On the occasion of the Rallye Passione Caracciola, which is reserved for classic cars, IWC presented two special editions of the Ingenieur watch family: the Ingenieur Chronograph Edition "Rudolf Caracciola", dedicated to the exceptional racing driver of the 1930s, and the Ingenieur Chronograph Edition "W 125", inspired by the legendary Mercedes-Benz Silberpfeil (translated as "Silver Arrow"). Both models are produced in a limited series of only 750 pieces worldwide and are powered by the new IWC-manufactured 69370 calibre. With their bursting power and roaring engines, classic racing cars still fascinate a wide audience today. At the same time, these classic cars perfectly represent the timeless elegance of fine mechanical watches. In this respect, IWC is involved in historically inspired motor racing: "The Rallye Passione Caracciola preserves the memory of one of the most important drivers of all time and is an exclusive gathering of vintage cars and their owners who look after them with love. We are proud to be able to support this exclusive event for the second time as a partner," explains Georges Kern, CEO of IWC Schaffhausen. Following an initial announcement at the Goodwood Members' Meeting in England, for the start of Rallye Passione Caracciola IWC presented two limited special editions of the Ingenieur watch family, inspired by vintage racing cars. Of particular note is the simplicity of the lines of the case of these watches, which differs from the purely technical ones designed by Gérald Genta that have so far been used for the Ingenieur family, giving these models a surprising elegance. With the IWC-manufactured 69370 calibre, the two timepieces incorporate an unprecedented technical innovation. The chronograph movement extends the competence of IWC's manufacture movements and, thanks to Swiss precision and engineering, sets new standards in terms of quality and reliability. In particular, the Ingenieur Chronograph Edition "Rudolf Caracciola" (Ref. IW380702) is a tribute to the extraordinary exploits of racing driver Rudolf Caracciola, a true motorsport legend. The Mercedes star driver won three European titles in the 1930s and crossed the finish line as the winner 144 times out of 204. Referring to his driving style on wet surfaces, this champion was often called 'the rain wizard'. The chronograph, limited to 750 pieces, is housed in a steel case. The slate-coloured dial with printed tachymeter scale, as well as rhodium-plated hands and applied hour markers, give it a technical yet elegant character. This chronograph is complemented by a brown calfskin leather strap whose special workmanship is reminiscent of vintage racing car seats. The Ingenieur Chronograph Edition 'W 125' (Ref. IW380701), for its part, is a tribute to the Mercedes-Benz W 125 Silberpfeil. It was precisely in a W 125 with a V12 engine that Rudolf Caracciola reached a speed of 432.7 km/h 78 years ago on the Frankfurt-Darmstadt motorway, the highest speed ever reached on a public road. The chronograph, limited to 750 pieces, is equipped with a highly resistant titanium case. The silver-plated dial contrasts with black hands and applied hour markers. The two totalizers, small seconds and tachymeter scale mimic the look of the onboard instrumentation of a W 125. The timepiece is completed by a high-quality black calfskin strap.
