IWC Releases New Big Pilot XPL Shock Absorber In Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Colors For Toto Wolff

IWC introduced the wholly unexpected Big Pilot’s Watch Shock Absorber XPL back in 2021. It was an experimental take on the Big Pilot formula capable of withstanding an astonishing 30,000 g-forces. The design and materials of the watch were a showcase of IWC’s technological chops, while the star of the show, the SPRIN-g PROTECT shock absorber system encasing the movement, served as a testament to their engineering prowess. This week, we’re getting a new version of the XPL Shock Absorber done in the colorway of the brand’s Formula 1 partner, the Mercedes AMG PETRONAS team. In fact, this is a watch we’ve seen before on the wrist of team principal Toto Wolff, during the 2024 F1 season, and with this release it enters commercial production. 

The 2025 Formula 1 season car liveries are set to be unveiled with the F1 75 Live event in London this week, and IWC is getting in front of the hype with the release of this XPL done in the classic AMG PETRONAS green (teal?) colors. The 2025 Mercedes F1 car is likely to retain a healthy mix of the same color in its livery, and IWC has implemented it in a rather creative way with this watch, directly highlighting the most unique feature of the XPL. 

IWC uses the patented SPRIN-g PROTECT®shock absorber system developed by its engineering division (which is called XPL) to achieve the impressive level of shock resistance at work here. The system uses a cantilevered spring that evenly dissipates forces subjected to it. The spring itself is manufactured from bulk metallic glass (BMG), and in this instance, it’s been coated in AMG PETRONAS green. The edges of this system are visible behind the textured black dial, so they don’t exactly dominate the view, but they do provide a noticeable contrast. 

The movement at work here is IWC’s manufacture Caliber 32101, which sits within the shock absorber system in such a way that it can move independently of the crown stem. I’d caution that a wearer subjected to such a force would likely be facing bigger issues than the safety of their watch, but it’s an incredible bit of engineering to be appreciated, and one that I’d love to see sized down for broader usage across more references. The movement is particularly visible through an exhibition caseback, and its bridges have been coated black to match the aesthetic of the case. 

All of this is set within a Ceratanium case that measures 44mm in diameter. The case itself is also quite robust, with padded sections along either case wall. It frames what appears to be a floating dial at the center, with much of the perimeter being fully transparent. The dial hosts a newly designed set of pointed hands rendered in lume, with no other complications in sight. It’s a highly focused design that would work rather well even outside the confines of the XPL watch, if you ask me. 

IWC will produce 100 examples of the Big Pilot’s Watch Shock Absorber XPL Toto Wolff x Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One (which is its full, official name, by the way), and each will be priced at $102,000. The watch can be fitted to either a black rubber strap, or one done in the same AMG PETRONAS green color. You can see more at iwc.com.