IWC launch ‘indestructible’ Mercedes-inspired watch at Goodwood

If you have been to the Festival of Speed or Revival, then you’ll know that Goodwood is a haven for petrolheads. The Member’s Meeting is the oldest event on their automotive calendar though, and it’s arguably the best. Prestige watch brand IWC Schaffhausen recognised this, taking on the role of Timing Partner for the event’s 73d iteration. They went a step further, however, releasing an all-new Ingenieur timepiece in partnership with Mercedes-AMG. We think you’ll like it.

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IWC has quietly been in partnership with Mercedes-AMG for a decade now, and to celebrate the 10-year anniversary the release of the IWC Ingenieur Automatic Edition AMG-GT seems only fitting. Inspired by Mercedes’ new baby, the AMG-GT (of course), the watch is rather innovative, similar to its automotive equivalent.

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Made from boron carbide, the world’s hardest ceramic, it is virtually indestructible, encapsulating elements of performance that AMG themselves are known for. In terms of aesthetics, the yellow accents on the dial are the same as the launch colour of the AMG-GT, and the unique strap borrows the same micro-fibre that’s used on the automobile’s steering wheel, bucket seats and headliner.

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The dial itself is an intricate array of precise details, all present to serve a function. Behind the hour markers lie striking seconds numbers for accurate timings whether on the race track or the commute, and the dual-level of the face provides an interesting contrast and sense of depth.

, The Ingenieur Edition “AMG-GT” on the wrist

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Goodwood was the perfect place to unveil such a watch. The old race circuit has a distinctly different feel to that of the hill climb, which visitors to the Festival of Speed will be accustomed to. Walking through the paddock is like stepping back in time, and the relative lack of people means you can get up close and personal with some of the finest classic cars in the world.

, The cars line up on the grid

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, McLaren F1 GTR ‘Longtail’

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A highlight of the day was IWC’s ‘race against time’, which saw a 1971 300 SEL 6.8 AMG, the new Mercedes AMG-GT and a Mercedes F1 WO4 (the car driven by Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg in the 2013 Formula One season), go head-to-head. Ex-F1 driver Anthony Davidson piloted the latter to victory in the staggered race, which was a visual and aural spectacle to say the least.

, The three Mercedes went head-to-head on circuit

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, Anthony Davidson addressing the media

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As is always the case at Goodwood, a number of famous names cropped up, including petrolheads Nick Mason and Rowan Atkinson, and ex-F1 racer Max Chilton.

, Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason, Goodwood owner Lord March, IWC CEO Georges Kern and British actor Rowan Atkinson

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IWC and Goodwood put on quite the show. Other watch brands take note; if you want to launch a new timepiece, this is how you do it.

For more information on the IWC Ingenieur Automatic Edition AMG-GT, click here.

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