IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar ProSet 140 Years Mercedes-Benz: Review & Specs

To commemorate the 140th anniversary of the invention of the automobile by Mercedes-Benz under the motto “140 Years of Innovation”, IWC Schaffhausen presents an exclusive limited edition of 140 pieces: the Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar ProSet 140 Years Mercedes-Benz (Ref. IW329603). A timepiece that not only celebrates Carl Benz’s historic 1886 patent, but also accompanies the worldwide “140 Years. 140 Places” expedition, where three S-Class saloons will cover over 50,000 kilometers across six continents.

Perpetual Calendar ProSet: From Kurt Klaus to the Bidirectional Revolution

The main technical highlight of this novelty lies in the integration of the revolutionary ProSet module, originally unveiled by the manufacture during Watches and Wonders in Geneva. Developed as the natural evolution of the legendary calendar mechanism conceived by master watchmaker Kurt Klaus in 1985 —which marked a milestone but required strictly forward adjustment—, this new development protected by four patents completely reinvents user interaction with high complications.

Unlike traditional perpetual calendars that require pushers recessed into the case or complex adjustment menus, the ProSet module —built entirely with high-precision gears produced via cutting-edge LIGA lithographic micro-structuring technology— allows the user to adjust the calendar both forward and backward using only the crown in a single position. Setting the date, month, and year is now as effortless and intuitive as setting the time.

1,040-Year Lunar Accuracy and Manufacture Calibre 82665

The dial layout presents information in a beautifully balanced arrangement via four sub-dials over a black background with white printed minute markers: date at 3 o’clock, month at 6 o’clock, day of the week at 9 o’clock, and the famous Double Moon® display at 12 o’clock (showing moon phases for both Northern and Southern hemispheres). Thanks to a new reduction gear train, the moon phase display deviates by only one day every 1,040 years. The distinctive four-digit year aperture is positioned between 7 and 8 o’clock.

Housed inside the 42 mm diameter and 14 mm thick stainless steel case with brushed and polished finishes beats the IWC manufacture Calibre 82665. Operating at 28,800 vph (4 Hz), this automatic movement features a nickel-phosphorus escapement, silicon hairspring, and the highly efficient Pellaton automatic winding system reinforced with wear-free ceramic components, providing a 60-hour power reserve.

The sapphire crystal case back reveals an engraving of the historic first joint logo from 1926. Created following the merger of Daimler Motoren-Gesellschaft (DMG) and Benz & Cie., this emblem unites DMG’s iconic three-pointed star with Benz’s signature laurel wreath.

22 Years of Synergy Between Schaffhausen and Stuttgart

This limited edition consolidates one of the longest-standing and most influential partnerships in the industry. The collaboration began in 2004 with Mercedes-AMG, expanding in 2013 as the “Official Engineering Partner” of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team. Over more than two decades, this union has yielded iconic timepieces ranging from high-performance Ceratanium® chronographs to designs inspired by the legendary G-Class (Geländewagen).

Technical Specifications: IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar ProSet (IW329603)