The 6^th of February 2027 marks the beginning of the Year of the Goat – a sign in the Chinese zodiac with profound significance. In ancient Chinese, the character for goat – “yáng” – was interchangeable with auspiciousness. Many inscriptions on artifacts feature a combination based on this character that symbolizes “great good fortune”. This connotation has evolved into the modern-day view of the goat as emblematic of beauty and kindness – a view that is reflected in the Chinese characters, where the character for goat is found integrated into the characters signifying both “beauty” and “kindness”. These qualities also aptly describe people born in this zodiac sign: they are considered compassionate and caring, as well as elegant and gentle.
 

To welcome the Year of the Goat, IWC Schaffhausen introduces the Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 Year of the Goat (Ref. IW388310) – a distinctive timepiece limited to 500 pieces.

A DIAL IN THE AUSPICIOUS COLOR OF GOLD

The colors red and gold are omnipresent during Chinese New Year celebrations. While the previous special editions have been distinguished by their rich burgundy dials, this new one is the first to feature a gold-colored dial. In Chinese culture, gold is associated with fortune, prosperity and prestige. Every glance at the dial therefore serves as a reminder of the positive wishes exchanged at the beginning of the new year. 
 

The gold-colored dial with contrasting black subdials and gold-plated hands is framed by an understated brushed titanium case with polished edges and a black ceramic bezel. Black is also the color of the calfskin strap. Thanks to the integrated EasX-CHANGE^® system, the strap can be exchanged at the touch of a button and without the need for tools.

THREE GOATS AS SYMBOLS OF BLISS

The highlight of this watch is hidden from view when it is worn on the wrist. The gold-plated oscillating weight, visible through the sapphire glass case back, depicts a small herd of three goats. For thousands of years, three goats have served as a symbol of bliss in China. This tradition can be traced back to the “Book of Changes” (“I Ching”), in which “yang” – pronounced the same way as the word for goat – represents the counterpart to “yin” and symbolizes positive energy and the beginning of a new cycle. The three-goat motif has remained a popular theme throughout Chinese history, appearing on cultural artifacts as well as on everyday objects dating back to the Han dynasty. The oscillating weight of this year’s special edition artfully reinterprets this popular and enduring motif, integrating it into an IWC Schaffhausen watch design for the first time.
 

ROBUSTNESS, RELIABILITY AND PRECISION

The Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 Year of the Goat is powered by the IWC-manufactured 69385 caliber, a mechanical chronograph movement engineered with an unwavering focus on robustness, reliability and precision. The automatic winding system generates a power reserve of 46 hours in the mainspring. The chronograph counters on the dial are arranged in IWC’s characteristic vertical subdial layout, with the elapsed minutes displayed at 12 o’clock for enhanced readability. Another practical feature is the day and date indication at 3 o’clock, which contains another nod to the Chinese New Year: on the 8th day of each month, the Chinese character for “goat” appears in the aperture instead of the eight numeral.

Fifty years ago, in 1976, IWC Schaffhausen introduced the Ingenieur SL, Reference 1832. The successor to the first generation of Ingenieur models was created by none other than Gérald Genta. The Geneva-based artist and watch designer conceived this bold design at the height of his creative powers in the 1970s, a decade in which luxury steel sports watches with integrated bracelets emerged as an entirely new product category within Swiss watchmaking. Despite its forward-looking design language, the Ingenieur SL was not a commercial success at launch. It would take decades for collectors to rediscover the watch – of which between 1976 and 1983 only 598 pieces were made – and today it ranks among the most sought-after models in IWC’s history.

The Ingenieur SL was also the creative blueprint for the modern Ingenieur, launched in 2023. With its bezel secured by five functional screws, structured grid dial and integrated bracelet, it echoes the defining style cues of the Ingenieur SL while pairing them with enhanced ergonomics, wearability and highly detailed finishing. Now, IWC celebrates the 50^th anniversary of Genta’s emblematic design with two limited editions of the Ingenieur Automatic, available in 40 and 35 millimeters.

The Ingenieur Automatic 40 50^th Anniversary (Ref. IW328910) and the Ingenieur Automatic 35 50^th Anniversary (Ref. IW324909) are each limited to 1,150 pieces. These watches stand out because of their distinct brushed silver-plated dials, inspired by a rare variant of the 1970s Ingenieur SL. While Reference 1832 is mostly known for its structured dial, IWC also introduced one variant featuring a silver-plated dial with a brushed finish. On both anniversary editions, the dials are complemented with rhodium-plated hands and metal hour markers, filled with Super-LumiNova^®. Furthermore, a subtle design modification has been made to the logo: the characteristic lightning bolt, typically found below the “Ingenieur” name on the dial, has been replaced with the number “50” to commemorate the anniversary of the Ingenieur SL.

Both novelties feature a case and bracelet crafted from stainless steel. The bracelet, attached via its middle links, ensures excellent ergonomics and wearing comfort. The detailed finishing incorporates satin-finishing and polishing. While the bracelet of the 40-millimeter version is satin-finished, the middle links on the 35-millimeter variant are polished. Both models showcase the characteristic bezel, a signature feature of the Ingenieur. Secured to the case with five screws, the bezels are satin-finished and boast polished edges, enhancing the sculptural quality of the Gérald Genta-inspired design.

The Ingenieur Automatic 40 50^th Anniversary is powered by the IWC-manufactured 32111 caliber. This automatic movement features a double pawl winding system, which generates a power reserve of 120 hours. Like the original Ingenieur SL from the 1970s, the watch features a soft-iron inner case to protect its movement from magnetic fields. The Ingenieur Automatic 35 50th Anniversary features a see-through sapphire glass case back displaying the IWC Caliber 47110. The movement is finished with circular graining and Geneva stripes and also features a gold-plated oscillating weight.

EVOLVING INTO A COMPREHENSIVE COLLECTION

Since IWC introduced the new Ingenieur in 2023, the collection has been growing steadily in case sizes, dial colors, materials and complications. Today, the line spans executions ranging from stainless steel, titanium and 18-karat 5N gold to black and colored ceramic. The collection also includes a perpetual calendar and watchmaking’s ultimate complication – the tourbillon.

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.

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.

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.

Founded in the year 2000, Laureus Sport for Good has impacted the lives of more than seven million children and young people by using sports as a tool to address violence, discrimination and inequality. The foundation currently supports more than 300 programmes in over 40 countries and territories worldwide. IWC Schaffhausen became a Global Partner in 2005 and has since then collaborated with Laureus on numerous occasions. The Swiss luxury watch manufacturer launches its 17^th special edition timepiece created in support of the foundation’s work. 

The Portofino Automatic Pointer Date Laureus (Ref. IW359202) features a 39-millimetre stainless steel case and a dial with a sunray finish in the characteristic Laureus blue colour. The applied indices, the roman “XII” numeral at 12 o’clock and the hands are rhodium-plated.

The eye-catcher on the dial is the analogue pointer-date indication at 6 o’clock. At midnight, the small pointer will jump to the new date. This understated and elegant Portofino watch is fitted with a blue calfskin strap with a stainless steel butterfly folding clasp. The case back features an engraving of the Laureus Sport for Good logo and also reminds of the 25^th anniversary that the foundation is celebrating this year. At work inside the case is the 35160 calibre with automatic winding and a power reserve of 50 hours.

Katarina Witt, renowned figure skater and Laureus World Sports Academy Member, adds: “As proud member of the Laureus World Sports Academy, it’s an honour to celebrate the 25^th anniversary of Laureus with a limited edition IWC Schaffhausen timepiece that captures both beauty and purpose. IWC has been a wonderful supporter of Laureus in their role as Global Partner for two decades, standing alongside us in our mission to use sport as a force for good. The 2025 special edition watch is not only a testament to their exceptional craftsmanship, but also a tribute to the incredible young women of Figure Skating in Harlem — a Laureus-supported programme that empowers girls in New York City to build confidence, leadership, and academic excellence through the power of figure skating. As someone whose life was shaped by this sport, it means a lot to see our shared values reflected in such a special timepiece.”

Every year, IWC works with one of the more than 300 programmes worldwide supported by Laureus Sport for Good. This year, IWC highlights and supports Figure Skating in Harlem (FSH). The roots of what has evolved to a pioneering force for girls’ empowerment go back to the early 1990s. Today, FSH is the world’s only organisation to combine academic support and leadership development with access to the creative sport of figure skating. FSH works with more than 200 girls annually. The curriculum includes writing, reading, communication skills and financial literacy.

LAUREUS 

Laureus is a global movement that uses the power of sport to transform the lives of children and young people. At the inaugural Laureus World Sports Awards, Laureus’ founding patron Nelson Mandela said, “sport has the power to change the world”, and these words have become the philosophy of Laureus and the driving force behind its work. Since 2000, Laureus Sport for Good has used the power of sport to change the lives of more than seven million children and young people around the world. Laureus currently supports more than 300 programmes in over 40 countries and territories working to help young people overcome violence, discrimination and inequality.

FIGURE SKATING IN HARLEM 

“Figure Skating in Harlem helps girls transform their lives and grow in confidence, leadership and academic achievement. We are the first organisation in the world for girls of colour that combines the power of education with access to the artistic discipline of figure skating to build champions in life. Our vision is to empower every young girl with the skills and foundation to achieve her dreams. She will be a powerful speaker, an effective leader, live a healthy and financially independent lifestyle, and be a global citizen.”

Founded in 1997 by Sharon Cohen, Figure Skating in Harlem has a network of 1,500 alumnae and serves hundreds of girls each year. Our award-winning model has recently been recognised by the International Olympic Committee and the Sports Business Journal. This year, Figure Skating in Harlem was the subject of a five-part series on Disney+, created by Imagine Documentaries with Oscar-winning producer Ron Howard, Brian Grazer, and Robin Roberts. 

To learn more about our lifechanging work, visit figureskatinginharlem.org.

IWC Schaffhausen looks back on almost four decades of experience in manufacturing ceramic watch cases. In 2019, the brand introduced “Mojave Desert” as the first ceramic color in its “Colors of TOP GUN” collection. The color “Mojave Desert” is a discreet earth tone with notes of beige and khaki. This distinctive color is inspired by the flight suits of naval aviators and the desert landscape around China Lake, where the US Navy’s operates an air base for its most skilled pilots. The Swiss luxury watch manufacturer now adds a new “Mojave Desert” watch to its collection. 

The Pilot’s Watch Automatic 41 TOP GUN Mojave Desert (Ref. IW328106) features a meticulously crafted sand-colored ceramic case with a diameter of 41 millimeters. Engineering ceramics undergo a complex manufacturing process. It begins with powdered raw materials, which are shaped into a pre-form known as “green body” and then machined closer to the final geometry. The next step involves sintering the case at high temperatures in a kiln. During this heat process, ceramic obtains properties like its extreme hardness and resistance to scratches. The distinctive “Mojave Desert” color is achieved by blending zirconium oxide with other metallic oxides in a precisely defined mixing ratio. As the color changes during the sintering process, countless trials are needed to achieve exactly the desired result.

The Pilot’s Watch Automatic 41 TOP GUN Mojave Desert is characterized by its tone-in-tone design. Matching the ceramic case, the brown dial features a minute scale and numerals in a subdued tone, all coated with Super-LumiNova^® to ensure perfect legibility in low light conditions. The monochromatic design is complemented by a beige rubber strap with a textile inlay and a titanium pin buckle. Light and robust titanium is also used for the case back, which is engraved with the iconic “TOP GUN” logo.

The Pilot’s Watch Automatic 41 TOP GUN Mojave Desert is powered by the IWC-manufactured 32112 caliber. Its balance oscillates at a frequency of 4 Hz, ensuring a precise rate. The movement is equipped with an automatic pawl winding system. It uses movements of the rotor in both directions to generate a power reserve of 120 hours. 

The new model joins the line-up of existing “Mojave Desert” watches, which includes the Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar TOP GUN Edition “Mojave Desert” (Ref. IW503004), the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 TOP GUN Mojave Desert (Ref. IW389402) and the Big Pilot’s Watch TOP GUN Edition “Mojave Desert” (Ref. IW506003).

