In a grand celebration of their enduring partnership, IWC Schaffhausen and Mercedes-AMG, along with the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula OneTM Team, set the stage ablaze in Las Vegas on the 14th of November 2023.
The occasion was none other than the upcoming Las Vegas Grand PrixTM, and the collaboration between these prestigious brands has stood the test of time since 2004.
A Desert Oasis: “Speed City” Emerges
For this special occasion, the creative minds behind IWC and Mercedes-AMG conjured up “Speed City,” an ephemeral oasis amidst the desert sands of Las Vegas. Here, the world of high-performance automobiles and precision timekeeping merged seamlessly.
Mercedes-AMG showcased their stunning Mercedes-AMG GT Coupé, while IWC unveiled their latest masterpiece, the Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 collection.
A highlight of the evening was the exhilarating performance driving show featuring none other than Formula One legends Lewis Hamilton and George Russell behind the wheels of the Mercedes-AMG GT Coupé.
The spectacle was further enhanced by a mesmerizing drone-supported light show that illuminated the desert night sky. It was a testament to the shared passion for performance and design that unites IWC and Mercedes-AMG.
Designing for Excellence
One of the key discussions of the evening revolved around the design processes that shape both cars and watches.
Christian Knoop, Chief Design Officer at IWC Schaffhausen, and Robert Lešnik, Head of Exterior Design Department at Mercedes-Benz, offered insights into their respective industries.
Lucy Hedges, a renowned technology journalist and BBC presenter, skillfully guided the conversation.
Robert Lešnik shed light on the intricate design considerations behind the sporty and emotional appearance of the Mercedes-AMG GT Coupé.
Meanwhile, Christian Knoop delved into IWC’s chronograph and materials expertise, revealing how these elements coalesce in the development of the Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41.
Unveiling the New Collection
On the eve of the event, IWC officially introduced the Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 collection. This collection includes four performance chronographs crafted from titanium and Ceratanium®, showcasing the brand’s commitment to innovation and excellence.
Following the design discourse, the spotlight returned to the racetrack as Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, the dynamic duo of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula OneTM Team, took the Mercedes-AMG GT Coupé for an adrenaline-pumping spin.
The performance was enhanced by a dazzling drone show that painted the Las Vegas night sky with a preview of the upcoming night race in the “City of Lights.”
Subsequently, both drivers engaged in a captivating conversation with Lucy Hedges and former F1TM driver and IWC brand ambassador David Coulthard. They reflected on the evening’s performance and offered a glimpse into what lay ahead in the forthcoming night race.
Celebrating a Legacy
As the event drew to a close, three titans of their respective domains took the stage.
Chris Grainger-Herr, CEO of IWC Schaffhausen; Michael Schiebe, CEO of Mercedes-AMG; and Toto Wolff, Team Principal & CEO of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula OneTM Team, gathered to reflect on the enduring and fruitful collaboration between their companies.
It was a moment to cherish as they shared memories and celebrated their shared journey.
Throughout the evening, guests had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the wonders of “Speed City.” This remarkable venue in the Las Vegas desert offered a range of attractions, including an exhibition by Mercedes-AMG that showcased their impressive lineup of performance cars.
Additionally, IWC curated a pop-up watch boutique featuring a selection of their iconic timepieces from Schaffhausen.
Mercedes-AMG: A Legacy of Performance
Mercedes-AMG, the performance and sports car brand of Mercedes-Benz Cars, has its roots in Affalterbach, Germany.
Founded by Hans Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher in 1967, it has been a wholly-owned subsidiary of Daimler AG since 2005.
Mercedes-AMG stands as the embodiment of supreme automotive performance, exclusivity, emotion, efficiency, and dynamic driving pleasure.
Its commitment to “Driving Performance” has led to a range of models, from performance compact cars to sports cars like the AMG GT family. Notably, AMG engines are assembled in Affalterbach following the “One Man, One Engine” principle.
Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team: A Champion’s Legacy
The Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team is the pinnacle of motorsport, competing in the FIA Formula One™ World Championship. It represents the culmination of elite teamwork, cutting-edge technology, innovation, and exceptional driving skill.
Based in the UK, the team comprises over 1,000 dedicated individuals who design, develop, manufacture, and race the cars piloted by seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton and Grand Prix winner George Russell.
The team’s track record is nothing short of extraordinary, with seven consecutive double Drivers’ and Constructors’ World Championships from 2014 to 2020 and an eighth consecutive Constructors’ Championship in 2021.
Their dominance in the sport is underscored by 116 wins, 264 podium finishes, 128 pole positions, 91 fastest laps, and 54 one-two finishes in 259 race starts from 2010 to the end of the 2022 season.
Conclusion
The partnership between IWC Schaffhausen and Mercedes-AMG, celebrated in the vibrant heart of Las Vegas, stands as a testament to the enduring power of collaboration, innovation, and a shared passion for performance and design.
As the engines roared and the desert skies lit up, “Speed City” served as a vivid reminder of the remarkable feats that can be achieved when two world-class brands come together in pursuit of excellence.
