IWC has unveiled their latest collaborative effort with the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team, now in a brilliant royal purple!
IWC is a brand more often known for its pragmatic approach to watch design and engineering. Utilising a no-nonsense, high-legibility aesthetic combined with an eye for micromechanics, they’ve become one of the most recognisable players in the wider watch industry. It’s due to this penchant for precision that they were approached by the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team back in 2013, becoming part of one of the greatest dynasties in racing history.
With seven World Drivers’ Championships under their belt, IWC’s approach to horology is as serious as their partner’s approach to winning. Yet even with this air of seriousness, IWC finds time to go a little out of its comfort zone now and again. No better can this be seen than in this new release, which amplifies the already-disruptive colours of the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team collaboration with a purple flair.
Flying Purple People Pleaser
Though the colours have changed, what hasn’t is the bold profile of IWC’s Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41. Standing an unsurprising 41mm in case diameter, with a 51.5mm lug-to-lug and 14.5mm thickness, the watch is easily enough to spot on the wrist. For its broad stature, though, it’s remarkably easy to wear.
Much of the credit belongs to the Grade 5 titanium case. Weighing about half as much as standard stainless steel, and extremely corrosion-resistant, the titanium case feels rather fitting for a watch dedicated to one of the most decorated F1 teams of the last two decades. Thematically following the other Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team models, this new IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 maintains the high-quality standard expected of both IWC and its partner.
The comfortable feel of the watch is further enhanced by the use of a purple rubber strap, flowing down to a classic pin buckle in titanium. It matches the ostentatious dial design perfectly. But if you want to make the watch a little more subtle, IWC has provided a way to help you achieve that.
The straps can be changed out at any time with the brand’s proprietary EasX-CHANGE system, should you want to switch up the profile of the watch. Compounded by 100m of water resistance, the new watch maintains the sporty appeal of older models, making it a familiar wearing experience for any IWC fan.
What If It Was Purple?
Where the watch truly shines, however, is in the brand-new dial design. As of the time of writing, the Singapore Grand Prix is just a few races away, and IWC has gone ahead and created a watch perfect for the occasion. The sunray-brushed purple was a choice that didn’t come out of thin air, as it honours the national flower of Singapore: the Vanda Miss Joaquim.
A complex flower beneath the colours, IWC bonded with the flower and styled the watch around the same theme. Furthermore, purple was a central theme for the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team at the 2026 Miami Grand Prix, which looked even better at the top of the podium with Kimi Antonelli.
Beyond the colour, the accoutrements of the watch remain the same. PETRONAS green tones pervade the rest of the watch, visible on the sword hands, subdials, indexes and numerals, all of which are also lumed for maximum legibility. The only pops of contrast come in the form of black accents, again visible on the hands but most apparent on the three o’clock date window. Overall, it’s a design that’s equal parts tributary and fun, making for an IWC design unlike any other in the catalogue.
Equal Machinery
Turning the watch around, you’re greeted with an open caseback bearing descriptive text in even more signature PETRONAS green. Beyond that, however, lies the heart of the operation: IWC’s Cal. 69385 automatic movement. Beating at the luxury standard 4Hz (28,800VpH) atop a 46-hour power reserve, it powers both the chronograph and day/date complications of the watch.
Developed in-house by IWC in contrast to the previously used ETA 7750 architecture, the Cal. 69385 is a robust workhorse movement that feels apropos for a pilot’s watch, but refined enough to sport a column wheel function and skeletonised escape wheel. All of this can be found through the caseback, proudly displayed as the skeletonised automatic rotor spins and winds the watch.
Initial Thoughts
Though this new rendition of the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team is ostensibly another colour change, it’s hard not to get excited for the new design. Purple is such a rarity in the watch industry, usually reserved for the most exclusive haute horlogerie models. But with IWC utilising it in a sporty, racing-forward watch like this one, it breathes fun new life into what is otherwise a fairly regal colour scheme.
While I was initially apprehensive about how PETRONAS green and the new purple colourway would clash, I’ve come around to it the longer I’ve had a look. It doesn’t compromise on the boldness of either tone, yet somehow manages to champion them at the exact same time without being too overpowering. Though it’s not often you get to see IWC cut loose in the creative department, this watch is a joy amidst the function-first pilot’s watch scene, making it a standout both in the brand’s and global catalogue.
Reference & Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Reference | IW388121 |
| Dimensions | 41mm case diameter x 51.5mm lug-to-lug x 14.5mm thickness |
| Case | Grade 5 titanium |
| Dial | Sunray brushed purple with PETRONAS green accents |
| Crystal | Sapphire |
| Caseback | Open, sapphire |
| Movement | Automatic Cal. 69385 with day/date, chronograph (30min, 12h registers), & small seconds complications |
| Power Reserve | 46h |
| Beat Rate | 4Hz / 28,800VpH |
| Water Resistance | 100m / 10bar |
| Strap/Bracelet | Interchangeable purple rubber strap with titanium pin buckle |