SpotlightClassic Yet Contemporary—Introducing Two New IWC Big Pilot’s Watch AMG G 63 Editions

Known for their long-standing association with Mercedes-AMG, IWC have recently launched two special Big Pilot’s Watch editions to celebrate over two decades of this partnership. Both the Big Pilot’s and the G-Class from Mercedes-Benz share a similarity when it comes to their utilitarian legacy, since they were designed from purely a functional aspect. The Big Pilot’s was created to offer a robust and reliable watch where time could be read easily while the G-Class was built to conquer all terrains. However, over the years they have evolved into more modern icons, while preserving their inherent utilitarian features.

The first model—the Big Pilot’s Watch AMG G 63 (Ref. IW501201) boasts a case and crown made of 18-karat Armor Gold, a black dial and a black rubber strap with microfibre inlay. Here, the black-and-gold colour scheme is inspired by the exterior paintwork and interior finishing of the recently launched Mercedes-AMG G 63 ‘Grand Edition’. The watch measures 46.2mm and the case material—Armor Gold—is an alloy that increases the hardness of gold and takes it up a notch when compared to conventional gold. It imparts more durability to the timepiece since it makes the comparatively soft, precious metal much more resistant to external influences, and this is achieved due to an improved microstructure. The combination of sand-blasted surfaces and polished edges lends this Big Pilot’s Watch a classy, contemporary character, all while preserving the intrinsic elements of their trademark pilot’s watch design.

The second version—the Big Pilot’s Watch AMG G 63 (Ref. IW506201) is the brand’s first timepiece to be crafted in a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) case, created in close collaboration with the German Aerospace Center (DLR). According to the brand, the USP of this material lies in the fact that ‘unlike conventional carbon fibre-reinforced polymers, the fibres of this composite material are embedded in a matrix of ceramic rather than polymer. This makes the material highly durable and resistant to damage since it’s also not impacted by thermal shocks, and is a preferred choice when it comes to manufacturing components for the aerospace industry or brake discs for sports and luxury cars.

The Big Pilot’s Watch AMG G 63 (Ref. IW501201) boasts a case and crown made of 18-karat Armor Gold, a black dial and a black rubber strap with microfibre inlay

The watch measures 46.2mm and the case material—Armor Gold—is an alloy that increases the hardness of gold and takes it up a notch when compared to conventional gold

In addition to the signature power-reserve display at three o’clock, both the new editions feature a small seconds counter at nine o’clock. These counters with external white rings are reminiscent of the typical headlights on the front side of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. And unlike the classic Big Pilot’s Watch, which came with printed numerals and indices, these models feature appliques that have been PVD-coated in black and filled with luminous material.

In addition to the signature power-reserve display at three o’clock, both the new editions feature a small seconds counter at nine o’clock

Water-resistant to 100m, both Big Pilot’s Watch AMG G 63 versions are driven by IWC’s 52010 calibre—an automatic movement offering supreme precision and a seven-day power reserve

Water-resistant to 100m, both Big Pilot’s Watch AMG G 63 versions are driven by IWC’s 52010 calibre—an automatic movement offering supreme precision, thanks to some components of the winding system being manufactured from virtually wear-free zirconium oxide ceramic, which are resistant to high-stress levels. It features the Pellaton winding system, where the rotor moves in both directions to build up and store energy in two barrels. Thus, it’s able to supply a power reserve of at least seven days when fully wound. Both models have exhibition casebacks, allowing one to get a glimpse of these movements, decorated with the signature Mercedes-Benz star.