IWC Big Pilot Perpetual Calendar ProSet 140 Years Mercedes-Benz: A Tribute to Automotive Heritage

A Celebration of Two Innovators

When two companies that have consistently pushed the boundaries of mechanical engineering join forces, the result is often something special. IWC's latest release commemorates 140 years of Mercedes-Benz, a partnership that has produced numerous timepieces inspired by both road cars and Formula 1 racing. The new Big Pilot's Watch Perpetual Calendar ProSet 140 Years Mercedes-Benz pays homage to this milestone with a striking black-and-gold theme and the brand's ingenious ProSet movement.

Design and Case

The watch adopts the more compact Big Pilot platform, measuring 42.9mm in diameter and 14.3mm thick, crafted from stainless steel. While slightly smaller than the iconic 46mm versions, it retains all the classic Big Pilot cues: a broad dial opening, a slim polished bezel, the distinctive diamond-shaped crown, and sapphire crystals on both front and back. With a 100-meter water resistance, it's surprisingly practical for a perpetual calendar, allowing occasional swimming without worry.

Dial Details

The glossy black dial is adorned with applied solid gold hour markers and gold-plated hands, following the traditional Big Pilot aesthetic. The recessed subdials display the full perpetual calendar: date, day, month, four-digit year, and a double moon phase at 12 o'clock. All markers and hands are coated with Super-LumiNova for excellent legibility in low light.

The ProSet Movement

At the heart of this limited edition is the caliber 82655, a movement that simplifies the perpetual calendar adjustment. Instead of using pushers, all calendar functions can be set via the crown, thanks to a clever stacked program wheel system. This mechanism, comprising about 20 parts, includes a special leap year wheel with retractable fingers to handle February's irregular length. It's a remarkable piece of engineering that makes setting the watch intuitive and error-free.

Technical Specifications

Case: 42.9mm stainless steel, 14.3mm thick, sapphire crystal with double-sided AR coating, screw-in crown, 100m water resistance
Dial: Black with solid gold markers and gold-plated hands, Super-LumiNova filled, recessed perpetual calendar and moon phase subdials
Movement: Caliber 82655, Pellaton automatic winding, 4Hz frequency, 60-hour power reserve, 34 jewels, LIGA nickel-phosphorus escapement, silicon hairspring
Strap: Black rubber with folding clasp and EasX-Change system
Reference: IW329603
Availability: Limited to 140 pieces
Price: EUR 40,900 incl. VAT

Buying Tips

This is a collector's piece, limited to just 140 examples, so availability will be scarce. If you're considering a purchase, act quickly through authorized dealers or reputable pre-owned markets. Given the high price point, ensure authenticity by verifying the reference number and documentation. The rubber strap with EasX-Change makes it versatile, but you might also want to explore additional strap options to suit different occasions.

Authenticity Note

As with any high-value limited edition, be cautious of counterfeits. Always buy from trusted sources and check the movement's finishing, the laser-etched logo on the caseback, and the unique limited edition number. If possible, have the watch inspected by an authorized IWC service center.