IWC gives its exceptionally shock resistant – and strikingly expensive – aviator’s watch a new look. The Big Pilot’s Watch Shock Absorber XPL Toto Wolff is dressed in the black and green livery of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team that’s sponsored by IWC and led by Austrian auto entrepreneur Toto Wolff.

Although largely unchanged from the original version, the Toto Wolff edition features a stamped, grained dial with a cleaner aesthetic and open-worked hands. And the BMG shock-absorbing spring that rings the movement is coated in Petronas green Super-LumiNova for maximum visual effect.

Initial thoughts

Despite its (very) limited commercial success, the original Big Pilot XPL is an interesting example of horological engineering. While its considerable price tag was debatable, the technology inside was novel and exemplifies IWC’s historical focus on engineering. The new iteration is hardly revolutionary since it’s merely a cosmetic makeover, but it does bring a new aesthetics that might give the watch a bigger audience, especially with the high profile of Formula 1 and Toto Wolff himself thanks to the Netflix series about the sport.

The new Toto Wolff edition is priced at US$102,000, comparable to the first version and steep for a time-only watch, especially so for an IWC. However, seen another way, the price is perhaps competitive since the another brand that has long emphasised shock resistance and Formula 1 is Richard Mille, and any of its watches is priced at multiples of the IWC.

Highly shock-resistant

The new Big Pilot’s Watch XPL features the SPRIN-g PROTECT mechanism that grants the watch extreme shock resistance. Here rendered in bright Petronas green, the mechanism is essentially a ring of bulk metallic glass round the movement that serves as a bumper, absorbing all external shocks before they reach the movement.

Measuring 44 mm by 12.6 mm, the case is Ceratanium – essentially titanium with a ceramic coating – and features the signature oversized crown of the Big Pilot. The case also sports protective bumpers along its flanks.

Powering the watch is the in-house cal. 32101, which beats at 28,800 beats per second (4 Hz) and offers 120 hours of power reserve. It’s one of IWC’s entry-level calibres, and arguably not high-end enough for a watch of this price.

The sapphire crystal on the back bears Toto Wolff’s signature

Key facts and price

IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Shock Absorber XPL Toto Wolff x Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team
Ref. IW356201

Diameter: 44 mm
Height: 12.6 mm
Material: Black Ceratanium
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 100 m

Movement: Cal. 32101
Functions: Hours, minutes, and seconds
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz)
Power reserve: 120 hours

Strap: Green and black rubber straps

Limited edition: 100 pieces
Availability: Via order at IWC boutiques or its online concierge service
Price: US$102,000

For more, visit IWC.com.