IWC Schaffhausen Marks Mercedes-Benz’s 140th Anniversary with a Smarter Big Pilot’s Watch

IWC Schaffhausen is marking Mercedes-Benz’s 140th anniversary with a limited-edition Big Pilot’s Watch that puts engineering ahead of ornament.

The Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar ProSet 140 Years Mercedes-Benz (Ref. IW329603) is limited to 140 pieces, each representing a year of Mercedes-Benz innovation. Its 42mm stainless-steel case combines brushed and polished surfaces with a black dial, gold appliqués and gold-plated hands. A historic 1926 Mercedes-Benz logo appears on the sapphire case back, referencing the merger of Daimler Motoren-Gesellschaft and Benz & Cie.

The headline feature is IWC’s new Perpetual Calendar ProSet. Unlike conventional perpetual calendars, the mechanism can be adjusted both forwards and backwards through a single crown position. There are no additional pushers or crown-position gymnastics: calendar corrections are handled much like setting the time.

That apparent simplicity hides some serious mechanics. The ProSet module is protected by four patents and uses components manufactured through LIGA microstructuring technology. Its moon-phase display requires only one day of correction every 1,040 years, while IWC’s Double Moon® display shows the lunar cycle for both hemispheres.

Power comes from IWC’s 82665 calibre, with a silicon hairspring, nickel-phosphorus escapement and ceramic-reinforced Pellaton winding system. The movement delivers a 60-hour power reserve.

The Mercedes-Benz connection is longstanding. IWC has partnered with Mercedes-AMG since 2004 and has been Official Engineering Partner of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team since 2013. The new watch continues that relationship without resorting to automotive clichés: performance is expressed through the engineering, not simply the branding.

IWC Schaffhausen Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar ProSet 140 Years Mercedes-Benz — £32,100.