More than 80 years after its initial release, Antoine de Saint Exupéry’s novel “The Little Prince” remains as popular as ever. Through a simple narrative that has been translated into more than 600 languages and dialects, the French author and aviator explores profound philosophical themes such as love, loss and friendship. IWC Schaffhausen has been collaborating with the heirs of Antoine de Saint Exupéry and the Antoine de Saint Exupéry Youth Foundation since 2006. The Swiss luxury watch manufacturer now adds two new special editions dedicated to “The Little Prince” to its Pilot’s Watches collection, the Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar Tourbillon Le Petit Prince (Ref. IW504901) and the Big Pilot’s Watch 43 Tourbillon Le Petit Prince (Ref. IW329501). 

TWO HIGH COMPLICATIONS IN ONE WATCH 

Limited to 100 pieces, the Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar Tourbillon Le Petit Prince is IWC’s first Le Petit Prince watch in ceramic. Reflecting the recurring blue colour element of these special editions in honour of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s novel, it features a 46.5-millimetre case crafted from blue ceramic, a blue dial and a blue textured rubber strap. These are combined with a case back ring and crown made of 18-carat 5N gold. The gold-plated appliques and hands are filled with Super-LumiNova^® to ensure perfect legibility. 

With a perpetual calendar and a flying minute tourbillon, this Big Pilot’s Watch combines two high complications. The flying minute tourbillon at 12 o’clock consists of 82 parts and weighs only 0.635 grams. Ranking among the most complex mechanisms in fine watchmaking, the tourbillon was initially conceived to counter the effects of gravity on the watch’s oscillating system, thereby increasing its accuracy. To achieve this, the pallet lever and the escape wheel are placed inside a small cage that rotates around its axis once every minute. Originally developed by legendary watchmaker Kurt Klaus during the 1980s, the perpetual calendar displays the calendar information on three subdials. The one at 3 o’clock combines the date with a power reserve indicator, while the one at the 6 o’clock position integrates both the month and the perpetual moon phase display. However, instead of showing the moon, the display depicts the Little Prince on his asteroid. Thanks to a reduction gear train with two intermediate wheels, it will only deviate by one day after 577.5 years. The subdial at 9 o’clock shows the day of the week. This version also features a four-digit year display. The calendar is mechanically programmed to recognise the different months’ lengths and automatically inserts a leap day every four years. As all its displays are synchronised, it can be advanced simply via the crown.

Both complications are powered by the IWC-manufactured 51950 calibre, a highly complex movement consisting of 447 parts. Crafted from solid gold and visible through the open case back, the rotor of the automatic winding system takes the shape of the Little Prince standing on his asteroid. Just like in Antoine de Saint Exupéry’s famous novel, asteroid B612 is covered with wild-growing baobab plants.

A PLATINUM WATCH WITH A FLYING MINUTE TOURBILLON 

Limited to 150 pieces, the Big Pilot’s Watch 43 Tourbillon Le Petit Prince features a 43-milimetre case crafted from platinum, the rarest of all precious metal. Retaining its whitish shine and brilliance indefinitely, this material is highly resistant to corrosion and tarnishing. The platinum case and crown are combined with a deep blue dial with an intricate sunray finish, another standout feature of IWC’s special editions in honour of “The Little Prince”. The rhodium-plated hands and applied numerals are filled with Super-LumiNova^®, which ensures easy legibility. The watch is fitted with a brown calfskin strap with a platinum folding clasp. 

The flying minute tourbillon at 6 o’clock consists of 56 parts and weighs only 0.635 grams. As the mechanism rotates against a dark background, it appears to be floating in space. Thanks to the integrated tourbillon stop, the wearer can bring it to a complete halt by pulling out the crown and set the time with down-to-the-second accuracy. Components like the pallet lever and the escape wheel are treated with a special coating. Developed by IWC, this proprietary Diamond Shell^® technology reduces friction, improves the flow of energy in the movement and contributes to a generous power reserve of 80 hours. 

The Big Pilot’s Watch 43 Tourbillon Le Petit Prince is powered by the IWC-manufactured 82905 calibre with a Pellaton winding system. Developed by IWC’s former Technical Director Albert Pellaton in the 1950s, it uses movements of the rotor in both directions to wind the mainspring. Components that are subject to high stresses such as the automatic wheel are manufactured from virtually wear-free zirconium oxide ceramic. A special highlight is the rotor, which takes the shape of the Little Prince standing on his asteroid. This design detail is a charming reminder of Antoine de Saint Exupéry’s novel, which continues to entertain and inspire both children and adults.

ANTOINE DE SAINT EXUPÉRY YOUTH FOUNDATION 

The Antoine de Saint Exupéry Youth Foundation was created in 2009, under the aegis of the Fondation de France, by the family of the author of The Little Prince, his admirers and personalities from the worlds of culture, science and aeronautics. Faithful to the spirit of the French writer and aviator, the Antoine de Saint Exupéry Youth Foundation carries out a range of philanthropic actions aimed at improving the daily lives of young people and helping them to better understand their future, through its network of local associations in France and abroad, supporting concrete projects in the fields of education, culture, disability and the fight against illiteracy. FASEJ embodies the exemplary values of Antoine de Saint Exupéry, both in his work and in his actions: pioneering spirit, commitment, audacity, sharing, responsibility, sense of duty, respect for the planet. 

More information on fasej.org and @fasej.fondation.

Ceramic is extremely hard and resistant to scratches but also lighter than steel and unaffected by temperature changes. These properties make it an ideal material for use in wristwatches. IWC Schaffhausen’s ceramic expertise dates back almost four decades. In 1986, the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer introduced the world’s first wristwatch with a black zirconium oxide ceramic case. Following that milestone, IWC’s engineers have continued to innovate in this field and introduced material innovations including silicon nitride, boron carbide, coloured ceramics and, most recently, the first watch cases made with a Ceramic Matrix Composite (CMC). 

The Ingenieur Automatic 42 (Ref. IW338903) combines the Gérald Genta-derived integrated bracelet design with a full ceramic execution for the first time. The case ring, bezel and case back ring are all made of black zirconium oxide ceramic. Even add-on parts like the crown protection and the crown are made of this extremely hard and scratch-resistant material. Connecting to the case via its middle links, the integrated black ceramic bracelet offers perfect ergonomics. As ceramic is a particularly light material, the bracelet is highly comfortable to wear. The black dial features the characteristic “Grid” structure consisting of small lines and squares, a hallmark design feature of the IWC Ingenieur. Ensuring excellent legibility, the black hands and metal markers are filled with Super-LumiNova^®.

MULTI-PART PURE CERAMIC CASE CONSTRUCTION 

The Ingenieur Automatic 42 represents a true-toproportion ceramic execution of the emblematic Ingenieur design that is as slim as possible. To achieve this, IWC opted for a pure ceramic case construction with three parts. The case ring, bezel and case back ring are all made of ceramic. As the bezel and the case back ring are secured to the case ring with functional screws, this construction also requires a titanium ring on the inside. The ring accommodates the screws from the front and the back, holds the movement and contributes to a high water resistance of 10 bar. Instead of being held by the titanium ring, the sapphire crystals on the front and the back are pressed directly into the ceramic parts. This innovative new approach makes it possible to achieve a ceramic translation where the case construction remains perfectly faithful to the original stainless steel design. Maintaining the characteristic proportions and intricate angles of the Ingenieur while ensuring structural integrity and waterproofing marks an outstanding design and engineering achievement.

A HIGH LEVEL OF DETAIL IN THE CERAMIC FINISHING 

With a hardness value of about 1300 Vickers, zirconium oxide ceramic ranks among the hardest materials on Earth. After the sintering process, ceramic can only be processed using diamond-tipped tools. For the Ingenieur Automatic 42, IWC has pushed the boundaries in ceramic finishing. The case components are satinf inished and then treated with a smooth sand-blasting, with a delicate polishing around their edges. The bracelet links boast the same elaborate surface treatment with a combination of satin-finishing, sandblasting and polishing. This multi-stage and highly complex finishing results in a refined aesthetic, offering the perfect level of light reflection.

PELLATON WINDING SYSTEM WITH CERAMIC COMPONENTS 

The Ingenieur Automatic 42 is powered by the IWC-manufactured 82110 calibre. Its Pellaton winding system efficiently converts movements of the oscillating mass in both directions to energy for the mainspring, building up a power reserve of 60 hours. Components of the winding system that are subject to high stress are made of virtually wear-free zirconium oxide ceramic. The automatic wheel and the clicks are made of black ceramic, while the rotor bearing is made of white ceramic. The balance oscillates at a rate of 4 Hertz, ensuring precise timekeeping. The movement is visible through a tinted sapphire glass case back, complementing the watch’s all-black design.

The tourbillon is one of the most sophisticated complications in fine watchmaking. The balance wheel and pallet lever are placed inside a small cage that rotates around its axis once every minute. This constant rotation contributes to offsetting the effect of gravity on the oscillating system of the watch, thereby increasing its accuracy. Its complexity also makes the tourbillon a highly delicate and fragile mechanism. As dozens of parts have to work together in a confined space, it is particularly vulnerable to damage by shocks. With the Big Pilot’s Watch Shock Absorber Tourbillon Skeleton XPL (Ref. IW357701), IWC’s engineering division XPL has now pushed the boundaries in fine watchmaking again. Marking a first for the brand, this highly complex watch combines the patented SPRIN-g PROTECT^® shock absorber system with a tourbillon.

A BREAKTROUGH INNOVATION FROM IWC’S ENGINEERING DIVISION XPL 

IWC Schaffhausen’s advanced engineering division XPL develops new technologies to enhance the durability of mechanical watches and expand their range of applications to extreme environments. One area of research is movement shock protection. When a watch suffers an impact, the movement can potentially be subjected to high g-forces. If a watch case impacts a hard surface, for example, accelerations can range between 300 to 1000 g. Acceleration forces generated inside the movement can reach up to 1000 g. IWC Schaffhausen’s patented SPRIN-g PROTECT^® system uses a cantilever spring to cushion the movement and suspend it inside the case. In the event of an impact to the case, the movement is protected by the compressing spring system, reducing impact forces significantly. A unique crown coupling system allows the movement to move freely inside the case when the coupling is disengaged. 

RE-ENGINEERED SHOCK PROTECTION FOR THE TOURBILLON 

To adapt the SPRIN-g PROTECT^® shock absorber system to the IWC-manufactured 82915 calibre, the shape of the spring had to be redesigned. Each of the eight arms was recalculated using advanced simulation tools and adapted to the dimensions and weight of the tourbillon movement. The re-engineered shock absorber underwent comprehensive testing using advances measurement methods. During these tests, protected tourbillon movements have survived shocks in excess of 10,000 g.

AN ADVANCED BULK METALLIC GLASS WITH ELASTIC PROPERTIES 

The key to this extraordinary performance lies in the spring’s perfect form and material execution in bulk metallic glass (BMG). The spring is designed to evenly spread shock forces across its length and width. A highly complex manufacturing process gives BMG a disordered atomic-scale structure. This amorphous microstructure makes the material significantly more elastic than conventional metals – a key requirement for a shock absorber spring. Manufacturing this material, however, represents an enormous engineering challenge. The liquid metal must be cooled down extremely rapidly so that its structure remains amorphous and does not become crystalline. Otherwise, the metal loses its advantageous properties.

SKELETONISED MOVEMENT REDUCES THE MASS TO BE PROTECTED 

Reducing the mass to be protected is critical for the shock absorber system’s performance. For this reason, the plates, bridges and rotor of the IWC-manufactured 82915 calibre are skeletonised. The dial is reduced to a simple black ring with the characteristic triangle at 12 o’clock and minute scale. Even the triangular hands, coated with Super-LumiNova^®, are skeletonised. The f lying minute tourbillon, consisting of 56 parts and weighing only 0.663 grams, is visible at 6 o’clock. This approach allowed IWC’s engineers to reduce the weight of the movement as much as possible, maximising the performance of the shock absorber system. It also exposes the components and the BMG spring in a spectacular way. The movement features a Pellaton winding system reinforced with components made of ceramic. Using movements of the rotor in both directions, it efficiently builds up a power reserve of 80 hours in the mainspring.

