TIME ZONE
BbyyCceline Simon
IWC
NEW PERFORMANCE CHRONOGRAPHS WITH
TACHYMETER SCALES DEDICATED TO ITS MOTORSPORT PARTNERS
IWC Schaffhausen introduced two performance chronographs dedicated to its motorsport partners Mercedes-AMG and the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula OneTM Team. Crafted from titanium or Ceratanium ® , the Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 combines IWC’s expertise in chronographs and advanced materials. A distinguishing feature is the ceramic bezel with a tachymeter scale, enabling the wearer to measure the average speed based on the distance traveled. Black dials with a glossy finish, recessed totalizers, applied indices, and numerals filled with Super-LumiNova ® complement the sleek design. All models are powered by the IWC-manufactured Caliber 69385 and are water-resistant to 10 bar.
The Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 AMG 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 com- pany 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 percent lighter than steel and remarkably rigid. The case features a brushed finish with polished details on the horns. One version is fit- ted 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.
The Pilot’s Watch Performance Chrono- graph 41 Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula OneTM Team features a case made of Ceratani- um ® . 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 specifi- cations. The case components are machined from bars using computer-controlled turning and milling centers. Afterward, they are elabo- rately 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. One version is fitted with a black rubber strap with a Ceratanium ® pin buckle (Ref. IW388306). The other version fea- tures a Ceratanium ® bracelet with an integrated folding clasp (Ref. IW388307).
40 ALBERT’S DIAMOND JEWELERS MAGAZINE
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