In Formula One, the margin for error is razor-thin, and the forces at play are immense. Drivers are subjected to extreme g-forces in the cockpit, while every team member experiences the tension of split-second decisions that determine victory or defeat. The Big Pilot’s Watch XPL is built to withstand this relentless environment. Even Toto Wolff, CEO and Team Principal of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team, has been seen wearing a prototype during some of the most intense racing moments, reinforcing its capability to endure high-impact scenarios.
Marking a new era for the team, the 2025 season sees the unveiling of their latest race car and the debut of Kimi Antonelli as George Russell’s new teammate. In celebration of this milestone, IWC delivers a timepiece that reflects the high-performance engineering and unwavering commitment to excellence that drives both Formula One and fine watchmaking.
SPRIN-g PROTECT: The Ultimate Shock Absorber System
At the core of this exceptional timepiece is IWC’s patented SPRIN-g PROTECT shock absorber system, originally introduced in 2021 with the Big Pilot’s Watch XPL. Designed by IWC’s specialized engineering division, XPL, this advanced system features a cantilever spring that suspends the movement inside the case, shielding it from the extreme g-forces generated by impacts. The innovative design ensures that stress is evenly distributed across the spring’s length and width, significantly reducing the risk of damage.
The key to this technology is the use of bulk metallic glass (BMG), an advanced material with a unique atomic structure that makes it far more elastic than conventional metals. This exceptional elasticity allows the spring to absorb and dissipate shock energy efficiently, ensuring unparalleled durability and performance in the most demanding environments. To further highlight its cutting-edge design, the spring is coated with PETRONAS green Super-LumiNova, glowing brilliantly in low-light conditions.
Big Pilot’s Watch XPL: A Fusion of Strength and Aesthetic Precision
The Big Pilot’s Watch Shock Absorber XPL Toto Wolff x Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team is housed in a Ceratanium case—a revolutionary material developed by IWC that merges the lightweight strength of titanium with the scratch resistance of ceramic. The result is an ultra-durable, matte-black case that exudes both power and sophistication.
READ MORE: Pierre Gasly Becomes First F1 Driver Global Fragrance Ambassador for Givenchy
The black dial features a grainy, high-tech texture achieved through an intricate stamping process on the brass base. The newly designed triangular hands, along with the floating minute scale, add depth and a futuristic aesthetic. Edged with Super-LumiNova, the hands ensure optimal readability in any lighting condition, reinforcing the watch’s functionality under extreme conditions.
Engineering Excellence: The IWC 32101 Calibre
Beneath the striking exterior lies the IWC-manufactured 32101 calibre, a robust automatic movement featuring a double pawl winding system that delivers an impressive 120-hour power reserve. To align with the watch’s all-black aesthetic, the plates, bridges, and oscillating mass are meticulously blackened, visible through the tinted sapphire crystal case back—a finishing touch that adds to the exclusivity of this timepiece. The case back is further distinguished by Toto Wolff’s printed signature, cementing its connection to the motorsport legend.
Big Pilot’s Watch XPL: A Timepiece for True Motorsports Enthusiasts
Completing the watch’s bold design is an integrated green rubber strap, providing both comfort and durability. For added versatility, an additional black rubber strap is included, allowing wearers to adapt their style seamlessly.
Merging precision engineering with cutting-edge materials, the Big Pilot’s Watch Shock Absorber XPL Toto Wolff x Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team is a fitting tribute to the high-performance world of Formula One. Limited to just 100 pieces, this timepiece is not only a collector’s item but also a testament to the shared pursuit of perfection by IWC Schaffhausen and Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team.