CERATANIUM^® CASE AND CROWN 

The case and the crown of this watch are manufactured using Ceratanium^®, an innovative material that was developed by IWC and first presented in 2017. Ceratanium^® is based on a special titanium alloy. The components are milled from bars and then subsequently finished and fired in a kiln. During this heat process, they assume the properties of ceramic and also obtain their dark metallic finish. As a result, parts made of Ceratanium® are as light and unbreakable as titanium, while at the same time being similarly hard and scratch-resistant as ceramic. The Ceratanium^® case features distinctive rubber bumpers on both sides. This highly complex and futuristic Big Pilot’s Watch is f itted with a black rubber strap with a technical pattern, complete with a Ceratanium^® pin buckle.

Formula 1 combines cutting-edge engineering with exhilarating action on the racetrack. The globally popular sport will take centre stage in Apple Original Films’ upcoming F1 – set for release in cinemas and IMAX this summer from Warner Bros. Pictures. It is directed and produced by Joseph Kosinski and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, famed Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton, the film’s star Brad Pitt, Jeremy Kleiner, Dede Garner and Chad Oman. It stars Pitt as Sonny Hayes, a former racing driver, who returns to Formula 1, alongside Damson Idris’ character Joshua Pearce as his younger team mate on “APXGP”, a fictional team on the grid. Other cast members include Kerry Condon, Tobias Menzies, Kim Bodnia, and Javier Bardem. Ehren Kruger wrote the screenplay, and the film was executive produced by Daniel Lupi.

A LIMITED EDITION INGENIEUR AUTOMATIC 40 WITH A GREEN DIAL 

In the movie, Sonny Hayes will be wearing a bespoke watch based on the Ingenieur SL, Reference 1832, with a striking green dial, representing his signature green colour. This prop watch is the result of a collaboration between IWC Schaffhausen and Cloister Watch Company, a design studio that specialises in creating bespoke timepieces from vintage watches. The bespoke movie watch has now served as the inspiration for a special edition of the Ingenieur Automatic 40 (Ref. IW328908), with a stainless steel case and bracelet. Limited to 1000 pieces, it features a “Grid”-patterned green dial with gold-plated appliques – a similar colour code and combination that is worn by Hayes in the movie. The golden hands and the gold-coated metal markers are filled with Super-LumiNova^®, ensuring perfect legibility. A hallmark design feature of the Ingenieur is the characteristic bezel, which is secured to the case ring with five functional screws. Offering exceptional wearing comfort, the integrated bracelet with a butterfly folding clasp attaches to the case via its middle links. The Ingenieur Automatic 40 is powered by the IWC-manufactured 32111 calibre movement with a power reserve of 120 hours and 10 bar water resistance. In keeping with the tradition of the Ingenieur, a soft-iron inner case effectively shields the movement against the effects of magnetic fields.

CHRONOGRAPHS CELEBRATE PARTNERSHIP WITH THE MOVIE F1

IWC Schaffhausen will appear as one of the official sponsors of the fictional “APXGP” team in the movie, with its branding being visible on the race cars, the driver’s race suits and helmets, the team uniforms, as well as in the garage. Watches from IWC’s Pilot’s Watches collection will be worn by different characters in the film, and will also be featured as the official team watches. To celebrate the partnership with the movie F1, IWC Schaffhausen now adds three “APXGP”-inspired chronographs to its Pilot’s Watches collection. The Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 (Ref. IW388309) features an 18-carat 5N gold case with sapphire case back, black lacquered dial and a black ceramic tachymeter bezel. It will be worn on the wrist of Damson Idris’ character Joshua Pearce. The case, pushers and crown crafted from 18-carat 5N gold are combined with gold appliques and gold-plated hands f illed with white Super-LumiNova^®. The black dial with a lacquer finish is the result of a highly engineered production process, with the totalisers at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock being individually finished and printed. Polished by hand, the gold-plated appliques for the indices, numerals and characteristic triangle at 12 o’clock are fixed to the dial and filled with Super-LumiNova^®. The Performance Chronograph 41 is fitted with a black rubber strap with integrated EasX-CHANGE^® strap change system.

The Pilot’s Watch Chronograph APXGP (Ref. IW378009) features a stainless steel case with a diameter of 43 millimetres, while the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 APXGP (Ref. IW388116) is housed in a 41-millimetre stainless steel case. Both chronographs are dedicated to the “APXGP” team. Their design with black, gold and white elements is a reference to the team’s colours. The stainless steel cases are combined with black dials, which are printed with white numerals and golden minute markers. The minute and hour hands and the hands in the subdials are gold-plated and filled with white Super-LumiNova^®. Both chronographs are equipped with tinted sapphire case backs, featuring the “APXGP” team logo printed in gold. Water resistant to 10 bar, these chronographs are fitted with black rubber straps featuring a special laser engraving to commemorate the “APXGP” team. The durable and waterproof straps feature IWC’s EasX-CHANGE^® system, enabling the wearer to change them at the touch of a button without any tools.

HIGH-PERFORMANCE CHRONOGRAPH MOVEMENT INSIDE 

The chronographs are powered by the IWC-manufactured 69385 calibre. Engineered with a focus on performance, reliability and precision, this mechanical chronograph movement 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 two totalisers at 9 o’clock and 12 o’clock. The IWC-typical vertical subdial layout places the stopped minutes directly at the 12 o’clock position, enhancing readability. The movement’s bidirectional pawl winding system reliably builds up a power reserve of 46 hours in the mainspring. 

ABOUT THE FILM 

Apple Original Films Presents F1 a Monolith Pictures / Jerry Bruckheimer / Plan B Entertainment / Dawn Apollo Films Production, A Film by Joseph Kosinski, F1, distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, in theatres and IMAX in the US on June 27^th, 2025 and internationally beginning 25^th June 2025.

In 2023, IWC Schaffhausen presented the Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41, its first chronograph with a ceramic bezel featuring a tachymeter scale. This year, the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer complements the collection with the first Performance Chronograph featuring a perpetual calendar. 

The Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph Perpetual Calendar Digital Date-Month (Ref. IW388801) impresses with a technical all-black design execution in Ceratanium®. The case, pushers, crown and bracelet are all made of this IWC-developed material. Based on a special titanium alloy that is forged to IWC’s stringent specifications, Ceratanium^® combines the lightness and structural integrity of titanium with a hardness and scratch-resistance similar to ceramic. The case and bracelet components are machined from bars and then fired at high temperatures in a kiln. During this heat process, they obtain ceramic properties and also their matt black finish. The bezel is made of polished black ceramic and features a tachymeter scale. In combination with the chronograph, it lets the wearer determine the average speed over a reference distance of one kilometre. The black dial with a hammered effect is manufactured in a complex process and represents a masterpiece of craftsmanship and finishing. The subdials at 3 and 9 o’clock with openings for the date and month discs feature a circular technical structure. The black indices and hands are filled with Super-LumiNova^® to ensure perfect legibility. 

A DIGITAL VERSION OF THE PERPETUAL CALENDAR 

The perpetual calendar displays the date and the month with the help of large golden discs at 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock. These displays take inspiration from IWC’s emblematic Pallweber pocket watches from the 1880s, which displayed the hours and minutes in a digital format using single digits. The mechanisms driving these display discs is highly complex. While the advance wheel for the single-digit and tens disc advances daily, a little energy is stored away every night. This energy is then discharged precisely at the end of a month or the year when, in addition to the date and month discs, the leap year disc at 6 o’clock also needs to be moved forward. The perpetual calendar recognises the different lengths of the months and adds a leap day every four years at the end of February. The combination of “29” and “02” will, therefore, appear only once every four years on the dial. Despite the complexity with four discs, the calendar can be set using only the crown. 

Powering this watch is the IWC-manufactured 89802 calibre, a high-end mechanical movement assembled from 474 individual components. The movement also drives a chronograph function. The stopped hours and minutes are displayed combined in a totaliser at 12 o’clock. A highly efficient double-pawl winding system builds up a power reserve of 68 hours in the mainspring. This engineered and complex movement can be observed through the tinted sapphire glass case back. The bridges are blackened and similarly the rotor is blackened and skeletonised.

Introduced in 2023, the Ingenieur Automatic 40 reflects the bold aesthetic codes of the Ingenieur SL, Reference 1832, which was designed by Gérald Genta in the 1970s. At the same time, the thoroughly re-engineered automatic model meets highest standards regarding ergonomics and finishing. IWC Schaffhausen now complements the collection with a new Ingenieur Automatic 40 (Ref. IW328702) crafted entirely from 18-carat 5N gold. The case and case back ring, bezel, crown protection, crown and bracelet links are all made of gold.

PERFECT ERGONOMICS AND EXCELLENT WEARABILITY

With its 40-millimetre case size, the Ingenieur Automatic 40 ensures perfect ergonomics and wearability. The integrated bracelet attaches to the case via its middle links, offering an excellent fit on the wrist. The bezel is held in place by five functional screws. Another feature of the Ingenieur Automatic 40 is the black dial with a “Grid” structure. It consists of small lines and squares, adding texture and depth to the black dial. The appliques are made of solid 5N gold and individually set by hand. Both the appliques and the gold-plated hands are filled with Super-LumiNova^® to ensure superb legibility in all lighting conditions.

GOLD ACCENTUATES THE HIGHLY DETAILED FINISHING

This new Ingenieur Automatic 40 is distinguished by its case and integrated bracelet made of 18-carat 5N gold and features a highly detailed finishing with a combination of satin-finished and polished surfaces. The bezel is satin-finished with its outer edges polished, while the case back ring is polished. Both the H-links and centre links of the integrated bracelet are satin-finished.

SEE-THROUGH SAPPHIRE GLASS CASE BACK

The Ingenieur Automatic 40 in 18-carat 5N features a see-through sapphire glass case back showcasing the IWC-manufactured 32111 calibre with a double pawl winding system and a power reserve of 120 hours. The movement is finished with circular Geneva stripes, blued screws and a gold-plated oscillating weight.

In 1976, IWC introduced the Ingenieur SL, Reference 1832, spearheading its SL collection of luxury sports watches in stainless steel. Less than a decade later, in 1985, the now legendary perpetual calendar developed by Kurt Klaus premiered in the Da Vinci Perpetual Calendar Chronograph. Forty years later, IWC now presents the first stainless steel model to combine the emblematic Ingenieur design inspired by Gérald Genta with Kurt Klaus’ crown-operated perpetual calendar. 

The Ingenieur Perpetual Calendar 41 (Ref. IW344903) features a stainless steel case with a diameter of 41 millimetres. The proportions of each case component have been reworked and adapted to accommodate the perpetual calendar movement while offering perfect ergonomics. Seamlessly integrated into the case via a middle-link attachment, the H-link bracelet with a butterfly clasp ensures high wearing comfort. The characteristic bezel, a hallmark feature of Gérald Genta’s design, is secured to the case with five functional screws. The detailed finishing further accentuates the sculptural quality and timelessness of the Ingenieur design. The case, bezel and crown protection feature a combination of satin-finished and polished surfaces. The H-links of the bracelet are satin-finished with polished outer edges, while the middle links are polished. The case back ring, which encloses the sapphire glass case back, is polished. 

A COMPLEX DIAL WITH “GRID” STRUCTURE AND THREE COUNTERS 

Another highlight is the dial, which is manufactured in a highly complex process. In a first step, the characteristic “Grid” and the subdials are applied to the dial base. Consisting of small lines and squares, this unique structure adds additional depth to the dial and reflects the light exquisitely. The counters are treated with a sunray finish, while the outer edges feature a refined azurage. After colouring, the subdials are pad-printed with the calendar display information. The single moon disc, which is visible in the subdial at 6 o’clock, features an intricate azurage finish. Finally, the metal markers are filled with Super-LumiNova^® and applied individually by hand. The rhodium-plated hours and minutes hands are also filled with luminescent material.

PERPETUAL CALENDAR WITH HIGH-PRECISION MOON PHASE 

The three perpetual calendar subdials have been carefully integrated into the Ingenieur dial to create a balanced layout. The calendar information is displayed at 3 o’clock, 6 o’clock and 9 o’clock. The subdial at the 3 o’clock position indicates the date, while the one at 6 o’clock combines the month with the perpetual moon phase. Thanks to a reduction gear train using two intermediate wheels, the moon phase display will only deviate by one day after 577.5 years. In addition to showing the day of the week, the subdial at 9 o’clock features a small leap year indicator, which counts down the years to the next leap year. In case of a leap year, the calendar will automatically insert a 29^th day at the end of February. All these displays are perfectly synchronised with each other and can be advanced simply by turning the crown. 

