Vintage racers line up at the Rallye Passione Caracciola. |
To mark the start of the Rallye Passione Caracciola, IWC
Schaffhausen is proud to present two special editions from the Ingenieur watch
family. The Ingenieur Chronograph Edition “Rudolf Caracciola” is dedicated to
an exceptionally talented racing driver of the 1930s, while the Ingenieur
Chronograph Edition “W 125” recalls the legendary Silver Arrow from
Mercedes-Benz. Both models are limited to 750 examples worldwide and powered by
the new IWC-manufactured 69370 caliber.
With their enormous power and roaring engines, the sports
and racing cars of yesteryear still exert an irresistible fascination on a wide
body of enthusiasts. At the same time, these classic cars symbolize the
timeless elegance of high-quality mechanical watches. This is one of the reasons
IWC Schaffhausen has such a strong commitment to historic motorsport.
IWC CEO Georges Kern |
“The Rallye Passione Caracciola preserves the memory of one
of the greatest racing drivers of all time and brings together a unique
collection of lovingly maintained vintage cars and their owners. As partners,
we’re proud and honored to support this exclusive event for the second time,”
explains Georges Kern, CEO of IWC Schaffhausen.
Following an advance announcement at the Goodwood Members’
Meeting in England and to mark the start of the Rallye Passione Caracciola, IWC
unveiled two special limited editions, both inspired by historic motorsport,
from the Ingenieur watch family. One of the more conspicuous features is the
simplicity of the case. It differs from the technically inspired design by
Gérald Genta previously used for this watch family and gives these particular
models an unexpected elegance. Technically speaking, the new IWC-manufactured
69370 caliber found in both timepieces is a first. The chronograph movement
serves as a further example of IWC’s expertise as a manufacturer of its own
movements, and, thanks to Swiss precision and engineering, sets new benchmarks
in terms of quality and reliability.
On the road from Regensdorf to Ruettlihubelbad. |
The Ingenieur Chronograph Edition “Rudolf Caracciola” (Ref.
IW380702) honors the memory of legendary racing driver Rudolf Caracciola. Back
in the 1930s, the Mercedes star driver won three European Championship titles
and took the checkered flag in 144 of the 204 races he finished. In an allusion
to his driving skills on wet tracks, the champion was often called the “King of
the Rain.” Limited to just 750 examples, the chronograph is housed in a
stainless steel case. The slate-colored dial and embossed tachymeter scale,
together with the rhodium-plated hands and appliqués, give the watch a
technical, but distinctly elegant appeal. The timepiece is held to the wearer’s
wrist by a brown calfskin strap, the embossing of which is reminiscent of the
seats in racing cars of days gone by.
The Ingenieur Chronograph Edition “W 125” (Ref. IW380701) is
a tribute to the Silver Arrow W 125 from Mercedes-Benz. Seventy-eight years
ago, at the wheel of a Mercedes-Benz W 125 with a V12 engine, Rudolf Caracciola
recorded 432.7 kilometres per hour on the Frankfurt–Darmstadt autobahn – to
this day the highest speed ever driven on a public road. Limited to 750
watches, the chronograph is housed in a rugged titanium case. The silver-plated
dial contrasts starkly with the black hands and appliqués. The two totalizers,
the small seconds and the tachymeter scale imitate the instrument look found in
the cockpit of a W 125. The watch features a luxurious strap made of black
calfskin.
Christian Knoop, IWC Creative Director. |
Gala Dinner
Together with all the drivers and many guests of honor, IWC
celebrated the start of the Rallye Passione Caracciola with an exclusive
Welcome Dinner at Zurich’s Dolder Grand hotel. Also present was former German
racing driver and Le Mans winner Jochen Maas, who accompanied the first stage
of the rally. The Rallye Passione Caracciola is designed as a regularity rally
and is taking place for the second time this year. Classic cars of all brands
built up to 1980 are eligible for entry. In all, the route takes drivers
through four stages, from Regensdorf via Berne, Interlaken, Andermatt and Ambrì
to Lugano, where the presentation ceremony will be held. Highlights of the
event are a visit to the Bremgarten circuit, where the Swiss Grand Prix was
held in the 1930s, as well as a track day featuring performance cars from
Mercedes-AMG on the airstrip at Ambrì-Piotta.
Ingenieur Chronograph Edition “Rudolf Caracciola” |
Ingenieur Chronograph Edition “Rudolf Caracciola”
Technical Specifications
Limited Edition
750 pieces
Features
Automatic pawl winding
Date display
Stopwatch function with hours, minutes and seconds
Small hacking seconds
Screw-in crown
Movement
IWC-manufactured caliber 69370
Mechanical chronograph
Automatic winding
46-hour power reserve
Case
Stainless steel
42mm diameter
15mm height
Slate-colored dial
Brown calfskin strap
60-meter water resistance
Reference
IW380702
|
Ingenieur Chronograph Edition “W 125”
Technical Specifications
Limited Edition
750 pieces
Features
Automatic pawl winding
Date display
Stopwatch function with hours, minutes and seconds
Small hacking seconds
Screw-in crown
Movement
IWC-manufactured caliber 69370
Mechanical chronograph
Automatic winding
46-hour power reserve
Case
Titanium
42mm diameter
15mm height
Slate-colored dial
Black calfskin strap
60-meter water resistance
Reference
IW380701
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