To celebrate the 140th anniversary of the invention of the automobile by its long-standing partner, Mercedes-Benz, IWC Schaffhausen has unveiled a special limited-edition “Big Pilot’s Watch” featuring the newly developed, groundbreaking “Perpetual Calendar Proset” mechanism.This advanced new mechanism was unveiled at “Watches & Wonders 2026,” held in Geneva this spring.
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The History of the Partnership Between Mercedes-Benz and IWCSince forming their partnership in 2004, the two companies have offered numerous experiences, including limited-edition watches and sporting events
It has been 140 years since Karl Benz filed the first patent for an automobile in 1886 and, shortly thereafter, Gottlieb Daimler built a horse-drawn carriage powered by an internal combustion engine. Mercedes-Benz has been dedicated to ceaseless innovation and creating the world’s most captivating cars.This grand ambition has driven every technological innovation, from the world’s first automobile in 1886 to today’s intelligent and safe electric vehicles. Based on a shared passion for engineering, performance, and design, IWC Schaffhausen became a partner of Mercedes-AMG in 2004.
Since 2013, this Swiss luxury watch manufacture has also served as the “Official Engineering Partner” of the “Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1™ Team,” the official works team of Mercedes-Benz.Furthermore, the two brands have carried out numerous collaborative projects, including a special limited-edition watch inspired by the design codes of the legendary G-Class.But that’s not all: from thrilling motorsports events like Formula 1™ and the 24 Hours of Nürburgring to the exhilarating “driving experience” of getting behind the wheel of a Mercedes-AMG high-performance model, this strong partnership continues to deliver a host of special experiences.
Mercedes-Benz is celebrating 140 years of innovation with the “140 YEARS. 140 PLACES.” campaign.Three new S-Class sedans are touring 140 carefully selected locations around the world, covering more than 50,000 kilometers across six continents to showcase the brand’s technology, tradition, pioneering spirit, and global presence.To mark this special year, IWC has unveiled a limited-edition “Big Pilot’s Watch” featuring the “Perpetual Calendar ProSet.”
Christoph Granger-Hair, CEO of IWC Schaffhausen, stated, “We have been part of the Mercedes-Benz world for 22 years.What began as a business partnership has evolved into a strong friendship based on deep mutual respect and trust for each other’s creative work. Our collaboration is rooted in shared values: world-class engineering, uncompromising performance, and a passion for forward-thinking design.I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Mercedes-Benz on this memorable milestone, and I look forward to continuing to work hand in hand to drive even more exciting projects together,” he said.
Matthias Geisen, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG responsible for Sales & Customer Experience, added, “Since 1886, Mercedes-Benz has not merely marked the passage of time, but has defined the era itself.We share the belief that ‘true progress stems from exceptional craftsmanship, innovation, and a meticulous attention to detail.’This limited-edition ‘Big Pilot’s Watch’ celebrates the partnership built on these shared values and reflects the indomitable spirit that continues to drive both brands forward,” he said.
“Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar Proset “140 Years Mercedes-Benz””A special edition limited to 140 pieces worldwide, featuring the original Mercedes-Benz logo
“Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar Proset ‘140 Years Mercedes-Benz’”(Ref. IW329603) is released in a limited edition of 140 pieces worldwide to commemorate the 140 years of innovation established by Mercedes-Benz.The 42mm stainless steel case, featuring a satin-brushed and polished finish, creates a beautiful contrast with the black dial adorned with gold applied indices and gold-plated hands.The minute track is printed in white for enhanced legibility, and the sapphire crystal case back is adorned with a historic logo celebrating this milestone.This is the original Mercedes-Benz logo, created in 1926 following the merger of Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft (DMG) and Benz & Cie.,a design that fuses the laurel wreath—derived from the Benz emblem—with the “Three-Pointed Star,” the symbol of DMG.
”Feature 1 of the ‘Big Pilot’s Watch’”Equipped with the ‘Perpetual Calendar Proset,’ a mechanical calendar featuring four patents””
The history of mechanical calendars at IWC dates back to 1985, when the company introduced the perpetual calendar developed by legendary watchmaker Kurt Klaus. With the newly unveiled “Perpetual Calendar Proset,” IWC has completely reengineered this complex mechanism, which is still considered the greatest challenge in watchmaking.The new module consists entirely of gears and is protected by four patents. This makes it possible, with a single crown position, to adjust the calendar not only forward but—for the first time in history—also backward.Furthermore, adjusting the calendar in either direction has become as simple and intuitive as setting the time. Unlike conventional perpetual calendars, the Proset requires no push buttons on the case side, no cumbersome operations, and no complex setting procedures.Behind the seemingly simple design lies a true feat of watchmaking engineering that requires components with extremely complex shapes. To manufacture these precision components, IWC employs the “LIGA process,” a state-of-the-art microfabrication technology based on lithography and electroforming.
Feature 2 of the ‘Big Pilot’s Watch’”Features a high-precision double moon phase with an error of only one day in 1,040 years
The “Perpetual Calendar Proset” clearly displays each piece of information in four sub-dials. The date is positioned at 3 o’clock, the month at 6 o’clock, the day of the week at 9 o’clock, and the moon phase at 12 o’clock.Thanks to a newly designed reduction gear train, the moon phase display has a theoretical error of only one day over a period of 1,040 years. IWC’s signature “Double Moon®” function depicts the phases of the moon with extreme precision as seen from both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.Furthermore, the four-digit year display—a hallmark of IWC’s perpetual calendars—is positioned between the 7 and 8 o’clock positions on the dial.This “Perpetual Calendar Proset” is powered by IWC’s in-house Caliber 82665, which features a nickel-linethium escapement and a silicon hairspring.It features a bidirectional Pellaton automatic winding mechanism reinforced with ceramic components and stores a 60-hour power reserve in the mainspring.In addition, this Big Pilot’s Watch is fitted with a black rubber strap, which can be easily replaced with another strap without the use of tools thanks to the integrated “EasX-CHANGE®” system.
