A Closer Look At The IWC Big Pilot’s Watches Inspired by Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Swiss watchmaker IWC Schaffhausen combines its expertise in a new series of Big Pilot’s watches inspired by the iconic G-Class from Mercedes-Benz, bridging the realms of precision engineering in automobiles, aviation, and timepieces. These two distinctive timepieces are meticulously crafted, with one crafted in 18-karat Armor Gold® and the other in a ceramic matrix composite (CMC). This collaboration builds upon the enduring partnership of nearly two decades between IWC and Mercedes-AMG.

The Big Pilot’s Watch AMG G 63 watches exhibit strikingly different aesthetics. The first version is constructed from 18-karat Armor Gold®, an alloy that infuses gold with exceptional durability, rendering it highly resistant to scratches and dents. This timepiece features a sleek black dial and a black rubber strap with a micro-fiber inlay. The striking black-and-gold color scheme draws inspiration from the Mercedes-AMG G 63 Grand Edition, mirroring both its exterior paint and interior design.

The alternative iteration of the Big Pilot’s Watch AMG G 63 is meticulously crafted using a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) alloy developed in collaboration with the German Aerospace Center (DLR). What sets this material apart from conventional carbon fiber is its unique composition, where the fibers are embedded in ceramic rather than polymer. This results in unparalleled ruggedness and durability, making it impervious to thermal shocks, lightweight, and highly temperature resistant.

The intricate manufacturing process begins with carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer, which undergoes several days of heat treatment to transform it into carbon. Subsequently, silicon crystals are applied to the surface and subjected to additional heat treatment, effectively forming a new matrix of silicon carbide ceramic. Given IWC’s history of innovation, it’s no surprise that they opted for this groundbreaking material for their Big Pilot’s Watch AMG G 63.

Both watch dials feature a meticulously crafted pattern inspired by the air intakes found on Mercedes-AMG performance vehicles. They also include a power-reserve indicator located on a sub-dial at 3 o’clock and a subsidiary seconds hand at 9 o’clock, designed to emulate the headlights of the G-Class. A date window resides at 6 o’clock. In the Armor Gold® version, the applied markers, numerals, and hands feature a rich gold hue, while the CMC version boasts silver-hued counterparts, all coated with luminescent material.

Powering these high-performance timepieces is the in-house-made IWC 52010 automatic Pellaton-winding caliber, which incorporates zirconium oxide ceramic components in its winding system to enhance durability. An exhibition case back, adorned with a Mercedes-Benz star, offers a view of the intricate movement within.