IWC Schaffhausen
IWC SCHAFFHAUSEN AND HOT WHEELS™ SEND COLLECTORS’ PULSES RACING WITH LIMITED EDITION “RACING WORKS” SET
On the occasion of the 78th Goodwood Members’ Meeting, IWC Schaffhausen and Hot Wheels™ celebrate the return to Goodwood with the unveiling of the “IWC x Hot Wheels™ Racing Works” collector’s set. Simultaneously, the brand’s motorsport team, IWC Racing, is set to line up on the grid for tomorrow’s Stirling Moss trophy. At the wheel of the iconic Mercedes-Benz 300 SL “Gullwing” will be Austrian racing driver Laura Kraihamer. Limited to 50 pieces, the IWC x Hot Wheels™ “Racing Works” collector’s set contains the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “IWC x Hot Wheels™ Racing Works” and the Hot Wheels Mercedes-Benz 300SL “Racing Works Edition”, presented in a metal toolbox. The first set will be auctioned online by international auction house Bonhams with the proceeds going to the Two Bit Circus Foundation. This non-profit organization creates learning experiences for children to inspire entrepreneurship, encourage young inventors and instill environmental stewardship.
The first joint project was the release of a premium Hot Wheels Team Transport set in 2020, combining the IWC Racing 300SL with its racing team transporter. The second release was an IWC-exclusive version of the Hot Wheels Mercedes-Benz 300SL, which was made available recently. Now, IWC and Hot Wheels are combining two highly unique gems from Schaffhausen and El Segundo in the exclusive “IWC x Hot Wheels™ Racing Works” collector set, which will be made in a strictly limited edition of 50 pieces.
“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,” says Chris Down, Chief Design Officer at Mattel. “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.”
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. I am proud of our collaboration and the unique projects we have brought to life so far.
The Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “IWC x Hot Wheels™ Racing Works” (Ref. IW377904) features a 43-millimeter case made of grade 5 titanium. This metal was chosen as an “engineering material” favored by the Hot Wheels and IWC design teams. It is lighter and harder than steel, highly resistant to corrosion, and often used in automotive engineering. The dark grey matte color results from an elaborate surface treatment in which the case components are first polished and then blasted. The case features a stunning engraving of the Hot Wheels flame logo on its side at 9 o’clock. The black dial is decorated with a subtle chequered racing flag pattern around the chronograph totalizers. Depending on the incidence of light, the laser-engraved squares alternate between a lighter and darker shade, giving the dial visual depth and a textured appearance. Powering the chronograph is the IWC-manufactured 69385 calibre movement, which is visible through the smoked glass case back. The timepiece is fitted on a silver and black 1-piece textile strap, which picks up the color scheme of the IWC Racing Mercedes-Benz 300SL.
The set also includes the Hot Wheels Mercedes-Benz 300SL “Racing Works Edition”. This exclusive Hot Wheels model was created by the Hot Wheels design team, sculpted, and detailed by Manson Cheung with graphics by Steve Vandervate and IWC designer Nicholas Schmidt. It’s one of the most detailed 1:64th Hot Wheels model ever created. Only 50 models have been manufactured exclusively in Hot Wheels’ prototyping workshop. This version features opening gullwing doors, a faithfully reproduced interior complete with bucket seats, roll cage and red sill trims, full external detailing including clear headlights with the MB Star braces and racing graphics. As this set will be a limited run of only 50 pieces, the car will take its place as one of the rarest official Hot Wheels models ever released.
ONE SET WILL BE AUCTIONED FOR A GOOD CAUSE
Set number 1 will be auctioned for charity by Bonhams. Starting today, enthusiasts can place their bids online until October 22nd. The proceeds from the auction will go to the Two Bit Circus Foundation. This Foundation wants to create learning experiences for children in all economic situations to inspire entrepreneurship, encourage young inventors and instill environmental stewardship. It does so, for example, with its Makerspaces that inspire integrative learning in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM). These spaces are equipped with tools and mostly made from re-purposed materials. Other activities of the foundation include workshops and events, field trips or summer camps for children.
To unveil the set, IWC’s CEO, Christoph Grainger-Herr, connected virtually with Chris Down, Chief Design Officer at Mattel. They discussed the shared values that unite both brands and the motivation for their collaboration. In addition, as a special invitee to the webcast, Scottish racing driver and former Formula One™ legend David Coulthard shared his feedback and real-life experience at the helm of the 300SL. Coulthard took first place for the IWC Racing Team at the Tony Gaze Trophy at the 77th Goodwood Members’ Meeting in 2019.
For enquiries about the “IWC x Hot Wheels™ Racing Works” set, please contact concierge@iwc.com.
