A chance to own a piece of F1 history.
While an infinite number of variables can determine a driver’s success on track, time in itself remains the primary focus of racing across all types of motorsports. And before Formula 1 evolved into a tech-driven sport supported by the most innovative and precise tools, the common wristwatch served as the timing tool for both the weekend track members and Le Mans-winning professionals. It’s the longstanding correlation between both worlds that IWC Schaffhausen and Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 have highlighted in the partnership for the past 21 years. In yet a rare collaboration between motorsport and haute horlogerie, IWC Schaffhausen, Bonhams, and Laureus Sport for Good have come together for a remarkable charity auction.
Up for bidding is one of only 100 pieces of the IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Shock Absorber XPL Toto Wolff x Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team, the very watch worn by the Mercedes F1 CEO and Team Principal himself during the recent Singapore Grand Prix. The watch, capable of withstanding more than 30,000 g of acceleration, was engineered by IWC’s experimental division XPL and showcases the brand’s all-new SPRIN-g PROTECT® system. The winning bidder will also receive a signed team polo shirt from Wolff as a personal touch to the already significant collector’s piece.
Since 2005, IWC Schaffhausen has been a proud Global Partner of Laureus Sport for Good, an organization that uses the power of sport to help children overcome adversity. The Laureus Foundation Switzerland, which will receive all proceeds from the auction, supports over 15,000 children annually through six social sports programs aimed at inclusion, development, and well-being. Each year, IWC donates a unique timepiece to be auctioned at the Laureus Charity Night in Zurich, and this year’s collaboration with Bonhams expands the opportunity globally through online bidding from October 15th to 25th. Now, Wolff’s own race-worn watch will go under the hammer, with an estimate between CHF80,000 and CHF200,000 ($99,400 – 248,500).
Source: IWC Schaffhausen
