IWC Schaffhausen has unveiled its completely remodeled 2013 Ingenieur collection, one which focuses entirely on its new partnership with the #/category/home/" style="font-weight: bold; ">MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team. For the next three years, the watch manufacturer will be the Official Engineering Partner of the Mercedes-Benz works team.
The cooperation is founded on a jointly held conviction that a pioneering approach and skilled craftsmanship can take mechanics into new and unexplored realms.
For this new collection, IWC’s design engineers took their inspiration from Formula One. Materials typically used in motorsport, such as carbon fibre, ceramic and titanium have become integral hallmarks of the new design line in the Ingenieur watch family.
Georges Kern, CEO of IWC Schaffhausen adds, "The engineers who work within our two companies have many things in common. They are the heroes behind the scenes: their craftsmanship and expertise with high technology lay the foundations for our success."
Their pioneering spirit and know-how push the boundaries of mechanical engineering and continuously redefine the achievements of precision technology.
With the technologically demanding craftsmanship showcased in the 2013 Ingenieur collection, IWC Schaffhausen reaffirms its reputation as a manufacturer of timepieces of the highest quality, for more than 140 years since 1868.
IWC's partnership with Mercedes-Benz dates back to October 2004, with the German automaker's high performance brand, AMG. The new cooperation now extends to the Formula One team with IWC creating timepieces that not only draw inspiration from the high-tech, state-of-the-art motor racing but also the sport's history and heritage.
Supreme Precision & Exclusive Designs of the Ingenieur Collection
The history of the Ingenieur watch family has been defined by models that reflected the prevailing zeitgeist but at the same time incorporated the forward-looking technology and progressive design development in the watch industry. These new pieces from IWC will no doubt appeal equally to admirers of highly sophisticated in-house watch movements and also to those who appreciate the power and grace of a high-performance engine.
The first in our feature is the Ingenieur Constant-Force Tourbillon (Ref. 5900) in its platinum and ceramic case. With its patented constant-force mechanism integrated in the tourbillon, the timepiece guarantees an extremely precise rate. Two barrels supply the higher torque required to drive the constant-force tourbillon and also supply the energy needed for the moon phase module.
The second is the Ingenieur Perpetual Calendar Digital Date-Month (Ref. 3792) in its case made of titanium aluminide, featuring perpetual calendar and digital date display. The timepiece emulates the hybrid boost button used in Formula One and adopts a energy recovery principle.
Every night, when the date display advances, the quick-action switch taps off a little energy and stores it until the end of the month or year, and makes it available precisely when it is needed. The dial has semi-transparent sapphire-glass inlays over the date, month and leap year discs, which enable the wearer to observe the complex interplay of the discs as they advance.
On New Year’s Eve, the five displays begin to move simultaneously. It is a complex technological feat that will hold an irresistible appeal for lovers of sophisticated mechanical systems.
The limited edition Ingenieur Automatic Carbon Performance (Ref. 3224) is an outstanding example of the new sports-inspired ethos of the collection. Like the safety cell (monocoque) and bodywork of a Formula One racing car, the case and dial are made of epoxy resin-soaked carbon-fibre matting, which is then cured at high temperatures and over-pressure.
The Ingenieur Automatic AMG Black Series Ceramic (Ref. 3225) harks back memories of the early cooperation between IWC and AMG. The Schaffhausen-based watch manufacturer discovered the use of ceramic – zirconium oxide – for the watch industry as early as 1986.
Ingenieur Chronograph Racer (Ref. 3785) is perfect for recording periods of time, pit-stop times and, with the help of the tachymeter scale, the speed achieved over a measured distance. The Racer features the engraving of a modern Formula One car on its case back.
Ingenieur Automatic (Ref. 3239) rounds off the classic line with its timeless, distinctively clear design together with protection against magnetic fields. The lugs have also been ergonomically improved with a concave surface to ensure comfort with the wearer's wrist.
A new rubber strap with a textile or leather inlay cleverly combines the elegant look of the outer material with the comfort and durability of rubber on the inner side. Alternatively, the metal bracelet comes with a special fine-adjustment clasp that enables minor modifications to the length of the strap with a push of a button with the IWC logo at the centre of the clasp cover.
IWC Schauffhausen in South East Asia
Singapore
ION Orchard | 2 Orchard Turn . #02-06 . Singapore 238801
Tel: +65 6509 9640
Marina Bay Sands | 2 Bayfront Avenue . #B1-126 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands . Singapore 018972
Tel: +65 6688 7088
Malaysia
Pavilion Kuala Lumpur | Lot 3.40 . 168 Jalan Bukit Bintang . Kuala Lumpur . 55100 Malaysia
Tel: +60 (3) 2142 7999
Vietnam
Sofitel Metropole Hotel | 56 Ly Thai To Street . Hoan Kiem District . Hanoi . 10000 Vietnam
Tel: +84 (4) 3936 9568
Go to IWC Schauffhausen's website at //www.iwc.com
