Goodwood, Chichester, West Sussex – Number One of a limited-edition of just 50 IWC x Hot Wheels™ Racing Works Collector’s Sets is to be auctioned in aid of children’s charity the Two Bit Circus Foundation, in a timed online auction hosted by Bonhams. The sale runs from today, 16 October, to 22 October on Bonhams.com.
This special new set (estimate £9,000 – 50,000) is being unveiled today at the 78th Goodwood Members’ Meeting in West Sussex, as IWC returns this weekend with its IWC Racing team and Mercedes-Benz 300 SL.
A must for motorsport watch enthusiasts and collectors, the set is the latest collaboration between the Swiss luxury watchmaker and Hot Wheels™, Mattel’s world-leading toy brand. It includes two unique offerings: a Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “IWC x Hot Wheels™ Racing Works” and a Hot Wheels™ Mercedes-Benz 300SL “Racing Works Edition”, presented in a bespoke metal toolbox.
In addition, the special charity lot includes a virtual tour of the IWC Manufacturing base and a pair of signed driving gloves belonging to Austrian driver Laura Kraihamer, driving for the IWC Racing team at the 78th Goodwood Member’s Meeting.
The Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “IWC x Hot Wheels™ Racing Works” (Ref. IW377904) features a 43-millimetre case made of grade 5 titanium, a metal chosen as an “engineering material” favoured by the Hot Wheels™ and IWC design teams. The black dial is decorated with a subtle chequered racing flag pattern, complemented by a stunning engraving of the Hot Wheels™ flame logo on the side of the case.
The IWC-manufactured 69385 calibre movement is visible through the smoked glass case back and the watch is fitted on a silver and black 1-piece textile strap, picking up the colour scheme of the IWC Racing Mercedes-Benz 300 SL.
The exclusive Hot Wheels™ Mercedes-Benz 300 SL “Racing Works Edition” is one of the rarest and most detailed 1:64 Hot Wheels™ models ever created, exclusively manufactured in the Hot Wheels’ prototyping workshop.
The model – a scaled down version of the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL “Gullwing” campaigned in classic racing events by the IWC Racing Team – features opening gullwing doors and faithfully reproduced details including bucket seats, a roll cage, clear headlights with M-B star braces and racing graphics.
Both the watch and the Hot Wheels™ model car carry the number 68 – a subtle nod to 1868 and 1968 when IWC and Hot Wheels™ were respectively founded. Number 68 will also be on the start line adorning the IWC Racing Team’s Gullwing, in the Stirling Moss Trophy on the Sunday of Members’ Meeting with Laura Krailhamer at the wheel.
Enthusiasts and collectors can place their bids via Bonhams.com, from now until the close of the auction at 16.00 on 22 October. The prototype of the collector’s set will be on display in the IWC Boutique, New Bond Street, London, from Monday 18 to Friday 22 October.
All proceeds from the special single-lot sale will be donated to the Two Bit Circus Foundation, a non-profit organisation which creates learning experiences for children to inspire entrepreneurship, encourage young inventors and instil environmental stewardship.
Penny Andrews, Head of Department, Bonhams Watches Knightsbridge, said: “We are pleased to have been entrusted to host this special auction by IWC and Mattel and look forward to receiving many bids for this unique collector’s item, the sale of which will support this worthy cause.”
