IWC Replica Watches – Tribute to Rudolf Caracciola

The Ingenieur Chronograph Edition “Rudolf Caracciola” is dedicated to the talented racing driver of the 1930s, while the Ingenieur Chronograph Edition “W 125” recalls the legendary Silver Arrow from Mercedes-Benz. Both models are limited to 750 examples worldwide and powered by the new IWC-manufactured 69370 calibre.
One of the more conspicuous features of these models is the simplicity and elegance of the case which differs from the technically inspired design by Gérald Genta previously used for this swiss made replica watch family. Both timepieces house the IWC-manufactured 69370 chronograph calibre.

The Ingenieur Chronograph Edition “Rudolf Caracciola” (Ref. IW380702) honours the memory of legendary racing driver Rudolf Caracciola. Back in the 1930s, the Mercedes star driver won three European Championship titles and took the chequered flag in 144 of the 204 races he finished. In an allusion to his driving skills on wet tracks, the champion was often called the “King of the Rain”. The chronograph is housed in a stainless steel case. The slate-coloured dial and embossed tachymeter scale, together with the rhodium-plated hands and appliqués, give the watch a technical, but distinctly elegant appeal. The brown calfskin strap features an embossing that recalls the seats in classic racing cars.

The Ingenieur Chronograph Edition “W 125” (Ref. IW380701) is a tribute to the Silver Arrow W 125 from Mercedes-Benz. Seventy-eight years ago, at the wheel of a Mercedes-Benz W 125 with a V12 engine, Rudolf Caracciola recorded 432.7 kilometres per hour on the Frankfurt–Darmstadt autobahn – to this day the highest speed ever driven on a public road. The chronograph is housed in a rugged titanium case. The silver-plated dial contrasts starkly with the black hands and appliqués. The two totalizers, the small seconds and the tachymeter scale imitate the instrument look found in the cockpit of a W 125. The watch is worn on a luxurious strap made of black calfskin.

Gala dinner
IWC celebrated the start of the Rallye Passione Caracciola with an exclusive Welcome Dinner at Zurich’s Dolder Grand hotel, together with all the drivers and many guests. The Rallye Passione Caracciola is designed as a regularity rally and is taking place for the second time this year. Classic cars of all brands built up to 1980 are eligible for entry. In all, the route takes drivers through four stages, from Regensdorf via Berne, Interlaken, Andermatt and Ambrì to Lugano.