PELLATON WINDING SYSTEM WITH CERAMIC COMPONENTS 

The Ingenieur Perpetual Calendar 41 is powered by the IWC-manufactured 82600 calibre. The automatic Pellaton winding system uses movements of the oscillating mass in both directions to efficiently convert movements on the wearer’s arm into potential energy for the mainspring, thereby building up a power reserve of 60 hours. Components that are subject to high stress are made of virtually wear-free zirconium oxide ceramic, one of the hardest materials on Earth. The automatic wheel and the clicks are made of black ceramic, while the rotor bearing is made of white ceramic. The balance wheel oscillates at 28,800 vibrations per hour, ensuring accurate timekeeping. Featuring an elaborate f inishing with circular graining, Geneva stripes and blued screws, the movement is visible through the sapphire glass case back.

In 2023, IWC Schaffhausen introduced the Ingenieur Automatic 40; a luxury sports watch with an integrated bracelet revisiting the emblematic design of Gérald Genta’s Ingenieur SL, Reference 1832, from the 1970s. This year, the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer extends the collection with the Ingenieur Automatic 35. This new and more compact automatic model has a case diameter of 35 millimetres and a thickness of just 9.44 millimetres. 

The Ingenieur Automatic 35 is available in three versions. One model features an 18-carat 5N gold case and bracelet, completed with a gold-coloured dial (Ref. IW324903). Two models feature a stainless steel case and bracelet. The first one has a silver-plated dial (Ref. IW324901), the second one a black dial (Ref. IW324906).

ENHANCED ERGONOMICS AND HIGH-END FINISHING

Despite its more compact size, the Ingenieur Automatic 35 features all the characteristic design cues of the IWC Ingenieur. Among these are the bezel with five functional screws, the integrated bracelet attaching via its middle links and the “Grid” dial with applied indices. Designers and engineers worked hand-in-hand to define, proportion and finish every part and characteristic of the Ingenieur faithfully to a 35-millimetre case size. The result offers the instantly recognisable look and feel of the Ingenieur in a smaller and flatter execution with perfect ergonomics and wearing comfort.

Just as the 40-millimetre version, the Ingenieur Automatic 35 impresses with its highly detailed finishing. The three new models are finished with a combination of satinf inished and polished surfaces, adding texture and reflecting the light beautifully. Secured to the case ring with five functional screws, the bezel is satin-finished with a polished outer edge. The H-links of the bracelet are also satin-finished with polished edges, while the centre links and case back are fully polished.

CHARACTERISTIC DIAL WITH “GRID” STRUCTURE

A hallmark feature of the Ingenieur Automatic 35 is its elaborately crafted dial. It features the characteristic “Grid” pattern, consisting of small lines and squares. Another detail is the intricate framing of the date window. The appliques on all three models are individually mounted by hand and filled with Super-LumiNova^®. While the 18-carat 5N gold version features solid gold appliques and gold-plated hands, the two stainless steel models boast steel appliques and rhodium-plated hands.

SEE-THROUGH SAPPHIRE GLASS CASE BACK

All three versions of the Ingenieur Automatic 35 have been equipped with open case backs showcasing the 47110 calibre with automatic winding and a power reserve of 42 hours. The movement is finished with circular graining and Geneva stripes and features a gold-plated oscillating weight.

Formula One™ is a sport that demands everything from the drivers and their teams. In their narrow cockpit, the drivers are constantly being thrown around and exposed to high centrifugal forces when braking or cornering. However, the emotions also run high off the racetrack, all the way up to Toto Wolff. When the racing action on the track sparked maximum levels of excitement, the CEO and principal of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1™ Team has been spotted wearing a prototype of the Big Pilot’s Watch Shock Absorber XPL. These moments have inspired a watch that is engineered to withstand the enormous stresses of Formula One™, also on Toto Wolff’s wrist.
 

As the team unveils its race car for the 2025 season and welcomes George Russell’s new teammate, driver Kimi Antonelli, the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer launches the Big Pilot’s Watch Shock Absorber XPL Toto Wolff x Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team (Ref. IW356201). Limited to 100 pieces, it combines IWC’s SPRIN-g PROTECT^® shock absorber system with a technical design inspired by the team’s black and PETRONAS green colour scheme. The spring that protects the movement against the extreme g-forces generated by impacts on the watch has been coated with Super-LumiNova^® in the team’s signature green and glows in the dark.

PROTECTING THE MOVEMENT FROM HIGH G-FORCES

The patented SPRIN-g PROTECT^® shock absorber system was developed by IWC’s engineering division XPL and first introduced with the Big Pilot’s Watch Shock Absorber XPL (Ref. IW357201) in 2021. Taking movement shock protection to the next level, it is based on a cantilever spring that cushions the movement inside the case. If the watch suffers an impact on the case, the movement and the case typically are subjected to high g-forces. The spring absorbs a large portion of these forces before they can reach the movement. Designed with a special form allowing it to evenly spread the stress across its length and width, the spring is manufactured from a bulk metallic glass (BMG). Thanks to a complex manufacturing process, this advanced material is significantly more elastic than conventional crystalline metals.

CERATANIUM^® CASE AND BLACKENED MOVEMENT

The Big Pilot’s Watch Shock Absorber XPL Toto Wolff x Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team features a case and crown made of Ceratanium^®. Developed by IWC, this advanced material combines the lightness and robustness of titanium with a hardness similar to ceramic. The black dial features a grainy technical structure, which is stamped into the brass base with a special tool. The newly designed triangular black hands also feature Super-LumiNova^® around their edges. The outer ring with the minute scale appears to be floating freely on lamellae attached around the dial.
 

The watch is powered by the IWC-manufactured 32101 calibre with a double pawl automatic winding system and a power reserve of 120 hours. The plates, bridges and oscillating mass are blackened to match the all-black design. The movement is visible through a tinted sapphire glass case back featuring a print with Toto’s signature. It is fitted with an integrated green rubber strap. An additional black rubber strap is included as an accessory.

Since 2013, IWC Schaffhausen is the “Official Engineering Partner” of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team. With eight championships won between the 2014 and 2021 seasons, the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team holds the record for the most consecutive constructors’ titles. As the team prepares for the 2025 season and welcomes new driver Kimi Antonelli as teammate to George Russell, the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer presents a new watch dedicated to its longstanding partner. 

In 2022, IWC released its first official team watch, the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 Edition “Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team” (Ref. IW388108) and in 2023, the Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team (Ref. IW388306).

The Pilot’s Watch Mark XX Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team (Ref. IW328210) features a 40-millimetre case crafted from lightweight and remarkably rigid grade 5 titanium. Offering the highest strength-to-density ratio of any metal, titanium is also used in automotive engineering to produce car parts subject to immense stress, such as engine valves. After machining and sandblasting, the surface retains an attractive greyish shimmer. Printed numerals and indices in the team’s signature Petronas green contrast the black dial. The hands for the hours, minutes and seconds are coated with Super-LumiNova^® of the same colour.

The case back is engraved with small hexagons as well as “Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team”. Inside the case is the IWC-manufactured 32111 calibre, an automatic movement with a power reserve of 120 hours. Water-resistant to 10 bar, this watch is fitted with a Petronas green rubber strap featuring the EasX-CHANGE^® strap change system. The Pilot’s Watch Mark XX Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team will be worn trackside by team members including mechanics, engineers and race strategists during the 2025 season.

The Ingenieur was originally launched in 1955 as IWC Schaffhausen’s first antimagnetic wristwatch for civilian use. However, its name is most frequently associated with renowned Geneva watch designer Gérald Genta, who was tasked with re-designing it in the 1970s. With the Ingenieur SL, Reference 1832, Genta detailed his artistic vision of a stainless steel luxury sports watch with an integrated bracelet. Introduced last year, the Ingenieur Automatic 40 reflects the bold aesthetic codes of Genta’s Ingenieur design. It is distinguished by the characteristic bezel with five functional screws, the integrated bracelet and the special dial pattern. After initially presenting an Ingenieur Automatic 40 in titanium and three stainless steel versions with a black, a silver-plated and an aqua dial, the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer now adds a new dial colour to the collection.

The Ingenieur Automatic 40 (Ref. IW328907) features a case, bezel and integrated H-link bracelet with butterfly folding clasp made of stainless steel. The ergonomics of the case and bracelet have been carefully re-engineered and improved down to the smallest detail. The 40-millimetre case size and the middle-link attachment ensure excellent wearability, even on a more slender wrist. The characteristic round bezel is screwed onto the case ring with five polygonal screws. The components of the case and the bracelet are elaborately finished with a combination of polished and satin-finished surfaces.

This new Ingenieur Automatic 40 impresses with its striking blue dial. The characteristic “grid” structure, consisting of small lines and squares, is stamped into the soft iron base using high pressure. Afterwards, the blue colour is applied with a PVD-coating. The rhodium-plated baton hands and the applied metal marker are all filled with Super-LumiNova^® luminescent mass to ensure perfect legibility in all lighting conditions.

SELF-WINDING MOVEMENT WITH FIVE DAYS POWER

The watch is powered by the IWC-manufactured 32111 calibre, a self-winding automatic movement with an efficient double pawl winding system. Converting the movements on the wearer’s arm into potential energy for the mainspring, it reliably builds up a power reserve of 120 hours. In keeping with the technical heritage of the Ingenieur, a soft-iron inner case shields the movement from the effects of magnetic fields on the watch’s rate.

Since 1984, the Portofino has become one of IWC Schaffhausen’s most established collections, notable for its freshness and the purity of its lines. Its minimalist round case, the Roman numerals and simple hour markers make it exceptionally versatile. 
 

This year at Watches and Wonders Shanghai, IWC Schaffhausen continues this tradition with its Portofino Chronograph 39 (Ref. IW391503). Combining the classic and timeless Portofino design with a sporty chronograph complication, this easy-to-wear watch has a compact case diameter of 39 millimetres. The polished stainless steel case, the silver-plated dial and rhodium-plated hands and appliques lend it an elegant look. For the first time, the Portofino Chronograph 39 has been fitted with a 5-link stainless steel bracelet, which offers robustness and high wearing comfort at the same time. 
 

The interplay between the brushed and satin-finished bracelet links results in a contemporary and elegant look. The integrated quick-change system makes it possible to easily change the bracelet for another option such as traceable Swiss calf leather and adapt the look of the watch to suit different outfits or occasions. 
 

The Portofino Chronograph 39 is powered by the IWC-manufactured 69355 calibre. This robust and precise chronograph movement in a classic column-wheel design consists of 205 individual parts. It enables the measurement of stop times of up to 30 minutes and can be viewed through the sapphire glass case back. The bi-directional pawl winding system reliably builds up a power reserve of 46 hours in the mainspring.

Following a time-honoured tradition, IWC Schaffhausen welcomes the Lunar New Year with a special edition watch. 29^th January 2025 marks the beginning of the Year of the Wood Snake – a combination that will occur in the Chinese calendar for the first time since 1965. People born under this zodiac sign are considered wise, clever and courageous. As the snake is associated with wisdom and agility, they are believed to be excellent problem solvers and to possess strong analytical capabilities. They value knowledge and like to pursue profound philosophical questions. However, the snake is also a sign of rebirth and change, representing fertility and strength. Finally, snakes are said to love the finer things in life, and often strive for power and wealth.
 

“Since 1984, the Portofino from IWC Schaffhausen has embodied classic elegance and timeless beauty. With its charming moon phase display at 12 o’clock, the Portofino Automatic Moon Phase 37 is among the collection’s most coveted pieces. With this new timepiece, we would like to wish everyone a strong start into the year of the snake,” said Peter Lao, Managing Director of IWC Schaffhausen in China.
 

The Portofino Automatic Moon Phase 37 Year of the Snake (Ref. IW459604) features a stainless steel case with a diameter of 37 millimetres and a burgundy dial. This unique shade of red symbolises the vibrant colour of fire, typically used to welcome the Lunar New Year in China. Situated at 12 o’clock, the moon phase display works so precisely that it only deviates from the actual orbit of Earth’s satellite by one day after 122 years. The golden moon and stars stand out against the burgundy backdrop and harmonise beautifully with the gold-plated hands and appliques.
 

