Up for bidding is a special timepiece that merges the worlds of luxury watchmaking and motorsport: the Big Pilot’s Watch Shock Absorber XPL Toto Wolff x Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One
Team. This limited-edition model is one of only 100 pieces available and serves as a tribute to Toto Wolff, the CEO and Team Principal of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team.
The genesis of this remarkable watch traces back to the 2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, a race notorious for its high tensions and dramatic moments. During this event, Wolff was seen wearing a prototype of the watch, a moment that became viral when he dramatically slammed his headset onto the table amidst escalating tensions on the track. Notably, the prototype’s resilience was on full display, as it survived the incident without a scratch, a testament to its robust engineering.
Central to the watch’s durability is the integrated SPRIN-g PROTECT® shock absorber system, meticulously crafted by IWC’s Engineering Division XPL. This advanced technology protects the movement from extreme accelerations of up to 30,000 g. At its core is a spring made from bulk metallic glass (BMG), a cutting-edge material that boasts greater elasticity than traditional metals. When impact occurs, the shock is evenly distributed along the spring, allowing it to cushion the delicate movement within the case before any force can affect its components. This innovative design ensures that the wearer can rely on the watch’s performance under the most intense conditions.
The auctioned watch has an intriguing provenance, having been worn by Wolff at the recent Singapore Grand Prix, where Mercedes driver George Russell clinched first place. As an added bonus, the auction lot includes an elegant white team polo shirt, hand-signed by Wolff, making this package not just a collector’s item but also a piece of Formula One memorabilia.
The estimated bidding range for this distinctive timepiece is set at CHF80,000-200,000, with all proceeds directed to charity. This donation aligns with the ethos of both the Laureus Foundation and Bonhams, the auction house facilitating this impressive auction. Penny Andrews, the Head of Watches London at Bonhams, commented, “Building on the success of the previous charity auction in 2022 that raised £160,000, we are thrilled to be part of this year’s charity gala.” This underscores the aim of raising significant funds to promote positive experiences for children through sports.
The auction will take place online from October 15th to 25th, coinciding with the annual Laureus Sport for Good Gala in Zurich on October 25th. Collectors and fans can place bids through bonhams.com.
At the heart of this initiative is the Laureus Foundation Switzerland, dedicated to empowering children and young people to lead positive lives filled with self-determination through the medium of sports. Its mission extends beyond simply supporting athletics; it systematically promotes integration, personal development, and overall well-being among the youth. Laureus focuses on fostering enjoyment and shared experiences rather than solely on achievement, reaching out to those in need of support, irrespective of their background, gender, or health challenges.
Each year, the Laureus Foundation supports over 15,000 children across Switzerland through various charitable sports initiatives. The involvement of approximately 30 Swiss ambassadors, including renowned athletes like track star Mujinga Kambundji and skier Marco Odermatt, serves as an inspiring source of motivation for many of the children and youth participating in these projects. Established in 2006 through a collaboration between IWC Schaffhausen and Mercedes-Benz, the foundation plays a pivotal role in promoting the integrative power of sports.
For collectors and enthusiasts, Bonhams is not merely an auction house but a global network with the largest number of international salerooms, representing a diverse range of collecting categories. Founded in 1793, Bonhams has steadily built a reputation for bespoke service combined with a global reach, conducting over 1,000 sales annually across more than 60 specialist categories, from fine art to luxury items.
With flagship salerooms located in major cities like London, New York, Paris, and Hong Kong, Bonhams continues to adapt to the evolving landscape of international art and collectibles, increasing digital engagement and enhancing global strategies.
More information can be found HERE.