Signature blue meets black ceramic.

For Russell, blue is more than a color choice – it’s a constant throughout his career and a defining part of his racing identity. Long associated with calm focus under pressure and fierce competitiveness in the heat of the battle, the hue now sits at the heart of these two Pilot’s Watches. Executed in black zirconium oxide ceramic with vivid blue dial details and matching rubber straps, the chronograph and automatic models pair advanced materials with IWC-manufactured movements.

Explore the thinking behind the watches. 

You’re unveiling two limited editions in your signature blue. What is your personal connection to the color?

I have been racing with a blue helmet in Formula 1 since 2019. It’s a color I’ve always loved and one I wanted to make part of my identity in the sport. I love how bold it is. It’s something that carries through my life as well – even with my road cars, I’m drawn to that blue. So, I’m really happy to see it now integrated into two IWC watches. 

Blue can suggest elegance, precision or determination. Which resonates most with you – and what does wearing that signature blue bring out?

I think all three describe me reasonably well. I’m extremely determined when it comes to racing. In terms of style, I like things to feel timeless – and I guess elegance fits into that. And as a Formula 1 driver, precision is absolutely essential, especially on street circuits. Your decision-making has to be spot on, whether it’s an overtake or a wheel-to-wheel battle. So, for me, the blue really ticks all of those boxes. 

When you started this project, what were the non-negotiables for the watch?

I wanted to start off with a more performance-driven design, then integrate my bold bright blue into the overall look. The Pilot’s Watch was the first IWC I ever owned – the TOP GUN Ceratanium® - and I’ve always loved that shape and design. I also took inspiration from a watch Toto [Wolff] wore in Las Vegas in 2023, a prototype entirely in PETRONAS green. It really stood out. I loved that pop of color and wanted to recreate that feeling with blue. 

Both IWC and AMG are driven by engineering and advanced materials. Why does black ceramic feel like the right choice here? 

It’s lightweight, scratch-resistant, durable, and comfortable for everyday wear. Ceramic is such a great material – it feels effortless on your wrist and incredibly versatile. 

When you glance at your watch, what catches your eye first – the dial, the case, the movement?

I always look at the watch as a whole first and see what strikes me immediately. When you look at IWC’s Portugieser, Pilot’s Watches, and the Ingenieur, they’re all different, but each is striking in its own way. The Portugieser is very sophisticated, the Pilot’s Watch is bold and often uses innovative materials, and the Ingenieur is more versatile. I always ask myself, “Does this all work together?” 


That’s what I love about the two new limited editions - the blue strap and dial details, the way the black makes the blue pop. It all comes together really nicely. 

What are you most excited about as you look ahead to the next racing season?

Last year we didn’t win as many races as we would have wished to, but it was an extremely strong season in terms of maximizing results. We won a couple of races, I had the most podiums of my career in a single season, plus two pole positions. That gives me real confidence that when we have a car capable of fighting for a world championship, we can go all in and fight for the big trophy. 


Looking ahead to the upcoming 2026 season, it is especially exciting: big changes, new regulations across the board, and a clean slate for everyone. It’s a real opportunity to shape the next chapter.