News

IWC Schaffhausen collaborates with George Russel for two new watches

The Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team driver helped IWC design his namesake limited-edition Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 George Russel and Pilot’s Watch Automatic 41 George Russel.

What is the IWC Schaffhausen Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 George Russel and Pilot’s Watch Automatic 41 George Russel?

It is a design collaboration with George Russel, driver for the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team, on two of IWC Schaffhausen’s Pilot’s watches. It includes the chronograph and the automatic model. Both are limited to 1063 pieces each. “63” is Russel’s starting number during races.

“In 2019, George Russell debuted in Formula One. After joining the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team in 2022, the Briton instantly claimed pole at the Hungarian Grand Prix™ and seven podiums within his first 20 races. Russell has since secured five Grand Prix victories for the team, with his latest win at the 2025 Singapore Grand Prix. The acclaimed racing driver has now collaborated with IWC’s creative team to design two limited-edition Pilot’s Watches, bringing his creative vision to the brand.”

What are both models dial features?

Image: Pilot’s Watch Automatic 41 George Russel (pictured). Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 George Russel (header image). The black dial and case contrast well with the blue accents. The blue font for the day of the week (chronograph) and date (chronograph and automatic model) against a black day and date wheel is an aesthetically pleasing touch. The rubber strap is the same blue hue as the dial. The triangle with two dots at 12 o’clock is a pilot’s watch feature. In addition to the hands, the Arabic numerals, hour indices of the hour and minute scale, and triangle with two dots emit blue luminescence.

Both models feature a black dial with blue accents, the latter evoking the “signature blue hue” of Russel’s helmet. The black hands are coated with blue Super-LumiNova. The blue Arabic numeral hour-markers and hour and minute scale are printed on the dial.

“It has been an unforgettable experience working with IWC Schaffhausen’s creative team on the design of my first ever limited-edition watches. By incorporating my signature blue colour that has accompanied me during most of my career as a racing driver, as well as my 63 Logo, these watches feel truly personal and unique to me. These two limited-edition Pilot’s Watch pieces are reflective of where my journey has taken me so far and of what I have been able to achieve on and off the racetrack.” –  George Russell.

Do both models feature a ceramic case?

Image: Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 George Russel (pictured). The titanium casebacks of both models are engraved with “63”. Both models feature a “soft-iron inner case for magnetic field protection.” A ceramic case is lightweight (more than steel) and very scratch-resistant.

Yes. Both models feature a black zirconium oxide ceramic, a material IWC pioneered four decades ago.” The crown (both models) and pushers (chronograph) are made from Ceratanium®,“an IWC-developed material that combines the lightness of titanium with a hardness and scratch resistance similar to that of ceramic.”

The chronograph measures 41.9 mm (diameter) * 15.5 mm (thickness). Dial side features a convex sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both sides. Water resistant up to 10 bar or 100 metres.

The automatic model measures 41 mm (diameter) * 11.4 mm (thickness). Dial side features a convex sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both sides. Water resistant up to 10 bar or 100 metres.

Both models come with a blue rubber strap fitted with a Ceratanium pin buckle and featuring the brand’s EasX-CHANGE® system, enabling the wearer to change straps easily.

Are both models powered by an automatic movement?

Yes.

The chronograph is powered by IWC-manufactured calibre 69380, an automatic movement that drives the central hours and minutes, small hacking seconds (6 o’clock), day of the week and date (apertures at 3 o’clock), chronograph functions: central seconds, 30-minute counter (12 o’clock), and 12-hour counter (9 o’clock). It comprises of 242 parts, 33 jewels, beats at a modern rate of 4 Hz or 28,800 vph and has a power reserve of 46 hours.

The automatic model is powered by IWC-manufactured calibre 32112, an automatic movement that drives the central hours, minutes, hacking seconds, and date (3 o’clock). It comprises of 167 parts, 21 jewels, beats at a modern rate of 4 Hz or 28,800 vph and has a power reserve of 120 hours.

What do we think?

Image: The chronograph and automatic model are ideal for such collaborations. Both models look great in the George Russel guise.

 

Both the chronograph and the automatic models are modern IWC Schaffhausen icons and a canvas for different interpretations and collaborations by the brand. I like the combination of the black dial and case with blue accents. For collectors seeking to add a supercool robust and versatile watch – whether they are motorsports (more specifically Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1) enthusiasts or not – either model is a compelling proposition.

Also Read: Luxury watches that mark the Chinese Year of the Fire Horse

Additional Details

Name: Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 George Russel

Reference: IW389411

Limited to 1063 pieces

Price: Swiss Franc (CHF) 10,500 (VAT included) / United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED): 45,800 (VAT included)

Name: Pilot’s Watch Automatic 41 George Russel

Reference: IW328107

Limited to 1063 pieces

Price: Swiss Franc (CHF) 7,800 (VAT included) / United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED): 32,900 (VAT included)

Please visit the brand’s website and Instagram page for more information.