The watch is powered by the IWC-manufactured 32800 calibre with automatic winding and a power reserve of five days. Another highlight is hidden on the back: the gold oscillating mass is crafted in the shape of a snake, a nod to the Lunar New Year. For added versatility, the Portofino Automatic Moon Phase 37 comes with two straps. One is crafted from black calfskin and one from burgundy calfskin, while both feature a butterfly clasp. A quick-change system enables wearers to change the look of their watch effortlessly.

Over almost four decades, IWC Schaffhausen has acquired comprehensive expertise in engineering ceramic watches. Ceramic is light, extremely hard and highly resistant to scratches. Back in 1986, the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer launched the world’s first wristwatch with a black zirconium oxide ceramic case. Since then, major IWC ceramic innovations have included watch cases made of brown silicon nitride ceramic and black boron carbide ceramic, one of the hardest substances known. After introducing a range of TOP GUN models in striking coloured ceramic, IWC is now pushing the boundaries with Ceralume^®. This luminescent ceramic is made using a highly engineered and patent-pending manufacturing process developed by IWC Schaffhausen.

The fascinating glow effect is achieved by adding high-grade Super-LumiNova^® pigments to the ceramic raw materials. Engineered by Swiss technology company RC Tritec, Super-LumiNova^® is a high-tech ceramic compound that behaves like a light storage battery. The material absorbs light energy from sunlight or artificial light, stores it temporarily and then emits the absorbed energy as visible light. This cycle can be repeated an infinite number of times without ever causing the material to age or diminishing its light storage capacity. In dark chamber tests, Ceralume^® watch cases have emitted a bright blueish light for more than 24 hours.

CERALUME^® IS MADE IN A HIGHLY ENGINEERED PROCESS 

Conventional white ceramic is made by mixing zirconium oxide with other metallic oxides. These powders are shaped into a so-called green body, machined close to the final case geometry and then sintered at high temperatures in a kiln. For the white ceramic to glow in the dark, Super-LumiNova^® pigments are added to the mix of raw materials. One of the main challenges in the development of Ceralume^® was achieving a perfectly homogeneous mix of raw materials despite their different particle sizes and avoiding particle accumulations. To achieve this, IWC’s engineers reverted to a dedicated ball milling process, which had to be customised to the raw materials used. In addition, the parameters of the sintering process and the grinding of the sintered ceramic body also needed to be specifically adapted to the luminous ceramic.

THE FIRST FULLY LUMINOUS CERAMIC CONCEPT WATCH

Using the new Ceralume^® technology, IWC’s experimental division XPL has manufactured a fully luminous ceramic concept watch for the first time. In addition to its Ceralume^® case, the concept watch in a Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 design features a white luminescent dial and a white luminescent rubber strap. The dial and the strap have also been enriched with Super-LumiNova^® pigments. The dial’s brass base is sprayed with a Super-LumiNova^® solution before the printing is added on top of the luminescent layer. Manufactured in an injection moulding process, the white rubber strap is likewise enriched with Super-LumiNova^® pigments. 
 

Developed by IWC Schaffhausen, the patent-pending Ceralume^® technology will form the foundation of future developments and releases.

Translating the irregular calendar into a mechanical program for a wristwatch remains one of the most challenging engineering feats in fine watchmaking. The Gregorian calendar, which is used across most continents and cultures today, divides the year into twelve months with 28, 30 or 31 days. Years that are divisible by four count as leap years, meaning that a 29th day must be added at the end of February. However, an additional correction is needed to keep the calendar in sync with the actual solar year: only those centurial years that can be divided by 400 are leap years, all others are common years. This means that 2000 and 2400 are leap years, while 2100, 2200 and 2300, for example, are common years. A traditional perpetual calendar, however, is only programmed for a four-year cycle, in which three common years are always followed by a leap year. By design, it will interpret the year 2100 as a leap year and need a correction. The same will happen again in 2200 and 2300. As a result, a perpetual calendar will need three corrections over a period of 400  years. A secular perpetual calendar like the Portugieser Eternal Calendar (Ref. IW505701), on the other hand, is mechanically programmed to take these complex nuances into account. It will calculate the leap year correctly until at least the year 3999, as it has not yet been officially decided whether the year 4000 will be a leap year or not.

THE 400-YEARS GEAR SKIPS THREE LEAP YEARS IN FOUR CENTURIES 

The Portugieser Eternal Calendar is based on the same modular and synchronised design as the existing perpetual calendar. All its displays can be advanced using the crown. However, while the perpetual calendar is programmed for a four-year cycle, the Portugieser Eternal Calendar features an additional mechanism. Every four years at the end of February, a new module informs the calendar about whether the leap year takes place or not. This so-called 400-years gear completes only one revolution every four centuries. It contains three indentations, which cause the calendar to skip three leap years over that period. This module is designed with impressive efficiency and technical elegance and consists of only eight parts, underscoring IWC Schaffhausen’s engineering approach to fine watchmaking.

MOON PHASE WITH A CALCULATED ACCURACY OF 45 MILLION YEARS

Since the introduction of the perpetual calendar almost four decades ago, IWC has also taken great strides to continuously improve the accuracy of its moon phase displays. While the Da Vinci Perpetual Calendar Chronograph (Ref. IW3750) from 1985 featured a moon phase precision of 122 years, the first Portugieser Perpetual Calendar (Ref. IW5021) from 2003 impressed with a moon phase accuracy of 577.5 years. IWC’s engineers have now taken on the challenge to develop a new moon phase display with unprecedented precision. 
 

The difficulty in displaying the moon phase on the dial of a watch lies in the fact that the moon does not follow a daily rhythm in its orbit around the Earth. A cycle from new moon to new moon – one lunation – does not last 30 days, but rather 29 days, 12 hours, 44 minutes, and 2.88 seconds. The duration of one calendar month must therefore be reduced as close as possible to one lunar cycle. This is achieved by placing a reduction gear between the base movement and the moon phase disc. The key to high precision lies in the quantity of wheels used, their proportions and the number of teeth they have. IWC’s engineers have now used a special computer program to simulate more than 22 trillion different combinations. For the Portugieser Eternal Calendar, they came up with a new reduction gear train using three intermediate wheels. Mathematically, the display will only deviate from the moon’s orbit by one day after 45 million years. Another challenge consisted in integrating this new gear train into the confined space of the eternal calendar module. 
 

The moon phase is displayed on the dial using the characteristic Double Moon™ indication, which shows the moon as seen from the Northern and Southern hemispheres. The display consists of two super-imposed discs. A celestial disc with two small circular openings rotates above an immobile lower disc with two dots. This negative representation gives the impression that two small moons are waxing or waning. Here, the lower disc is made of titanium and decorated with a Guilloché pattern. The upper disc is made of glass.

INTRICATELY CRAFTED GLASS DIAL AND DOUBLE BOX-GLASS

The Portugieser Eternal Calendar features an intricately finished platinum case with polished and brushed surfaces. Another highlight is the glass dial, which is manufactured in a complex process. In the first step, the underside of the dial is frosted and lacquered in white. The subdials are machined and polished separately and subsequently fixed onto the dial. In the next step, the printing is applied, and the appliques are mounted by hand. The depth of the glass lends the print and appliques a floaty lightness. The numerals and the characteristic Portugieser minute scale are printed on a white lacquered flange sitting between the glass dial and the front glass. The box-glass sapphire crystals are machined and polished in an elaborate process. The Portugieser Eternal Calendar is fitted with a black alligator leather strap from the Italian leather artisan Santoni with a platinum folding clasp.

IWC-MANUFACTURED 52640 CALIBRE WITH SEVEN DAY POWER RESERVE 

At work inside the platinum case is the newly developed IWC-manufactured 52640 calibre. The high-end calibre features a highly efficient Pellaton winding system. Using movements of the rotor in both directions, it reliably builds up a power reserve of seven days (168 hours) in the two barrels. Parts of the winding system that are subject to extremely high stresses are manufactured using virtually wear-free zirconium oxide ceramic. The movement has been elaborately finished with circular graining and Geneva stripes and can be admired through the box-shaped sapphire glass case back.

The Portugieser stands out not only because of its pure and timeless design. The collection is also a testament to IWC Schaffhausen’s comprehensive expertise in fine watchmaking. Over the years, the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer has presented many Portugieser watches with high complications, ranging from different versions of its perpetual calendar and tourbillons to the astronomical displays of the Portugieser Sidérale Scafusia – to this day the most complicated watch ever made by IWC Schaffhausen. With its unique engineering approach to fine watchmaking, IWC develops complications that are ingenious, highly robust and reliable, and technically elegant in their design.
 

Adding to its legacy of high complications, IWC presents the Portugieser Hand-Wound Tourbillon Day & Night (Ref. IW545901) with a polished and brushed 18-carat Armor Gold^® case, gold-plated hands, and gold appliques. Thanks to its improved microstructure, Armor Gold^® is significantly harder and more wearresistant than conventional 5N gold. The Obsidian black and highly polished dial radiates a tremendous depth and creates a beautiful contrast. The watch is fitted with a finely crafted curved black alligator leather strap from Santoni, a renowned Italian manufacturer of luxury shoes and leather accessories. The flying minute tourbillon at 6 o’clock is one of the most sophisticated complications in watchmaking. Assembling and finetuning this delicate mechanism is a task reserved for the most experienced master watchmakers at IWC Schaffhausen. The tourbillon places the balance wheel and pallet lever inside a small cage that rotates around its axis once every minute. This constant rotation reduces the influence of gravity on the oscillating system of the watch, thereby increasing its accuracy. As the tourbillon cage is stopped and accelerated several times per second, its total weight must be as low as possible. Although the mechanism consists of 56 individual parts, it only weighs 0.675 grams in total. The pallet lever and escape wheel are made of silicon and treated with a special diamond coating. This Diamond Shell^® technology reduces friction and improves the flow of energy in the movement, contributing to the high power reserve of 84 hours. Thanks to the integrated tourbillon stop, the mechanism can be brought to a complete stop and the watch set with down-to-the-second accuracy.

A UNIQUE WAY TO SHOW THE ENDLESS CYCLE OF DAY AND NIGHT 

Another highlight can be found at 9 o’clock: the 24-hour indication in the shape of a small planet. The globe has a dark and a bright side and rotates around its axis once every 24 hours, offering a captivating visualisation of whether it is currently day or night. The idea for this special day and night concept came from former watchmaker trainee Loris Spitzer and is a testament to the success of IWC’s trainee program and the culture of curiosity and innovation that the company fosters. The day and night indication is integrated into the newly developed IWCmanufactured 81925 calibre. As the movement is handwound and has no oscillating mass, the small globe is visible from the front and back. The gold-plated base plate is partly skeletonised to offer an unimpeded view of the barrel and other components. The movement is elaborately finished with circular Geneva stripes and can be admired through the sapphire glass case back.

Over the last two decades, the Portugieser Perpetual Calendar has established itself as a key pillar of the collection. Originally developed by IWC Schaffhausen’s former Head Watchmaker Kurt Klaus in the 1980s, the perpetual calendar complication has been continuously improved and perfected over the years. The first Portugieser with a perpetual calendar was launched in 2003. The moon phase display was enhanced with a larger reduction gear by taking advantage of the more generous case dimensions, increasing its accuracy from 122 to 577.5 years. Another innovation was the patented Double Moon™ display, which shows the moon phase as seen from the Northern and Southern hemispheres. IWC Schaffhausen has now completely reworked and refined this model and presents four new versions. 
 

The Portugieser Perpetual Calendar 44 (Ref. IW503703) features an 18-carat white gold case, a Horizon Blue dial, and rhodium-plated hands and appliques. It is fitted with a gradient light-blue calfskin strap from Santoni. The Portugieser Perpetual Calendar 44 (Ref. IW503704) has an 18-carat white gold case, a Dune coloured dial, and gold-plated hands, and gold appliques. It is combined with a black alligator leather strap from Santoni. The Portugieser Perpetual Calendar 44 (Ref. IW503702) boasts a case made of 18-carat Armor Gold^®, an Obsidian black dial, gold-plated hands, and gold appliques. Thanks to an improved microstructure, Armor Gold^® is considerably harder and more wearresistant than conventional 5N gold. This model is fitted with a black alligator leather strap from Santoni. The Portugieser Perpetual Calendar 44 (Ref. IW503701) impresses with an 18-carat Armor Gold^® case, a Silver Moon dial, gold-plated hands, and gold appliques. This fourth timepiece is fitted with a brown alligator leather strap from Santoni.

