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Dec 26, 2023

Racing against time

A lucky number for IWC Schaffhausen and Hot Wheels, 68 comes from their founding years, 1868 and 1968. A 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing. (Photos © IWC) Bearing the number 68, the Pilot's Watch

A lucky number for IWC Schaffhausen and Hot Wheels, 68 comes from their founding years, 1868 and 1968.

A 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing. (Photos © IWC)

Bearing the number 68, the Pilot's Watch Chronograph Edition IWC x Hot Wheels Racing Works and Hot Wheels Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Racing Works Edition have been paired for a coveted collector's set.

The limited edition marks the return of IWC Racing and its 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing to Goodwood Motor Circuit at the sporting estate in West Sussex, England.

Last month Austrian racing driver Laura Kraihamer competed for the Stirling Moss Trophy during the 78th Goodwood Members' Meeting -- an epic weekend of motor racing.

Since 2018, IWC's motorsport team has participated in various classic car races. Behind the wheel of the iconic sports car, Formula One legend David Coulthard triumphed in the Tony Gaze Trophy race at the Goodwood Members' Meeting in April 2019.

Last year saw the first joint project between the two brands -- a premium Hot Wheels Team Transport set comprising the IWC Racing 300 SL with its racing team transporter. The second release was an IWC-exclusive version of the Hot Wheels Mercedes-Benz 300 SL.

"It was a chance meeting with Hot Wheels designer Manson Cheung that kick-started our partnership. Our shared passion for automotive design and mechanical watches led to a meeting between the design teams of both brands at the Mattel Design Center in El Segundo. We instantly connected, speaking the same language of design, art and engineering," said Christoph Grainger-Herr, CEO of IWC Schaffhausen.

Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition IWC x Hot Wheels Racing Works.

IWC Racing team joined the 78th Goodwood Members’ Meeting, with Laura Kraihamer at the wheel of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing.

The Hot Wheels Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Racing Works Edition was created by the Hot Wheels design team, sculpted and detailed by Cheung with graphics by Steve Vandervate and IWC designer Nicholas Schmidt.

One of the most detailed 1:64th models ever created, the die-cast replica features opening gullwing doors, a faithfully-reproduced interior complete with bucket seats, roll cage and red sill trims, as well as full external detailing including clear headlights with the MB Star braces and racing graphics.

As there are only 50 pieces, it is one of the rarest official Hot Wheels models ever released since Mattel co-founder Elliot Handler introduced the brand in 1968. He enlisted a GM car designer and a rocket scientist, who combined Detroit auto styling and space-age design cues with striking Spectraflame paint finishes and fast "redline" wheels to create the Hot Wheels Original 16.

Today the American brand has become a global powerhouse of vehicle culture, engaging its fans through immersive live events, hugely-popular digital gaming, and a YouTube channel.

"IWC Schaffhausen and Hot Wheels share a rich and timeless history, each creating iconic products through an unrivalled emphasis on attention to detail and craftsmanship on the smallest scale," said Chris Down, Mattel's chief design officer.

"This partnership is a reflection of the creativity and collaborative spirit our teams share, and the result is an exceptional package that truly discerning enthusiasts of luxury timepieces, racing and car culture will appreciate."

IWC's heritage is actually rooted in American pioneering spirit and entrepreneurship. From Boston, engineer and watchmaker Florentine Ariosto Jones journeyed to Switzerland, where he established the International Watch Company in Schaffhausen, in 1868.

The American entrepreneur combined Swiss horological expertise with modern technology and hydropower sourced from the River Rhine to make high-quality pocket watches. In doing so, he not only laid the foundation for IWC's engineering approach but also established the centralised production of mechanical watches in Switzerland.

IWC X Hot Wheels Racing Works Collectors Set in a metal toolbox.

Over its 153 year history, IWC has developed a reputation for engineering complications, especially chronographs and calendars. The company specialises in watch cases manufactured from advanced materials, such as titanium-aluminide and Ceratanium.

The Pilot's Watch Chronograph Edition IWC x Hot Wheels Racing Works is housed in a 43mm case made of grade 5 titanium, which is lighter and harder than steel, highly resistant to corrosion, and often used in automotive engineering.

The case features an engraving of the Hot Wheels flame logo on its side at 9 o'clock. The dark grey matte colour results from an elaborate surface treatment in which the case components are first polished and then blasted. The black dial is decorated with a subtle chequered racing flag pattern around the chronograph totalisers.

Depending on the light, the laser-engraved squares alternate between a lighter and darker shade, giving the dial visual depth and a textured appearance. The chronograph is powered by IWC-manufactured calibre 69385, visible through the smoked glass case back.

Limited to 50 pieces, the IWC X Hot Wheels Racing Works Collectors Set is presented in a metal toolbox. Set No.1 has been auctioned for charity by Bonhams, with proceeds going to the Two Bit Circus Foundation, which provides children learning experiences to inspire entrepreneurship and inventiveness as well as instil environmental stewardship.