraved with the iconic “TOPGUN” logo. Additionally, it is equipped with a soft-iron inner case that protects the movement from magnetic fields.

Both models feature the IWC-developed EasX-CHANGE^® system. This innovative feature allows the wearer to easily remove the strap from the spring bar and replace it with another one by simply pressing a button integrated into the strap. As this system requires no tools, exchanging the strap or bracelet is quick and easy.

In 2024, IWC Schaffhausen introduced new design codes to its Portugieser collection, including a range of new signature colours. Called Horizon Blue, Dune, Obsidian and Silver Moon, these colours reflect the eternal cycle of day and night and the constant flow of time. The Swiss luxury watch manufacturer now presents a new model with three complications featuring an Obsidian-coloured dial. 

Limited to 100 pieces, the Portugieser Tourbillon Rétrograde Chronograph (Ref. IW394009) features a case, pushers and crown meticulously crafted from 18-carat Armor Gold^®. Thanks to an improved microstructure, this material boasts significantly better hardness values than conventional gold alloys. The Obsidian-coloured dial is manufactured in a complex process comprising 60 individual steps. Fifteen layers of transparent lacquer give it an incredible optical depth and an almost three-dimensional effect. The dial is complemented by gold-plated hands and solid gold appliques. The watch is fitted with a black alligator leather strap from the Italian leather artisan Santoni with an 18-carat Armor Gold^® folding clasp.

A STATE-OF-THE-ART FLYING MINUTE TOURBILLON 

The tourbillon is one of the most spectacular complications in fine watchmaking, both for the complexity of its design and its striking visual appeal. This intricate mechanism places the pallet lever and the escape wheel inside a small cage that rotates around its axis once every minute. The continuous rotation reduces the effects of gravity on the watch’s oscillating system and contributes to a more precise rate. Weighing only 0.675 grams in total, the flying minute tourbillon at 6 o’clock consists of 56 individual parts. With the integrated tourbillon stop, it can be brought to a complete halt and the time set with down-to-the-second accuracy. The pallet lever and the escape wheel are made of silicone and coated using IWC’s proprietary Diamond Shell^® technology. This special coating reduces friction and improves the flow of energy in the movement, contributing to the generous power reserve of 68 hours.

RETROGRADE DATE DISPLAY AND FLYBACK CHRONOGRAPH 

In addition to the flying minute tourbillon, the Portugieser Tourbillon Rétrograde Chronograph also features a retrograde date display located at 9 o’clock on the dial. A small hand points to the current date on an arch-shaped scale ranging from the 1st to the 31st. After reaching the end of the month, the hand will jump back to the starting position. The third complication is the f lyback chronograph, displaying the stopped hours and minutes combined in a totaliser at 12 o’clock. The flyback chronograph enables very rapid restarting of the chronograph function while it is running. When the chronograph button is pushed, the chronograph hands will immediately reset to zero and start a new timing. 

The Portugieser Tourbillon Rétrograde Chronograph is powered by the IWC-manufactured 89900 calibre, a highly sophisticated automatic movement comprising a total of 375 individual parts. Elaborately decorated with Geneva stripes and circular graining, the movement can be observed through the sapphire glass case back. The oscillating mass of the automatic winding system is crafted from solid gold.