IWC created a highly shock-resistant Forumala 1 collaboration timepiece with an eye-watering six-figure price tag.

The Big Pilot’s Watch Shock Absorber XPL Toto Wolff x Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One™ Team watch is made in collaboration with the CEO of the Petronas F1 team CEO, Australian billionaire, Toto Wolff.

For a brand like IWC, which typically competes at a much lower price point, this type of timepiece represents more of a halo product, than something sold to the masses, and there are only 100 available.

Using a 44 mm x 12.6 mm black Ceratanium® case (ceramic titanium alloy), IWC has created a second version of the Shock Absorber XPL, which was first announced in 2021. This new model has the same overall design although the case has gotten thicker, increasing from 12.09 to 12.6 mm.

The watch has a special “SPRIN-g PROTECT” system that protects the movement from acceleration forces over 30,000 g. Also, the glass and locking crown allowed IWC engineers to secure against displacement by a drop in air pressure. Despite the advanced mechanics, the watch only achieves a water resistance of 100 meters, which is more than enough, especially for a racer, but makes me wonder about real-life durability.

Designed with the color scheme of the Petronas Formula 1 Team, IWC expects to sell these to watch enthusiasts with deep pockets and presumably a love for F1 racing. The retail price is $102,000.

Learn more at IWC.

 

Photo by IWC.