There’s a certain clarity to George Russell’s driving style, as it’s composed, clinical, and fiercely competitive when it counts. Now, that same duality has found expression off the circuit, as IWC Schaffhausen has unveiled two limited-edition Pilot’s Watches created in collaboration with the Mercedes F1 driver.
The new collection looks to translate Russell’s racing persona into high-performance horology. Developed in close partnership with the British F1 star, the line-up comprises a chronograph and a time-and-date automatic, both housed in lightweight yet immensely durable black zirconium oxide ceramic cases.
At first glance, the aesthetic is unmistakable. The matte black dials are punctuated by vivid accents in blue, a colour synonymous with his helmet livery and personal brand. The numerals, minute track, and Super-LumiNova detailing glow in this distinctive hue, ensuring legibility while injecting personality.
The coordinated blue rubber straps reinforce the motorsport connection, echoing the cockpit-to-wrist transition that defines many modern racing-inspired watches. Flip either piece over, and the link becomes even more explicit: titanium case backs are engraved with the number “63,” Russell’s racing number since his karting days. This is a subtle but meaningful nod to his journey through the ranks of Formula One.
The Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 George Russell is the more overtly sporting of the two. It features a 41.9mm ceramic case paired with a crown and pushers crafted from IWC’s proprietary Ceratanium, a material that merges titanium’s low weight with ceramic’s scratch resistance and hardness.
Inside beats the in-house 69380 calibre, a robust automatic chronograph movement designed for reliability under pressure. It delivers a 46-hour power reserve and classic bi-compax chronograph layout, offering intuitive legibility and balanced dial symmetry. For enthusiasts who appreciate mechanical integrity as much as aesthetics, this model brings tangible motorsport credibility.
The Pilot’s Watch Automatic 41 George Russell takes a more restrained approach. Slightly slimmer at 41mm, it retains the black ceramic case and blue detailing but focuses on time-and-date functionality.
Powering it is the 32112 calibre, equipped with IWC’s double-pawl winding system. The standout figure here is its 120-hour power reserve, offering five days of autonomy and making it an appealing proposition for daily wear without constant resetting. It’s a watch that leans into versatility while maintaining the same racing-inspired visual language.
IWC’s association with top-tier motorsport is well established, particularly through its long-standing partnership with the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team. These watches aim to mirror that blend by being calm in appearance, formidable in performance.
