IWC Unveils $102,000 Big Pilot’s Watch Shock Absorber XPL Toto Wolff Edition

As the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team prepares for a new season filled with high-speed competition and relentless precision, IWC Schaffhausen introduces a timepiece that embodies the spirit of motorsport: the Big Pilot’s Watch Shock Absorber XPL Toto Wolff x Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One™ Team (Ref. IW356201). Limited to just 100 pieces, this groundbreaking watch showcases IWC’s innovative SPRIN-g ProtectT® shock absorber system, ensuring extreme durability under the most demanding conditions.

The world of Formula One™ is one of constant motion, where drivers endure intense g-forces in their pursuit of victory. The high-pressure environment extends beyond the cockpit, reaching the heart of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas team. Toto Wolff, the team’s CEO and principal, has often been seen wearing a prototype of the Big Pilot’s Watch Shock Absorber XPL, even during the most exhilarating race moments. This inspired the creation of a watch designed to withstand the extreme stresses of both the track and the high-stakes decisions made behind the scenes – but in all the right colors and materials.

At the core of the watch’s resilience is the SPRIN-g Protect® shock absorber system, first introduced in 2021. Engineered by IWC’s XPL division, this system employs a cantilever spring to protect the movement from high-impact forces. Crafted from bulk metallic glass (BMG), the spring is significantly more elastic than conventional metals, allowing it to absorb and dissipate energy efficiently. The shock absorber is coated with Petronas green Super-LumiNova®, making it glow in the dark while paying homage to the team’s signature color.

This cutting-edge technology is housed in a 44mm Ceratanium® case, a proprietary patented material developed by IWC that blends the lightweight properties of titanium with the hardness of ceramic. The black dial, featuring a grainy textured finish, is complemented by bold blackened triangular hands with luminous edges. A floating outer ring with a minute scale enhances the dial’s technical appearance. Powering the watch is the IWC-manufactured Caliber 32101, an automatic movement with a 120-hour power reserve, ensuring reliability in even the most extreme conditions. The tinted sapphire case back bears Toto Wolff’s signature, reinforcing the timepiece’s exclusive status.

Completing the look is an integrated green rubber strap, with an additional black rubber strap with a textile inlay included for versatility. Water-resistant to 10 bar, this watch is not only a tribute to motorsport innovation but also a functional companion for those who demand the highest performance.

Coinciding with the launch of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One™ Team’s 2025 race car and the arrival of Kimi Antonelli alongside George Russell, this timepiece cements IWC Schaffhausen’s enduring partnership with the team and underscores its commitment to high-performance haute horology.

Personally,  I love the color ways of this Big Pilot’s Watch Shock Absorber XPL Toto Wolff x Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One™ Team watch. More importantly, the technology is the perfect fit for an F1 team. However, I think it is a great thing that the brand is making just 100 pieces, because with a price point of about $100,000, I am not sure it will appeal to the general watch-loving public.