(Editor’s note: The auction closed with the watch and Hot Wheels car selling for $96,384 to benefit the children’s charity.)
Unveiled this past weekend at the Goodwood Members’ Meeting vintage races in England, and immediately put up for a charity auction through October 22 by Bonhams, was the first of 50 IWC x Hot Wheels Racing Works Collectors Sets.
The sets include a pilot’s watch chronograph edition by IWC Schaffhausen and a Hot Wheels Mercedes-Benz 300SL racing works edition scale model, all packaged in a toolbox-style case.
The sale of set No. 1 benefits the Two Bit Circus Foundation,
a California-based non-profit that creates “learning experiences for children to inspire entrepreneurship, encourage young inventors and instill environmental stewardship.”
“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,” Bonhams said in its announcement of the special auction. “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.”
Bonhams expects the No. 1 set to sell for as much as $70,000.
IWC Schaffhausen dates to 1868 when American watchmaker Florentine Ariosto Jones traveled from Boston to Switzerland and founded the ‘International Watch Company’ in Schaffhausen. His goal was to combine American manufacturing methods with Swiss watchmaking craftsmanship of Swiss watchmakers to produce the finest pocket watches of the era.
The company became a pioneer in the use of titanium and ceramics in wristwatches and also became involved in vintage motorsports and has partnered with Hot Wheels on several projects.
The No. 68 on its Mercedes racing car and on the car and watch included in the IWC x Hot Wheels set represents both 1868 and 1968, the year Mattel launched Hot Wheels.
The Pilot’s Watch that is part of the set has a 43-millimeter case made of grade 5 titanium, a black dial with a subtle checkered racing flag pattern, and an engraved Hot Wheels flame logo on the case side. IWC’s 69385 movement is visible through the smoked glass case back. The silver and black watch strap shares the colors of the IWC Racing 300 SL.
The Hot Wheels Racing Works Edition of the historic Mercedes is manufactured in the toy maker’s prototype workshop and has gullwing doors that open and a detailed interior.