COMPLETELY REWORKED CASE CONSTRUCTION WITH DOUBLE-BOX SAPPHIRE CRYSTALS AND NEW DIAL FINISH 

The most notable design change is the completely redesigned and refined case construction. The slimmer case ring features a more slender side profile. In combination with the box-glass sapphire crystals on the front and the back, this new construction makes the watches particularly light and elegant. The boxglass sapphire crystal, milled and polished in a highly complex process, allows for an even better view of the iconic Portugieser design cues, such as the characteristic minute scale. The dial graphics have also been carefully reworked and refined. A particular highlight is the elaborately crafted dials. The key to their extraordinary visual depths is the application of 15 layers of transparent lacquer, which is fine-ground and then polished to a high gloss finish. The subdials displaying the calendar information are milled into both the brass base and the lacquer layer. Finally, the appliques are individually mounted on the dials by hand. Comprising up to 60 individual steps, the production process for the dials is incredibly complex and challenging to master. 
 

All four watches feature IWC’s signature Double Moon™ display. Inspired by nautical instruments, it shows the moon as it can be seen from the Northern and Southern hemispheres. Thanks to a precisely calculated reduction gear, the indication will only deviate from the moon’s actual orbit by one day after 577.5 years. 
 

The watches are powered by the IWC-manufactured 52616 calibre movement, which is assembled from 385 individual parts. The escapement has been improved to offer better protection against magnetic fields. The automatic Pellaton winding system features components made of virtually wear-free zirconium oxide ceramic, while the oscillating mass is made of solid gold. Converting the movements on the wearer’s arm into energy for the mainspring, it reliably builds up a power reserve of 7 days in two barrels.

THE PERPETUAL CALENDAR WAS A MILESTONE FOR IWC SCHAFFHAUSEN 

The introduction of the perpetual calendar in 1985 marked the beginning of IWC Schaffhausen’s comprehensive expertise in mechanical calendar complications. Kurt Klaus created a complication that is remarkable in many respects. All its displays are perfectly synchronised with each other and can be easily advanced via the crown. The calendar comprises only 81 parts, all housed in a module that is 1.5 millimetres high. With its ingeniously simple design, the complication perfectly embodies IWC Schaffhausen’s engineering approach to fine watchmaking, characterised by functionality, efficiency, and ease of use. The calendar is mechanically programmed for a cycle of four years. In addition to recognising the different lengths of the months, it automatically inserts a leap day every four years at the end of February. The mechanical program only requires a minor adjustment in centuries divisible by 100 when the leap year is skipped, for example, in 2100 or 2200.

The origins of the Portugieser date back to the late 1930s, when IWC Schaffhausen used a high-precision pocket watch movement to create a distinctively large wristwatch with chronometer precision. Although its simple case shape and purist, easy-to-read dial were created more than 80 years ago, it can hardly be linked to that specific period. The Portugieser remains timeless and has retained its freshness to this day. Clean and open dials with applied Arabic numerals, Feuille-type hands and the characteristic minutes scale reminiscent of railway tracks ensure perfect legibility. 
 

IWC Schaffhausen has now refined its timelessly elegant Portugieser watches on every level and presents a new collection of the Portugieser Automatic 42 and the Portugieser Automatic 40. All watches feature a carefully reworked case construction with a slender side profile, making them visually light and more elegant. The double box-glass sapphire crystals offer an even better view of the new dials and the IWC-manufactured movements inside. 
 

The dials are the result of an elaborate and highly complex process. The brass bases are either treated with a sunburst finish or given a finely blasted surface before the colour is applied. The key to their unusually pronounced optical depth is the application of 15 layers of lacquer, which is fine-ground and then polished to a high gloss finish. The subdials are milled into both the brass base and the lacquer layer. The three-dimensional effect is further emphasised by the printing, which is carried out in a special procedure and adds to the sensation of depth. To finish, the appliques are individually hand mounted. Finally, the dial graphics have also been carefully reworked for a perfect balance of lightness, elegance and legibility. 
 

The Portugieser Automatic is distinguished by its balanced dial design with the power reserve indicator at 3 o’clock and the small seconds at 9 o’clock. With the new Portugieser Automatic 42 (Ref. IW5017), IWC Schaffhausen now launches a timeless and modern instrument dress watch, which fully retains the DNA of the original Portugieser Automatic (Ref. IW50001) from the year 2000.
 

• 18-carat white gold case, Horizon Blue dial, rhodiumplated hands and appliques, gradient blue calfskin strap from Santoni with 18-carat white gold folding clasp (Ref. IW501708)
• 18-carat 5N gold case, Obsidian black dial, goldplated hands and gold appliques, black alligator leather strap from Santoni with 18-carat 5N gold folding clasp (Ref. IW501707)
• Stainless steel case, Dune dial, gold-plated hands and gold appliques, black alligator leather strap with stainless steel folding clasp (Ref. IW501705)
• Stainless steel case, Silver Moon dial, gold-plated hands and appliques, black alligator leather strap with stainless steel folding clasp (Ref. IW501701)
• Stainless steel case, Silver Moon dial, blue hands and appliques, gradient blue alligator leather strap with stainless steel folding clasp (Ref. IW501702)
• Stainless steel case, blue dial, rhodium-plated hands and appliques, stainless steel bracelet (Ref. IW501704) 
   

The new models are powered by the IWC-manufactured 52011 calibre. The escapement has been improved to offer better protection against magnetic fields. The Pellaton winding system is reinforced with virtually wearfree zirconium oxide ceramic components and builds up a power reserve of seven days (168 hours) in two barrels. 
 

First introduced to the collection in 2020, the Portugieser Automatic 40 (Ref. IW3584) presents the essence of the Portugieser design with a more compact case size of 40 millimetres. Standing in direct lineage to the first Portugieser, Reference 325 from 1939, it features a clean and open dial with the small seconds at 6 o’clock and no date window.
 

• 18-carat white gold case, Horizon Blue dial, rhodiumplated hands and appliques, gradient light-blue calfskin strap from Santoni with 18-carat white gold pin buckle (Ref. IW358402)
• 18-carat 5N gold case, Obsidian black dial, gold-plated hands and gold appliques, black alligator leather strap from Santoni with 18-carat 5N gold pin buckle (Ref. IW358401) 
   

Both models are powered by the IWC-manufactured 82200 calibre. Featuring parts made of zirconium oxide ceramic, the automatic Pellaton winding system builds up a power reserve of 60 hours in the mainspring.

With the Portugieser Chronograph Rattrapante from 1995, the chronograph arrived in the Portugieser family. Since then, this functional complication has brought a touch of sporty elegance to the collection. The IWC-typical vertical arrangement of the sub-dials places the stopped minutes directly at 12 o’clock, making them easy to read, while the small seconds are positioned at 6 o’clock. Another distinguishing design feature is the inner flange printed with a quarter-second scale, enabling high-precision stop-time readings. IWC Schaffhausen now launches three new versions of the popular chronograph in the new colour codes Horizon Blue, Obsidian, and Dune.
 

A particular highlight is the intricately crafted dials. The brass bases are first given a sunburst finish before the respective colour is applied. In the next step, 15 layers of transparent lacquer are applied, fine-ground and then polished to a high gloss. The totalisers are milled into both the brass base and the lacquer layer. The printing, carried out through a special process, further adds to the three-dimensional effect. Finally, the appliques are mounted individually by hand. The complete manufacturing process for these dials comprises more than 60 steps and is highly challenging to master.
 

The Portugieser Chronograph (Ref. IW371626) features a Horizon Blue dial. Horizon is a light blue shade, reminiscent of the early afternoon sky during the sun-soaked height of the day. This colour is complemented by a polished and brushed 18-carat white gold case, rhodium-plated hands and appliques, and a gradient light-blue calfskin strap from Santoni. 
 

The Portugieser Chronograph (Ref. IW371625) impresses with its Obsidian black dial, an 18-carat 5N gold case, gold-plated hands, and gold appliques. Thanks to the lacquer finish, the dial emanates an incredible depth. The combination of black and gold captures the black of the night and the golden warmth of the city lights at night. The chronograph is fitted with a black alligator leather strap from Santoni. 
 

The Portugieser Chronograph (Ref. IW371624) with a Dune dial is paired with a stainless steel case, gold-plated hands and gold appliques, and a black alligator leather strap. This combination reflects the mood in the late afternoon with the golden low sun. Thanks to the elaborate lacquer finish, the gold appliques appear to be floating above the dial.
 

ROBUST AND RELIABLE CHRONOGRAPH MOVEMENT 

The Portugieser Chronograph is powered by the IWCmanufactured 69355 calibre, a mechanical chronograph movement engineered with a focus on robustness, reliability, and longevity. The column-wheel control of the chronograph function ensures that individual phases in the switching sequence are clearly defined. There is also a distinct tactile resistance when the buttons are pushed. Seamless integration with the basic movement and careful coordination of all components helps to ensure that the correct rates are maintained even when the chronograph is subject to intense use. Typical for IWC, the vertical arrangement of the subdials displays the stopped minutes directly at the 12 o’clock position and places the small seconds at 6 o’clock. This layout enhances readability and has become a distinguishing design feature of the Portugieser Chronograph.

True to tradition, IWC Schaffhausen welcomes the Lunar New Year with a special edition watch. 10^th February 2024 marks the beginning of the Year of the Wood Dragon. According to the Chinese calendar, such a combination only occurs once every 60 years. People born under the sign of the dragon are considered energetic, strong, confident, gifted, intelligent and generous. Dragons initiate big things and keep them running. The Year of the Dragon promises luck, prosperity, and economic success. 
 

“Since 1998, the Portugieser Chronograph has embodied the dynamic, sporty side of IWC Schaffhausen’s acclaimed Portugieser collection. Thanks to the dial layout with the vertically arranged counters and the quarter-seconds precision scale, it has become one of our most coveted designs. We are convinced it is a fitting model to welcome the Year of the Dragon”, said Peter Lao, Managing Director of IWC Schaffhausen China. 
 

The Portugieser Chronograph Year of the Dragon (Ref. IW371629) features a 41-millimetre stainless steel case, a burgundy dial, and gold-plated hands and appliques. Burgundy is a charming shade of red, symbolising the vibrant colour of fire, which is traditionally used to welcome the Lunar New Year in China and promises longevity and luck. The chronograph is powered by the IWC-manufactured 69355 calibre, a robust and precise mechanical chronograph movement in a classic column-wheel design. A glance at the movement through the transparent sapphire case back reveals another highlight: the gold-plated rotor of the automatic winding system takes the form of a beautifully detailed dragon. In addition, the case back ring features an engraving of “2024 YEAR OF THE DRAGON.” The Portugieser Chronograph Year of the Dragon is delivered with two straps: one black calfskin strap and one burgundy rubber strap, allowing the wearer to choose between two different looks. A butterfly clasp ensures excellent wearing comfort. 
 

The Portugieser Chronograph Year of the Dragon is limited to 1000 pieces and available immediately through IWC boutiques, authorised retail partners, or online at IWC.com. In addition, the timepiece is eligible for registration under the My IWC care programme, benefitting from a 6-year extension to the standard 2-year International Limited Warranty.

Anyone watching the upcoming Warner Bros. Picture’s action adventure “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” (in theaters internationally December 20 and North America December 22) can expect to discover the finest engineering from Schaffhausen in the underwater universe. IWC’s experimental division XPL, which drives cutting-edge developments in areas like advanced materials or g-protection, has outfitted the villains Black Manta, played by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, and Dr. Stephen Shin, played by Randall Park, with prop watches that glow brightly in red or blue. These prototypes have inspired two striking limited editions in the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer’s Aquatimer collection.
 

