IWC’s New Purple Chronograph and More: A Week in Watches

Welcome to our weekly roundup of the latest in horology. This week, we take you inside the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 headquarters to unveil IWC’s newest collaboration, celebrate Rado’s first Australian boutique, and share our admiration for smaller timepieces.

IWC’s F1-Infused Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41

To mark the release of IWC’s latest partnership with Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1, we were invited to the team’s headquarters in Brackley, England. The new watch is a fresh edition of the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41, featuring a vibrant purple dial and strap inspired by the Vanda Miss Joaquim orchid, Singapore’s national flower. The watch will be officially unveiled in Singapore when the F1 circus arrives on October 11th.

Visiting an F1 team’s headquarters is an eye-opening experience. These aren’t just buildings; they’re sprawling campuses housing everything from wind tunnels to state-of-the-art factories. The entire operation is a testament to cutting-edge technology, with every employee dressed in Adidas gear. It’s easy to see why IWC’s partnership with Mercedes has been so successful—both share a commitment to innovation and continuous improvement.

One intriguing insight from our tour: when the partnership first began, Mercedes asked IWC CEO Christoph Grainger-Herr to redesign their driver rooms, given his background in architectural design. This shows how the collaboration has evolved beyond just watchmaking.

Design and Specifications

Previous IWC x Mercedes collaborations stuck closely to the team’s signature blue, but this new model breaks the mold with a daring purple shade. The lume, however, retains that iconic blue. The watch features a lightweight titanium case, making it comfortable for daily wear. Inside beats the reliable 69385 calibre with a column-wheel chronograph and 46 hours of power reserve.

Seeing the watch in the context of the Mercedes factory, where components are machined from raw billets of Grade 5 titanium, highlighted the shared precision between the two brands. It was a fitting backdrop to appreciate this new release.

Rado Opens First Australian Boutique

Melbourne’s Collins Street is already known as the watch capital of Australia, and it just got even better with the opening of Rado’s first boutique. The Swiss brand, renowned for its scratch-resistant ceramic watches, celebrated the launch at 298 Collins Street with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by CEO Adrian Bosshard, brand ambassadors Cameron Green and Ash Barty, and the Lord Mayor of Melbourne.

The boutique is designed to immerse visitors in the world of Rado, offering a hands-on experience that goes beyond a typical retail space. The knowledgeable and personable staff are ready to introduce Australian customers to the brand’s rich heritage and innovative materials.

Why Smaller Watches Are Better

In our opinion, smaller watches are simply better. While size is subjective, making a watch smaller—especially thinner—is a technical achievement. A prime example is Bulgari’s Octo Finissimo, now available in a 37mm case. The brand managed to reduce the movement’s volume while increasing power reserve, a feat that showcases true manufacturing prowess.

We believe smaller watches shouldn’t be pigeonholed as women’s watches. Instead, they appeal to a broader audience and demonstrate a brand’s capability to innovate. If done tastefully, a smaller watch can be just as impressive as a larger one.

Wrist Shot of the Week: A Golden Breguet

Our favorite wrist shot this week comes from Tim Vaux, who shared a stunning champagne-dial Breguet from the golden era of the 1990s. This neo-vintage piece features a beautiful guilloché dial, coin-edge case, and intricate details that define the brand. It’s a perfect blend of classic styling and evolving watchmaking, capturing the magic of that transitional period.

FounderFest: Get Your Tickets Now

We’re excited to remind you that FounderFest tickets are on sale! Join us in London, Melbourne, or New York on September 19th (and 20th for NY) for a unique watch fair experience. Enjoy live music, get hands-on with seven collaborative watches from founder-led brands, and join live discussions with the founders themselves. Don’t miss out—grab your tickets today!

More Highlights from This Week

Dennison ALD Dual Time “Carnaby Blue”

Our coverage featured the USASHOP Watches x Dennison ALD Dual Time Carnaby Blue, a watch inspired by London’s Carnaby Street and Mod culture. With a mosaic-blue mother-of-pearl dial in a cushion case, it’s a bold expression of individuality.

Longines Master Collection Updates

Longines introduced new additions to its Master Collection, including a 41mm Chrono Monopusher—a rare and exciting complication. The collection also expanded with various sizes and a refined Chrono Moonphase.

Omega Speedmaster 38

Omega launched a new Speedmaster 38, providing a worthy successor to the beloved Speedmaster Reduced. This model offers a modern take on a classic design, perfect for collectors seeking a smaller chronograph.