As 2023 draws to a close, the landscape for those seeking an affordable chronograph inspired by motorsport has changed, offering a somewhat wider selection.
This has been facilitated by the notable expansion of IWC's Pilot’s Watch series: the Performance Chronograph 41. Available in a titanium case to commemorate the brand's enduring partnership with Mercedes-Benz AMG and in a Ceratanium case to honor the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team, these models have generated significant excitement. We had the opportunity to test them in practice and would like to share our impressions.
From the outset, it is necessary to clarify that the new IWC Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 models are not just standard pilot's watches with a tachymetric bezel and corresponding branding. Rather, they represent IWC's interpretation of a classic racing chronograph. They are not intended to replace the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 Edition Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team (IW388108), as it remains in the collection. However, in the Performance Chronograph 41 Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team reference, the team's colors have been included, albeit more subtly. Nevertheless, our aim is not to compare previous models but to share impressions of the new additions to the Performance series.
Surprise... The Performance 41 case has a diameter of 41 mm (well, 41.1 mm) and a thickness just under 15 mm (certainly not the thinnest model). The watch is water-resistant to 100 m and features chronograph pushers on the crown. So far, classic.
The fixed polished bezel of black tachymetric ceramic adds a special touch, emphasizing its purpose for the racetrack. Although it resembles the standard Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 in most respects, this bezel changes everything. Indeed, this alteration gives the familiar design, reminiscent of an air force instrument, a significantly different look and makes these watches appear slightly larger than their diameter suggests.
The bezel slightly protrudes over the middle part of the case, contributing to the perception of a larger size of the new Chronograph Performance 41 watches. Nonetheless, the ergonomics are excellent, and the weight is reduced due to the use of lightweight materials. Although 41 mm is not the preferred diameter for many these days, the overall proportions are well-balanced despite the 50 mm length, and, as befits a watch, they look great on the wrist - we can confirm this fact, having had the opportunity to try them out.
Suppose I have to choose a favorite between the two case options of the IWC Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41. It would be difficult for me, as both options are incredibly attractive, and the dial details are simply exceptional. The multi-layered presentation of the display immediately draws attention: everything is optimized for legibility, and each element is meticulously crafted to meet the highest demands. The applied hour markers (stick-style Arabic numerals and signature triangle with dots) and hands, except for the central seconds hand, have shimmering black contours. Surprisingly, the three recessed subdials with snails and clear chapter rings contribute to the overall sense of clarity, although I am firmly convinced that two subdials are the ideal chronograph layout.
The distinguishing feature of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team version in a Ceratanium case from the titanium AMG reference is the team-specific tiger-green accents – on the day and date indicators, seconds track, and running seconds hand, which in the titanium AMG watches are executed in white and grayish tones.
Finally, the day and date windows at the “3 o’clock” position are equipped with discs rotating at different levels; this immediately catches the eye from any angle and enhances the effect of three-dimensional multi-layering, which reinforces the sense of interacting with a complex machine, hinting at the many hidden details beneath the surface. This brings us to the heart of the watches – their engines.
One side of these engines is visible through the screw-down exhibition casebacks with tinted glass, decorated with a print on their lower surface, each highlighting their respective partnerships (honestly, both watches could easily do without these mentions, especially the AMG watch). The IWC Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 series is equipped with the in-house automatic Caliber 69385 with a column wheel integrated into the chronograph, beautifully finished, operating at 28,800 vibrations/hour with a slightly understated power reserve of about 46 hours.
The IWC Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 is offered in four versions, two for each case material, differing from each other by a rubber strap or bracelet as standard. Black rubber straps with a titanium or Ceratanium clasp feature the convenient EasX-CHANGE system, allowing easy, tool-less strap changes. Additionally, the H-link bracelets, available in grade 5 titanium or Ceratanium, matching the case material, boast an integrated extension function for easy adjustment by pressing the IWC logo on the deployant clasp. The bracelets are excellent, but this time I prefer the black rubber strap. It complements the performance-oriented design of the watch and provides greater versatility, especially if one wishes to change the black color over time – and this at a significant price difference.
The titanium Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 AMG edition costs 10,700 euros on a strap and 12,800 euros on a bracelet, while the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team in a ceramic case will cost you 14,900 euros on a strap and 22,000 euros with a ceramic bracelet (the latter, of course, are at the upper end of the price category...).
In conclusion, I must say that I am not a fan of Formula 1 racing and know little about it. Nevertheless, I heard that Lewis Hamilton left Mercedes for Ferrari, thus ending his 11-year collaboration with the brand. Had he stayed another year, the more fitting Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 might have adorned his wrist. In this regard, I must also say that I would very much like to see a version in a titanium or even steel case with small red accents, not related to the AMG brand, to give these objectively very cool watches a more restrained and mostly timeless look.
More details at iwc.com.