Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsIWC announced two Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 editions on 13 November 2023: the AMG partner edition (IW388305) and the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team edition (IW388306). They share the 69385 calibre, ceramic tachymeter bezel and 10 bar water resistance, but differ in partner identity and case material. The team watch has a Ceratanium case; IWC describes the AMG model as the titanium version.
What was released, and when?
The watches are 2023 releases, not new 2026 models. IWC announced them on 13 November 2023, and says the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS team edition debuted at the Las Vegas Grand Prix that year. IWC’s announcement introduces both references, while the IW388306 product page gives the team edition’s specifications.
How do IW388305 and IW388306 differ?
| Reference | Edition | Case material | Other confirmed details |
|---|---|---|---|
| IW388305 | Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 AMG | Titanium | IWC identifies it as the AMG partner edition. The announcement says it shares the 69385 calibre, ceramic tachymeter bezel and 10 bar water resistance with IW388306. |
| IW388306 | Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team | Ceratanium | Black dial; black rubber strap with EasX-CHANGE system; 41 mm case; 20 mm strap width; 69385 automatic calibre; 46-hour power reserve; 10 bar water resistance. |
The shared movement and bezel functions do not make the watches identical: their partner designations and case materials distinguish the editions. IWC’s detailed specification page in the sources here is for IW388306, so its 41 mm dimensions, strap details and 46-hour reserve should not be assumed for IW388305. The pair’s shared calibre, tachymeter bezel and water resistance are stated in IWC’s launch announcement.
What are the IW388306 specifications?
- Case: 41 mm Ceratanium.
- Dial and strap: Black dial and black rubber strap fitted with IWC’s EasX-CHANGE system; strap width is 20 mm.
- Movement: IWC calibre 69385, automatic winding, with a 46-hour power reserve.
- Functions: Chronograph, day and date display.
- Water resistance: 10 bar.
These are the specifications listed by IWC for the IW388306. The 10 bar figure is a stated water-resistance rating, not a recommendation to operate the chronograph underwater.
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- IWC Pilot Chronograph 41 "AMG" Automatic Black Dial Men's Watch IW388305
How does the tachymeter bezel work?
The ceramic bezel carries a tachymeter scale for estimating average speed over a known distance. Start the chronograph at the beginning of a measured distance and stop it at the end; for a one-kilometre interval, the scale indicates average speed in kilometres per hour. The scale is useful only when the distance is known and the elapsed time falls within the scale’s readable range. IWC describes this example in its announcement.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What the 2023 announcement emphasizes
IWC positioned the pair around its chronograph expertise and advanced case materials. CEO Christoph Grainger-Herr said: “The Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 combines our extensive know-how in developing industry-leading chronographs with our comprehensive expertise in advanced materials.” The quotation appeared in IWC’s 13 November 2023 announcement.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- From the Bulova Archive Series, The Lunar Pilot made space history on August 2, 1971--during the Apollo 15 mission, a moon pilot chronograph was worn on the moon.
- 6 Hand, Chronograph, High Performance Quartz
- Silver-Tone Stainless Steel
- Sapphire Crystal
- 50M Water Resistant and 3 Year Limited Warranty
Rank #3
- From the Bulova Archive Series, The Lunar Pilot made space history on August 2, 1971--during the Apollo 15 mission, a moon pilot chronograph was worn on the moon.
- 6 Hand, Chronograph, High Performance Quartz
- Silver-Tone Stainless Steel
- Sapphire Crystal
- 50M Water Resistant and 3 Year Limited Warranty
Rank #2
- IWC Pilots Chronograph IWC Apxgp Automatic Black Dial Watch IW388116
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