Hot Wheels and watchmaker IWC Schaffhausen have launched a 1:64 die-cast model package that includes a vintage Mercedes-Benz 300SL inside a Euro Hauler Racing Truck in the 2020 livery of the IWC Racing Team. Oh, and this is just the first joint effort by the two companies.
“Stay tuned for more news from Hot Wheels and IWC in coming months,” the news release concluded.
Every car enthusiast is aware of Hot Wheels and how it introduces each new generation to the car collecting hobby, albeit on a smaller and less expensive scale.
As for IWC Schaffhausen, it was founded in 1868 when an American watchmaker, Florentine Ariosto Jones, traveled from Boston to Switzerland and founded the International Watch Company in Schaffhausen.
“His visionary dream was to combine advanced American manufacturing methods with the craftsmanship of Swiss watchmakers to make the best pocket watches of his time,” the company reports. “In doing so, he not only laid the foundation for IWC’s unique engineering approach but also established the centralized production of mechanical watches in Switzerland.”
Since its founding, IWC Schaffhausen has pioneered the use of titanium and ceramics in timepieces. It also “sources materials responsibly and takes action to minimize its impact on the environment, creating intrinsically sustainable timepieces that are built to last for generations.
In addition, “The company prides itself in training its own future watchmakers and engineers… (and) partners with organizations that work globally to support children and young people.”
The watchmaker has a “long-standing connection” with motorsports and its own vintage racing team, featuring a vintage 300SL driven by David Coulthard, which led to the collaboration with Hot Wheels.
“We want to bring our brand to much younger consumers and see the interest for mechanical watches,” said Christoph Grainger-Herr, the IWC chief executive.
IWC also recently launched a “Time Well Shares” initiative program that includes free tutoring and a fund-raising effort for Save the Children.
Thanks for that heads-up. I get emails from Mattel HW frequently but, so far, NO mention of this collaboration.
IWC? Vintage Benz 300SL? David Coulthard? Where to find?!
I need this. Oh, yes.