Simply Abu Dhabi Magazine XVI

1 0 0 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I S ince 1868, the Swiss watch manufacturer IWC Schaffhausen has been producing timepieces of lasting value that uphold a clear focus on high technology and innovative development. Gaining an international reputation for their passion for mechanical solutions and technical ingenuity, IWC have become one of the world’s premier brands operating in the esteemed luxury timepiece sector. The manufacture creates masterpieces of horlogerie, combining supreme precision with exclusive luxury design. Alongside its brand ambassadors – race-winning Formula One drivers Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton – the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer IWC Schaffhausen has now developed two special edition watches, each limited to just an enormously exclusive 250 pieces. Only days before the Singapore Grand Prix, the two drivers unveiled their own personal Ingenieur Chronographs, and in addition, IWC Schaffhausen has now announced the renewal of its partnership with the Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team, adding further iconic brands to the fold. As well as their professional interest in Formula One, Lewis Hamilton andNico Rosberg also share a passion for high-end mechanical watches. As brand ambassadors of IWC Schaffhausen, they had a very real involvement in the design process of these, their own exclusive watches, and before the first practice sessions on the track they even appeared for their presentation at an IWC event in Singapore. Timepieces as different and distinct as the superstar drivers that helped create them, the Ingenieur Chronograph Edition “Lewis Hamilton” has a distinctly technical appeal, while the Ingenieur Chronograph Edition “Nico Rosberg” is lighter and more sporting in its appearance. The combination of the two watches, each with its own unique style, adds to the overall appeal, as the personality of each – similar yet distinct – reflect the personalities and interests of the two drivers. The watches chosen are both chronographs from the Ingenieur family; this is for a series of reasons. Firstly, the chronograph is the essence of sports timing – ingrained in the history of motor racing itself. Secondly, the Ingenieur collection pays inspirational tribute to the global partnership between the watchmakers and their motorsport colleagues with materials typically used withinmotorsport: titanium, carbon fibre and ceramics all appear in these designs. Finally, there is a tangible link between the superb quality of a IWC Schaffhausen chronograph and the high-octane, cutting-edge technology of the Formula One world; both combine robust materials and processes with elegant design to produce elite results that lead the industry in terms of quality, durability and outcome. For both drivers the only conceivable material for the case was titanium. With an elegant satin finish, the light grey metal used for the high-performance components in motorsport is particularly appealing. These rugged timepieces have been equipped with one of the most efficient movements manufactured entirely by IWC: the 89361 calibre. Specially developed for this movement design, the IWC double-pawl winding system is one of most efficient drives available and perfectly suits this role. Another extremely practical feature for anyone frequenting the world’s finest racing circuits is the flyback function for measuring pit-stop times. Both of these exclusive special editions have a unique feature on the reverse side. Set into the titanium case back is a medallion of carbon fibre, which may well show signs of wear and tear – for very good reason. A certificate of provenance supplied with each watch confirms that the carbon fibre material originally comes from one of the Silver Arrow cars used by Mercedes AMG Petronas. The back of the watches is sealed with a water-resistant sapphire glass that bears the personal logo of Nico Rosberg or Lewis Hamilton – depending on the edition - on the inner surface, adding further exclusive provenance. IWC - INGENI EUR CHRONOGRAPH EDITIONS