The Aquatimer Perpetual Calendar Digital Date-Month is available in two versions, both with black dials and black hands. Inspired by the glow colors of the movie prop watches, the first one (Ref. IW379405) features red Super-LumiNova® on the dial, the hands, and the inner rotating bezel indicating the dive time, and the second one features blue (Ref. IW379406). Super- LumiNova® is a high-tech ceramic compound blended with luminous pigments that essentially behaves like a light storage battery, using a physical phenomenon called phosphorescence. Light energy absorbed from sunlight or artificial light causes the electrons in the material to enter a higher energy state, where this energy is stored. When the electrons return to their normal state, they emit the absorbed energy as visible light, making the material glow brightly in the dark or under water. Both novelties feature cases, case back rings, crowns, and pushers made of IWC’s patented Ceratanium®. With case diameters of 49 millimeters, they are among the largest IWC watches ever produced.
 

Ceratanium^® is a performance material that combines the lightness and structural integrity of titanium with a hardness and scratch resistance similar to ceramic. It is based on a special titanium alloy forged to IWC’s specifications. The case components are machined from bars, finished by hand, and fired at extremely high temperatures in a kiln. During this heat treatment, the surface obtains properties similar to ceramic and also its characteristic color.

PERPETUAL CALENDAR WITH DIGITAL DATE AND MONTH DISPLAYS 

The main functional feature of these watches is the perpetual calendar with digital displays. The date and the month are shown with the help of rotating discs in a digital format on the dial, making it particularly easy and intuitive to read. The perpetual calendar is mechanically programmed to automatically recognize the different lengths of the months and the leap years. As a result, the combination of “29” and “02” will appear only once every four years on the dial. The IWC-manufactured 89802 caliber drives the calendar complication via a single nightly switching impulse. The movement also offers a chronograph function, which displays the stopped hours and minutes combined in a totalizer at 12 o’clock for better readability. The double pawl winding system converts movements of the oscillating mass in both directions to energy for the mainspring, efficiently building up a power reserve of 68 hours. The rotor in a technical design has been blackened in an elaborate nickel-plating process and can be admired through the transparent sapphire glass case back. 

IWC SAFEDIVE SYSTEM GUARANTEES SAFETY FOR DIVERS 

The Aquatimer Perpetual Calendar Digital Date-Month features IWC’s external/internal rotating bezel system for setting the dive time, helping divers to keep track of their oxygen levels, and making sure they do not return to the surface too quickly. It combines the enhanced legibility of an inner bezel with the ease of use of an external rotating bezel. The IWC SafeDive system prevents unintentional changes in the dive time, as the outer bezel can only be moved counterclockwise. Even if a diver accidentally moves the bezel, the dive time is never prolonged and the time after which they can return to the surface without the need for decompression stops is not exceeded. Like all Aquatimer models, it features the IWC bracelet quick-change system, enabling an easy exchange of the black rubber strap.

PRECISION IN MOTION

“Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” is set in an alternate world that merges reality with fantasy, and every single detail needed to reflect that. Fittingly, the human characters, Black Manta and Dr. Stephen Shin, are the ones wearing the technical, underwater watches that respectively glow red and blue. The collaboration between IWC and “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” combines horology and storytelling, highlighting the attention to detail that defines both watchmaking and cinematography. 

The “Behind the Scenes” video can be watched on YouTube. 

The Aquatimer Perpetual Calendar Digital Date-Month is available through selected IWC boutiques. In addition, the watch is eligible for registration under the My IWC care program, benefitting from a 6-year extension to the standard 2-year International Limited Warranty, and comes with the My IWC Passport digital watch certificate.

ABOUT “AQUAMAN AND THE LOST KINGDOM” 

Director James Wan and Aquaman himself, Jason Momoa—along with Patrick Wilson, Amber Heard, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and Nicole Kidman—return in the sequel to the highest-grossing DC movie of all time: “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.” Having failed to defeat Aquaman the first time, Black Manta, still driven by the need to avenge his father’s death, will stop at nothing to take Aquaman down once and for all. This time Black Manta is more formidable than ever before, wielding the power of the mythic Black Trident,which unleashes an ancient and malevolent force. To defeat him, Aquaman will turn to his imprisoned brother Orm, the former King of Atlantis, to forge an unlikely alliance. Together, they must set aside their differences in order to protect their kingdom and save Aquaman’s family, and the world, from irreversible destruction. 
 

Directed by Wan, “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” is produced by Peter Safran, Wan, and Rob Cowan. The executive producers are Galen Vaisman and Walter Hamada. The screenplay is by David Leslie Johnson- McGoldrick, from a story by James Wan & David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick and Jason Momoa & Thomas Pa’a Sibbett, based on characters from DC, Aquaman created by Paul Norris and Mort Weisinger. Joining Wan behind the camera is his sterling team of “Aquaman” artisans: director of photography Don Burgess, production designer Bill Brzeski, editor Kirk Morri, composer Rupert Gregson-Williams and music supervisor is Michelle Silverman. Visual effects supervisor Nick Davis and costume designer Richard Sale also join. 
 

Warner Bros. Pictures Presents An Atomic Monster / A Peter Safran Production of A James Wan Film, “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom,” set to open in theaters internationally beginning December 20, 2023 and in North America on December 22, 2023; it will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures.

“The Little Prince” has been translated into more than 250 languages to date and is considered the most famous literary work by the French aviator and author Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. The story describes the journey of the little prince to seven planets and their residents. As part of its collaboration with the heirs of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, IWC has since 2013 dedicated several Pilot’s Watches to this charming novel. Just as writing and flying were inextricably linked for Saint-Exupéry, these special editions with deep blue dials are a perfect symbiosis of poetry and engineering. 
 

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the “Le Petit Prince” editions, the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer now adds another special edition Big Pilot’s Watch to the collection. Limited to 300 pieces, the Big Pilot’s Watch 43 Tourbillon Le Petit Prince (Ref. IW329502) features a case and crown made of 18-carat Armor Gold^®. This alloy is significantly harder and more wear-resistant than conventional 5N gold due to its improved microstructure. Contrasting with the 43-millimetre case is the deep blue dial with a radiant sunray finish. The gold-plated hands and appliques, filled with Super-LumiNova®, emit an enigmatic glow in the dark. The watch is fitted with a brown calfskin strap with an 18-carat Armor Gold^® folding clasp.

THE TOURBILLON COUNTERS THE EFFECTS OF GRAVITY 

The eye-catcher on the dial is the flying minute tourbillon at 6 o’clock. French for “whirlwind”, the tourbillon involves the balance wheel rotating around its axis in a small cage. This constant rotation not only provides a visual spectacle on the dial but also reduces the influence of gravity on the watch’s oscillating system, thereby increasing accuracy. Thanks to the integrated tourbillon stop, the mechanism can be brought to a complete stop and the watch set with down-to-the-second accuracy. The state-of-the-art tourbillon consists of 56 parts and weighs only 0.663 grams. The pallet lever and the escape wheel are treated with Diamond Shell^® technology, a special coating that reduces friction and improves the flow of energy in the movement. 

THE ROTOR TAKES THE SHAPE OF THE LITTLE PRINCE 

The Big Pilot’s Watch 43 Tourbillon Le Petit Prince is powered by the IWC-manufactured 82905 calibre movement. This high-end automatic calibre features a Pellaton winding system reinforced with ceramic components. Using movements of the rotor in both directions, it reliably builds up a power reserve of 80  hours in the mainspring. A special highlight is the rotor made of solid 18-carat gold, which takes the shape of “The Little Prince” standing on his asteroid. This beautiful detail and nod to Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s charming novel can be admired through the transparent sapphire glass case back. 
 

The Big Pilot’s Watch 43 Tourbillon Le Petit Prince is available immediately through IWC boutiques, authorised retail partners, or online at IWC.com. In addition, the timepiece is eligible for registration under the My IWC care program, benefitting from a 6-year extension to the standard 2-year International Limited Warranty.

IWC Schaffhausen has an extensive legacy of manufacturing instrument watches. Performance criteria such as high accuracy, robustness, reliability and durability are therefore deeply ingrained in the company’s DNA as a watchmaker. The performance ethos that is expressed through IWC’s products is also reflected through two of its longest standing partnerships. In 2004, the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer became a partner of Mercedes-AMG, the performance car subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz. As a logical continuation, IWC became the “Official Engineering Partner” of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team in 2013. The Swiss luxury watch manufacturer is now launching two performance chronographs dedicated to its motorsport partners.

The Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph  41 AMG (Ref. IW388305/04) features a case, crown and pushers crafted from robust and lightweight titanium. IWC pioneered this hard-to-machine metal in the watch industry in 1980 when it released the first wristwatch with a titanium case and bracelet. IWC had acquired the specific know-how for  machining  titanium  in close collaboration with French aerospace company Aérospatiale. Offering the highest strength-to-density ratio of any metal, titanium is frequently used in automotive engineering to manufacture components for high-performance engines. The grade 5 titanium alloy used for the Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 case is around 45% lighter than steel and remarkably rigid. The case features a brushed finish with polished details on the horns. One version is fitted with a robust, waterproof black rubber strap (Ref. IW388305), while the other version (Ref. IW388304) features a titanium bracelet with H-links and an integrated folding clasp.
 

Last year, IWC introduced the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 Edition “Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One™ Team”. The official team watch is worn by the team, including designers, aerodynamicists, race engineers, strategists and mechanics. Now, IWC is also launching a  performance chronograph dedicated to  its  partner.
 

The Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team (Ref. IW388306) features a case made of Ceratanium^®. Developed by IWC, this material combines the lightness and structural integrity of titanium with a hardness and scratch-resistance similar to ceramic. The lightweight material is based on a special titanium alloy forged to IWC’s specifications. The case components are machined from bars using computer-controlled turning and milling centres. Afterward, they are elaborately finished by hand and fired in a kiln at high temperatures. During this firing process, a phase transformation occurs, and the material’s surface obtains properties similar to ceramic and its striking matte black finish. This watch is fitted with a black rubber strap with a Ceratanium^® pin buckle.

A TACHYMETER SCALE  ADDS THE DIMENSION OF SPEED

An outstanding functional feature of the Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 is the ceramic bezel with a tachymeter scale, which allows the wearer to measure the average speed in relation to the distance travelled. Pushing the chronograph’s start button initiates a measurement. Once a distance of one kilometre has been covered, the chronograph is stopped. The central chronograph seconds hand will point to a number on the rotating tachymeter scale, corresponding to the average speed in kilometres per hour.

A MASTERPIECE OF CRAFTSMANSHIP AND FINISHING

Matching the polished black ceramic bezels, all models feature black dials with a glossy finish and  black  hands. The recessed totalisers and the applied indices and numerals, in blackened nickel, filled with Super-LumiNova^®, provide additional depth and ensure excellent night-time readability. The manufacturing of this intricate dial represents a feat of craftsmanship and finishing. The polished black lacquer finish is the result of an elaborate, highly controlled and perfected production process.  The three totalisers are individually finished and printed before they are mounted on the lacquered base plate to create the final dial. The approximately 20 appliques are individually polished by hand, fixed to the dial and then filled with luminous material.

HIGH-PERFORMANCE CHRONOGRAPH ENGINE

All versions of the Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 are powered by the IWC-manufactured 69385 calibre movement. Comprising 242 parts, this mechanical chronograph movement has been engineered with an uncompromising focus on robustness, reliability, and precision. Its bi-directional pawl winding system builds up a power reserve of 46 hours in the mainspring. Column-wheel control of the chronograph ensures that individual phases in the switching sequence are clearly defined. There is also a distinct tactile resistance when the buttons are pushed. The chronographs features IWC’s characteristic vertical subdial arrangement. The stopped minutes are displayed directly at the 12 o’clock position, enhancing readability. The assembly of these movements at IWC’s Manufakturzentrum is organized in a dedicated line. Dividing the process into several smaller steps is paramount for achieving the best possible quality. After assembly and regulation, all movement functions are tested automatically over 12 days in the FIM (Final Inspection Movement) cell developed by IWC.
 

In addition, all three timepieces are eligible for registration under the My IWC care program and can benefit from a 6-year extension to the standard 2-year International Limited Warranty.

