IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph IWC X HOT WHEELS RACING WORKS

Mirror, mirror on the wall, what’s probably the most unlikely collaboration of 2021? Why, it’s Hot Wheels and IWC Schaffhausen, obviously. You read that correctly: Hot Wheels, the maker of $1 toy cars, has teamed up with legendary Swiss (though founded by an American) watchmaker IWC to produce not one but two products. The collab is called “IWC x Hot Wheels Racing Works.” It’s a collectors set containing one IWC watch and one 1:64 Hot Wheels Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Racing Works Edition. 50 are being produced of each, and that’s it.
First, the (toy) car. Hot Wheels is claiming it’s the most detailed product they’ve ever built. Only 50 examples will be hand made by  IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “IWC x Hot Wheels Racing Works” prototyping department, making it one of the rarest Hot Wheels models ever. From the press release, the car 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.” It also looks the absolute business, and is modeled after IWC’s racing Mercedes-Benz 300 SL. We’ll happily take one, even without the watch.
Just kidding, we want the watch, too. It’s called the  IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “IWC x Hot Wheels Racing Works” Says so right on the back. Made from grade 5 titanium, it features a large 43mm case and is powered by the brand’s in-house 69385 caliber movement. You’ll notice the checkered flag pattern of the dial surrounds the chronograph totalizers (the sub-dials that display elapsed minutes and hours) and a Hot Wheels flame logo engraved on the side of the case at 9 o’clock. The NATO-style textile strap is also interesting, as it picks up the livery from the IWC Gullwing. As the car and watch are being sold as a set, only 50 watches are being made. Also, the two pieces arrive together in a special metal toolbox.

Why the collaboration? Look, people who like cars tend to also like watches. Moreover, everyone who likes cars owns more Hot Wheels than they’re willing to admit. Since my own son was born, I’ve purchased at least 400. (I know.) The obvious out of the way, Bonhams will be auctioning off the first set, with the proceeds going to the Two Bit Circus Foundation, a non-profit organization that, “Creates learning experiences for children to inspire entrepreneurship, encourage young inventors and instill environmental stewardship.” Sounds like a good cause. Aside from those, the IWC and the Hot Wheels will debut at the 78th annual Goodwood Member Meeting, where IWC’s Gullwing will be racing.
So how much? $10,000 a pop. A shocking price for anything that says ” IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “IWC x Hot Wheels Racing Works”” on it, but in truth a square deal for a 1 of 50 titanium pilot’s chronograph with an in-house caliber from a brand like IWC. Just think of the toy Gullwing as a cool value add and enjoy the watch!