Amidst the ticking seconds, a legacy unravels. IWC Schaffhausen has been developing chronographs since introducing its first model, the IW3700 Porsche Design Titanium Chronograph 1, in 1980. Since then, the watchmaker has gained extensive expertise and experience in this field.
“For over 40 years, this legacy has spurred us to develop chronographs that are among the best our industry offers,” says CEO Christoph Grainger-Herr. Many of its collections, such as the Pilot’s Watch, Portugieser, and Portofino, include chronograph watches in different case sizes and materials.
A Legacy of Excellence
IWC’s first chronograph and the first chronograph in the world with a titanium case and bracelet.Photo: IWC.
With a heritage deeply rooted in crafting professional instrument watches, IWC’s chronographs epitomise extreme robustness and unparalleled functionality. It has three chronograph movements created in-house, with the latest one being the calibre 69000. These movements prioritise long-lasting performance, dependability, and durability. IWC’s focus on functionality has also led to a unique attribute of the brand’s chronographs – a vertical bi-compax dial layout that improves readability.
Ever since introducing the IW3700 timepiece 43 years ago, IWC’s chronograph heritage has unfolded as a compelling narrative that transcends the confines of mere timekeeping. These chronographs have developed in tandem with the brand’s technical and innovative milestones. Notably, the debut of its inaugural chronograph signalled the commencement of IWC’s quest for material mastery.
A groundbreaking collaboration with Porsche Design, the IW3700 stands out as the world’s first chronograph to feature a titanium case and bracelet. IWC’s chronograph saga rapidly evolved in the 1990s with the release of its Pilot’s Watch Chronograph, an enduring symbol of courage and adventure.
In 1992, IWC introduced the first Double Chronograph with an integrated splitseconds function, enabling the watch to time two separate actions simultaneously. Two years later, it launched the IW3705 Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Ceramic, the first Pilot’s Watch with a zirconium oxide ceramic case. This material is known for its durability and resistance to scratches, and IWC is recognised as a trailblazer in its use.
As the years marched on, IWC continued to develop its chronograph capabilities. It introduced its first in-house manufactured chronograph movement, calibre 89360, in 2007. Before this pivotal moment, all its earlier self-winding chronographs were based on the Valjoux 7750. The IWC89360 calibre boasts a flyback chronograph, an efficient Pellaton winding system and a power reserve of 68 hours. It debuted within the Da Vinci Collection, which has since been retired from the spotlight.
In 2015, it launched the Portofino Hand-Wound Monopusher, powered by the IWC manufactured calibre 59360. Anchored within the 59000-calibre family, this hand-wound movement boasts a singular barrel harnessed to give a remarkable eight days of power reserve. Housed within the timeless Portofino design, it relies on a singular push button integrated into the crown to control the stopwatch function, distinguishing itself from the traditional dual-button chronographs.
IWC 69000 CALIBRE
The true zenith of IWC’s chronograph achievements rests upon its newest in-house chronograph movement, the calibre 69000. A triumph of in-house craftsmanship, it stepped into the limelight in 2017 and established new benchmarks for quality, unwavering resilience, and unparalleled reliability.
“With the 69000-calibre family, we wanted to develop one of the most stable and reliable chronographs ever. We made no compromises in streamlining the overall calibre for efficient energy use and maximum robustness. In addition, we used newly developed lubricants and carefully matched material pairings in the interest of durability,” explains Markus Buhler, the brand’s associate director of watch and movement assembly.
The proprietary workhorse movement is now a permanent component in all IWC watches that demand accurate, strong, high-performing chronograph movements, such as the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41. It was recently resized from 43mm to 41mm in 2021 and is available in many iterations, including stainless steel, bronze, and most recently, 5N red gold.
Pilot's Watch Chronograph 41
Introduced earlier this year, the new Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 (Ref IW388110) features a sunray-finished dial in racing green, a vibrant hue inspired by the iconic British racing colour. It is fitted with a matching green rubber strap and a pin buckle in 5N red gold to complement the design. With the EasX-Change system integrated, changing the strap is now a quick and effortless process that doesn’t require any extra tools.
IWC chronograph watches equipped with racing green dials capture the essence of speed and adventure. Besides the new model in 5N red gold, they can be found on other Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 editions, like the Ref IW388103 and Ref IW388104. The former is offered in a stainless steel case and brown calfskin strap while the latter is fitted with a newly designed stainless steel bracelet bearing a slimmer profile for improved ergonomics, and equipped with a fine adjustment system.
The distinctive hue is also present on the Portugieser Chronograph (Ref IW371615), one of IWC’s most popular models. This watch has been consistently designed with its original and iconic look since it first debuted in 1998.
ALL SYSTEMS GO
In 2022, IWC introduced the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 Edition “Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team” (Ref IW388108), which tested the calibre 69000’s robust performance. IWC and the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team have had a fruitful partnership since 2013, because of their shared passion for precision, performance, and innovation.
Crafted from grade 5 titanium, the Ref IW388108 is the team’s first official watch. It features a black dial with printing and accents in the team’s signature Petronas green colour. Since it was introduced, it has been worn by the team’s designers, aerodynamicists, race engineers, strategists and mechanics.
As this year commemorates the illustrious 10-year collaboration between IWC and the Formula One team, IWC honours this milestone by unveiling a vibrant Miami Pink rubber strap that was seen adorning the wrists of team members during the Miami Grand Prix. The Ref IW388114 includes the green strap offered with the original 2022 model, and the EasX-Change system allows for the easy interchangeability of both straps.
In the world of precision engineering and high-performance elegance, the collaboration between IWC and Mercedes-AMG takes centre stage as a harmonious symphony of perfection. This partnership makes up yet another potent chapter in IWC’s chronograph legacy—a narrative of resilience, ingenuity, and passion. At the heart of this tale, IWC’s timepieces are custodians of time. They are a reminder that within each moment lies an adventure yearning to be seized, treasured, and shared across generations.
