Few films in recent memory have launched with as much Hollywood horsepower as F1 The Movie. Backed by Apple Original Films with a reported budget of $250 million, the project unites blockbuster talent across the board. Top Gun: Maverick director Joseph Kosinski leads the charge, with Jerry Bruckheimer producing and Brad Pitt starring—and co-producing—alongside a supporting cast that includes Javier Bardem.
But beyond the star power and cinematic spectacle, what sets this film apart is the sheer volume of brand partnerships riding shotgun. Chief among them is IWC Schaffhausen, which used the film as a launchpad for a curated lineup of racing-inspired watches tied to the fictional APXGP race team the story revolves around.
Some pieces in the collection break technical ground for IWC, but the most compelling isn’t the most complex or expensive. It’s the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 APXGP—a piece that quietly masters one of the most debated design choices in watchmaking.
Conflict Over Contrast
Two-tone watches are formally defined as timepieces with designs dominated by two types of metal. However, functionally, the term can also apply to watches that lean simply into two contrasting metallic shades.
It’s one of the most controversial design choices routinely debated and defended in various watch circles. Some view most two-toned examples as either too gaudy or awkwardly retro, while others argue the design muddles the line between sporty and formal.
Still, many also find the contrast elegant and distinctive, especially when executed tastefully. The challenge lies in getting the proportions, materials, and tone just right.