ABOUT MERCEDES-AMG

Mercedes-AMG is the performance and sports car brand of Mercedes-Benz Cars based in Affalterbach, Germany. Driven by the fascination of motorsports Hans Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher founded the company in 1967. Since 2005 Mercedes-AMG GmbH has been a wholly-owned subsidiary of Daimler AG representing the sporting spearhead of the company with a wide range of models ranging from performance compact cars up to true sports cars like the AMG GT family. In contrast to large-scale production, Mercedes- AMG’s engines are assembled in Affalterbach according to the “One Man, One Engine” principle. AMG  was born on the racetrack and is up to this day committed to “Driving Performance” in every detail, which is also expressed in every vehicle’s perceptible, innovative excellence. AMG – these three letters stand for supreme automotive performance, exclusivity, emotion, efficiency and highly dynamic driving pleasure and for exclusive encounters, contact points and collaborations for customers all around the globe. AMG continues to set benchmarks and, as a sub-brand of Mercedes-Benz, has the ambition to strengthen the product portfolio as a performance luxury brand. Currently, AMG is pushing the transformation of the company and redefining the Future of Driving Performance with electrified powertrains.

MERCEDES-AMG PETRONAS FORMULA ONE

Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team is the works team of Mercedes-AMG, competing at the pinnacle of motorsport – the FIA Formula One™ World Championship. Formula One is a sport like no other. Combining elite teamwork, cutting-edge technologies and innovation, high-performance management and exceptional driving skill, teams develop race cars capable of competing against their rivals in a high-octane environment that spans upwards of 20 races across five continents throughout each season.
 

The Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team, based across Technology Centres at Brackley and Brixworth in the United Kingdom, brings together over 1,000 dedicated and determined people that design, develop, manufacture and race the cars driven by seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton and Grand Prix winner, George Russell. Winning seven consecutive double Drivers’ and Constructors’ World Championships from 2014 to 2020 and securing a record-breaking eighth consecutive Constructors’ Championship success in 2021, the Team is one of the most successful in the sport’s history. Between returning as a Constructor in 2010 and the end of the 2022 season, the Mercedes-AMG works team has scored 116 wins, 264 podium finishes, 128 pole positions, 91 fastest laps and 54 one-two finishes from 259 race starts.

In 2022, IWC Schaffhausen introduced its “Colors of TOP GUN” collection, comprising various Pilot’s Watches in ceramic colors such as Woodland and Lake Tahoe. These ceramic shades were inspired by color codes found in the world of naval aviation and developed in collaboration with Pantone^®. Now, the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer is adding two new models to the collection.
 

The Pilot’s Watch Timezoner TOP GUN Woodland (Ref. IW395601) features a case made of Woodland green ceramic. The dark green hue is inspired by the flight suits and uniforms worn by pilots in the TOPGUN flight school and the vast forest landscapes they fly over. The timepiece impresses with its monochromatic design. From the dial and hands to the rubber strap and luminescent material, each component was carefully matched to the ceramic case color through an elaborate engineering process. The case ring and the crown are made of matte black Ceratanium®, an IWC-developed material which combines the structural integrity of titanium with a hardness and scratch-resistance similar to that of ceramic. 
 

Thanks to the integrated Timezoner^® function, the watch can be set to a different time zone by simply pressing down and rotating the bezel. The hour hand, the 24-hour display and the date will move forwards or backwards in one-hour steps. This adjustment also works across the dateline and without losing a single second in the process. The city ring is made of green ceramic, while its outer bezel is made of Ceratanium^®. It contains the names of 24 major cities, each representing one of the international time zones. The timepiece is powered by the IWC-manufactured 82760 caliber. This automatic movement uses a Pellaton winding system reinforced with ceramic components to reliably build up a power reserve of 60 hours in the mainspring. The movement is visible through a tinted sapphire case back. 
 

With the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 TOP GUN Mojave Desert (Ref. IW389402), IWC adds its third 41-millimeter ceramic chronograph to the portfolio. The case is made of sand-colored ceramic. Known as Mojave Desert, this earth tone with notes of beige and khaki is inspired by the flight suits of naval aviators and the desert landscape around China Lake, home to the U.S. Navy’s famous TOPGUN flight school. The dark brown dial and the hands, the printing and luminescent material, and the rubber strap with a textile inlay harmonize perfectly with the case. The crown, the chronograph pushers, and the case back are made of matte grey titanium. Ticking away inside the case is the IWC-manufactured 69380 caliber. This highly robust chronograph movement in a classic column-wheel design comprises 242 individual parts. The IWC-typical vertical dial layout places the stopped minutes directly at the 12 o’clock position, significantly enhancing readability. An efficient double pawl winding system uses movements of the rotor in both directions to build up a power reserve of 46 hours in the mainspring. The movement is protected from the effects of magnetic fields by a soft iron inner case, and the front glass is specially secured to withstand sudden drops in air pressure. 

IWC PIONEERED CERAMIC IN THE WATCH INDUSTRY 

IWC is a pioneer in the use of ceramic for watch cases. In 1986, the company introduced the Da Vinci Perpetual Calendar Chronograph (Ref. 3755). It was the world’s first wristwatch with a case made of black zirconium oxide ceramic. IWC was also one of the first watch brands to push forward the development of different ceramic colors, such as white, blue, and green. To manufacture a watch case in colored ceramic, zirconium oxide is combined with other metallic oxides. The final color results from the exact mixing ratio of these raw materials. What is more, the manufacturing process and its parameters – such as the exact temperature or the duration of the sintering process – must be adapted to each color. 
 

The Pilot’s Watch Timezoner TOP GUN Woodland and the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 TOP GUN Mojave Desert are available through selected IWC boutiques. In addition, the timepieces are eligible for registration under the My IWC care program, benefitting from a 6-year extension to the standard 2-year International Limited Warranty.

Probably no other timepiece from IWC Schaffhausen’s Pilot’s Watches collection has achieved such a cult status among collectors as the Big Pilot’s Watch Edition Markus Bühler from 2008. It was inspired by a unique piece Markus Bühler had created for a competition in the final year of his watchmaker apprenticeship at IWC. Its most striking visual feature was the aircraft turbine on the small seconds. Fifteen years later, IWC presents an exclusive new interpretation. Like its predecessor, the Big Pilot’s Watch 43 Tourbillon Markus Bühler (Ref. IW329901) features a small turbine on the dial. However, the characteristic aircraft engine has been integrated into a flying minute tourbillon at 6 o’clock this time. 
 

“When I created my Big Pilot’s Watch with a turbine as an apprentice watchmaker, I would never have imagined I would lead the development of a second edition 15  years later – let alone that I would be responsible for all assembly processes at IWC. To meet the high expectations of our collectors, we decided to create something truly exclusive and integrate the signature turbine into a tourbillon. This new edition perfectly embodies IWC’s engineering spirit while showcasing highest levels of detail and craftsmanship”, explains Markus Bühler, Associate Director of Watch and Movement Assembly at IWC Schaffhausen.

SMALL TURBINE, BIG CHALLENGE 

In a tourbillon, the balance and escapement are housed in a small cage that rotates around its axis once per minute. The higher its mass and inertia, the more energy it takes to keep the mechanism in motion. Weight reduction is, therefore, the primary focus in any tourbillon construction. For this reason, the turbine was machined from a lightweight titanium alloy. Due to the complex geometry and the small dimensions, the milling process alone took several hours. After machining, each of the twelve minuscule blades was polished by hand and finished to an incredibly high level of detail and aesthetic perfection. To avoid the turbine adding additional weight to the mechanism, Bühler used it as the upper part of the tourbillon cage, replacing the regulator. As a result, the eye-catcher on the dial also has a technical function: the hairspring attaches to the underside of one of its blades, and the watchmaker can adjust the zero crossing of the balance by turning the turbine. The state-of-the-art tourbillon consists of 56 parts and weighs only 0.663 grams. The pallet lever and the escape wheel were treated with Diamond Shell® technology, a special coating that reduces friction and improves the energy flow in the movement.

PRECIOUS PLATINUM CASE AND DETAILED FINISHING 

The 43-millimetre case and the crown are crafted from platinum. Platinum is amongst the rarest, purest and most precious metal used for watches and jewellery. The case has been elaborately finished by hand with polished surfaces around the bezel and the horns. Thanks to this finishing, the whitish shimmer of the platinum is accentuated beautifully, giving the timepiece a refined, sophisticated appearance. The black lacquered, glossy dial has been imprinted with white numerals and features applied indices filled with Super-LumiNova^®. A black Cordovan leather strap with Markus Bühler’s signature printed on the inner side complements the design. Powering this Big Pilot’s Watch 43 is the IWC-manufactured 82905 calibre. Its Pellaton winding system has been reinforced with ceramic components and builds up a power reserve of 80 hours in the mainspring. The plates, bridges and the rotor, visible through the sapphire case back, were blackened with a PVD coating, then laser-engraved and finally rhodium-plated in the engraved areas.

FROM APPRENTICE WATCHMAKER TO ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR 

The story of the Big Pilot’s Watch Edition Markus Bühler and its re-edition is also a testament to the strength of IWC’s apprentice programme. The first edition from 2008 was initially created as an entry for a competition organised by the “Institut de Formation à la Haute Horlogerie,” in which Markus Bühler won first prize. To this day, apprentices’ competitions and events like innovation challenges are a fundamental pillar of IWC’s strategy to foster the development of young talent, create new ideas and engineer cutting-edge watchmaking solutions. After finishing his apprenticeship as a watchmaker, Bühler remained loyal to IWC. Among other positions, he has been Department Manager of Industrialization and Head of Movement Assembly & Industrialization. Since 2020, he has been responsible for the entire spectrum of IWC’s assembly processes at the new Manufakturzentrum as Associate Director of Watch & Movement Assembly.

Lewis Hamilton is not only one of the most accomplished athletes in motorsport, but he has also earned a reputation for his distinctive personal style and iconic outfits. The Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team driver often pushes the boundaries with his fashion choices, embracing bold colours, patterns, and original designs. The IWC brand ambassador has now joined forces with IWC Chief Design Officer Christian Knoop and his team again to design his third special edition timepiece.

The Portugieser Tourbillon Rétrograde Chronograph Lewis Hamilton (Ref. IW394008) features a 43.5-millimetre case made of platinum, the rarest, purest and most precious of all metals. The whitish sheen of platinum perfectly complements the rich tealcoloured dial embellished with 12 sparkling diamonds. With slightly recessed displays for the chronograph and the retrograde date, the elaborately finished dial has a sculptural look. It also features the seven-time F1™ world champions’s logo, resembling a panther’s eyes. The timepiece is fitted on a matching textile strap with a folding clasp.

The eye-catcher on the dial is the flying hacking minute tourbillon at 6 o’clock. French for “whirlwind”, the tourbillon consists of the balance wheel rotating around its axis in a small cage. Not only does this constant rotation provide a visual spectacle on the dial but it also reduces the influence of gravity on the oscillating system, increasing the watch’s accuracy. Thanks to the integrated tourbillon stop, the mechanism can be brought to a complete halt, allowing the wearer to set the time with down-to-the-second accuracy. Consisting of 56 individual parts and weighing in at only 0.675 grams, the delicate mechanism is incredibly challenging for a watchmaker to assemble.

The Portugieser Tourbillon Rétrograde Chronograph is powered by the IWC-manufactured 89900 calibre, which also features a chronograph function. The stopped hours and minutes are displayed on one counter at 12 o’clock, making the elapsed time easy and intuitive to read. Another feature is the retrograde date display. The pallet lever and escape wheel are made of silicone and feature a diamond coating. This so-called Diamond Shell^®, technology reduces friction and improves the flow of energy in the movement, contributing to a generous power reserve of 68 hours. The movement components such as the bridges are gold-plated and can be admired through the sapphire glass back. This marks the first time IWC has produced a gold-plated movement since the legendary “Il Destriero Scafusia” from 1993.

THE THIRD SPECIAL EDITION SINCE 2014 

The Portugieser Tourbillon Rétrograde Chronograph Lewis Hamilton is the third timepiece designed in a collaboration between IWC and Lewis Hamilton. The first was the Ingenieur Chronograph Edition Lewis Hamilton (Ref. IW379602) with a titanium case and bracelet in 2014. On the case back, this edition featured a piece of carbon fibre from an original racing car. In 2019, Hamilton and IWC joined forces again to create the Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar Edition “Lewis Hamilton” (Ref. IW503002). This Big Pilot’s Watch combined a black ceramic case and a Burgundy dial with a crown and case-back ring made of 18-carat 5N gold.