There aren’t many CEO’s from Swiss watchmaking companies who will talk to you about anything other than watches, but Christoph Grainger-Herr is far from your average CEO. After taking the helm at IWC back in 2017, Grainger-Herr has successfully blended his two passions of timepieces and Hot Wheels cars, launching a 50 piece IWC x Hot Wheels “Racing Works” limited edition set.
The love that Grainger-Herr has for his 1:64 scale miniature cars is a fact that isn’t as widely known as it should be, but his collection includes several thousand Hot Wheels models, with more than 2000 cars on permanent display in his home. Fortunately, when you’re the CEO of IWC, exciting opportunities are a more frequent occurrence, seeing the collaboration between IWC and Hot Wheels come to life.
The launch of the 50 piece IWC x Hot Wheels “Racing Works” collectors set was aligned with the 78th Goodwood Members’ Meeting, celebrating the iconic Mercedes-Benz 300 SL “Gullwing”. The set contained not only the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL miniature, but also a specially designed Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “IWC x Hot Wheels™ Racing Works”, with several nods to the collaboration in its final execution.
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The chronograph features a 43mm titanium case that stands 14.8mm thick, and arrives on a leather-backed textile strap. The black dial has a subtle pattern across its surface that resembles a chequered racing flag in full flight, with the sapphire crystal caseback also featuring the 68 icons as a nod to the number emblazoned across the IWC-liveried Mercedes-Benz 300 SL “Gullwing”.
“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.”
The 50 piece IWC x Hot Wheels “Racing Works” collector set is currently available, with an RRP of $15,700.
