IWC Pilot's Watch Chronograph APXGP

As part of its lineup at Watches & Wonders 2025, IWC has introduced a new trio of Pilot’s Watch Chronographs tied to the upcoming Formula 1 film F1, starring Brad Pitt and Damson Idris. Themed around the movie’s fictional racing team, APXGP, the new models span familiar sizes and layouts but introduce subtle branding and design tweaks that distinguish them from standard production pieces. With two steel references in 41mm and 43mm formats, and a stealthier gold model that forgoes visible movie cues, this release straddles both the collectible and the cinematic worlds. It’s also the first time the Performance Chronograph has been rendered in solid gold, making it an upgrade that’s hard to miss.
All three IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph “APXGP” editions share the brand’s familiar instrument-inspired aesthetic, beginning with bold silhouettes and prominent chronograph architecture. The two stainless steel variants measure 41mm and 43mm in diameter respectively, while the full 18k 5N gold version is available exclusively in the 41mm “Performance” format.

The gold model is set apart by a fixed black ceramic bezel with a golden tachymeter scale, enhancing both visual contrast and functionality.The steel references include smoked sapphire crystal casebacks, through which the mechanical movement is visible, partially obscured by the fictional “APXGP” team logo printed across the crystal surface. This subtle film branding is further echoed by the APXGP insignia integrated into the rubber straps. By contrast, the gold model omits any reference to the film, offering a clear exhibition caseback with an unobstructed view of the movement, positioning it as the more timeless of the trio, despite its shared origin in a movie collaboration.
All models feature prominent mushroom-style pushers and screw-down crowns, emphasizing their sports chronograph credentials.On the wrist they all present strong dimensions supported by sturdy lug architecture and flush case flanks. All topped with convex sapphire crystals treated with double-sided anti-reflective coating. Water-resistance can reach up to 100 meters (328 feet).
The two stainless steel models are fitted with matte black dials that maintain IWC’s familiar high-contrast pilot aesthetic, but with subtle nods to the APXGP concept through gold-toned accents. Printed Arabic numerals, subdial rings, and minute tracks are all rendered in a warm metallic hue, creating a clear contrast against the dark backdrop. The chronograph layout is standard for IWC’s 69385-based pieces, with a 12-hour totalizer at 9 o’clock, small seconds at 6, and a 30-minute counter at 12 o’clock. A day-date aperture at 3 o’clock completes the arrangement, though only the gold model features color-matched discs for an elevated visual integration.The gold IW388309 takes a step up in refinement by replacing printed hour markers with applied, gold-framed indices filled with Super-LumiNova. The handset is similarly upgraded with gold-plated surfaces and luminous inlays, providing excellent nighttime readability while matching the case metal. The contrast between the polished elements and the matte black dial enhances depth and legibility. A chronograph seconds hand tipped in gold reinforces the thematic cohesion of the design, while preserving the functionality expected of a professional-grade tool watch.All three models prioritize legibility and visual balance, but each tells a slightly different story. The steel versions lean into the theatrical partnership with overt references to APXGP, while the gold edition avoids movie branding entirely and instead celebrates the pilot chronograph as a luxury object. Despite these differences, all three dials share luminous hour and minute hands, ensuring dependable readability in low-light conditions.

The ”IWC Pilot's Watch Chronograph APXGP” (References below) is powered by the self-winding in-house mechanical movement, caliber 69385 with 33 jewels, 242 components and 28,800 vph. This is a variation of the chronograph family with displays for both the day as well as the date. Power reserve can last up to 46 hours, when fully wound.Each of the three “APXGP” watches comes fitted with a black rubber strap, shaped with IWC’s signature Pilot’s Watch taper. Thanks to the brand’s proprietary EasX-CHANGE system, swapping straps is fast and tool-free, offering wearers flexibility to switch between rubber, textile, or leather options from IWC’s strap catalog. The flat profile and integrated fit contribute to a comfortable wearing experience, while the pin buckle or folding clasp (depending on model) matches the case material for visual coherence and durability.
For more up to date information visit the official IWC Schaffhausen website links below.