When F1: The Movie was announced, it immediately generated great excitement for a number of reasons. The cast, led by Brad Pitt, the producers, and the direct involvement of Formula 1, which on several occasions opened the doors of the paddock and even the tracks themselves, were key elements that captured the attention of fans. However, for watch enthusiasts, the partnership with IWC, already a long-standing sponsor of Mercedes AMG, was one of the most intriguing aspects.
From the very first news and photos circulated during the early stages of filming, it was clear that the brand’s involvement went far beyond a simple name drop or product placement, playing instead a much more significant role.
IWC, the main sponsor of APXGP, the struggling fictional team at the center of the movie, not only provided its flagship models to the team members, from Team Principal Ruben Cervantes, played by Javier Bardem, to Brad Pitt and Damson Idris, who portray the two drivers, but also willingly lent itself to the reinterpretation of a historic model originally designed by Gérald Genta: the Ingenieur. This was customized and recreated according to Brad Pitt’s wishes.
The special Ingenieur requested by Brad Pitt
Pitt’s character, Sonny Hayes, a former F1 driver who retired after a serious accident in his youth when he was considered a rising star and a potential world champion, wears a stunning and refined vintage 1976 IWC Ingenieur ref. 1832 with a custom sage-green dial, created in collaboration with Cloister Watch Company in New York.
This special edition of the Ingenieur was later released in a limited run of one thousand pieces, and it immediately caught the attention of enthusiasts for its refined yet modern look, while staying faithful to the original design. Pitt was personally involved in crafting the new look of the Ingenieur, contributing both to the slimming down of the original case and to the creation of a new shade of green for the dial. As IWC CEO Christoph Grainger-Herr himself stated, the Hollywood star requested a case significantly thinner, about half the original size, without altering the movement.
The result is a perfect blend of innovation and tradition: a fitting piece for Sonny Hayes, a veteran of the sport with strong ties to its legends and traditions, yet always ready to pursue excellence in new categories and prove himself in new challenges.
Other special watches on set
Another standout piece is worn by APXGP’s other driver, Joshua Pearce, played by Damson Idris, an emerging talent on the grid. His statement Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 in 5N gold and black, the same colors as his car livery, perfectly symbolizes modernity and innovation.
The special edition worn in the film inspired two further public releases: the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph APXGP, available in stainless steel in 41mm and 43mm, both featuring a black dial, white numerals, and golden minute markers, with the APXGP team logo printed in gold on the caseback.
Other watch brands
However, keen-eyed enthusiasts will also notice watches from other brands throughout the film. In numerous scenes, Richard Mille watches are spotted on Ferrari and McLaren drivers and team principals, while Rolex logos, still a Formula 1 sponsor at the time of filming, can be seen around the circuits.
However, one truly unusual watch choice for Brad Pitt came at the film’s premiere. Not only did he opt against wearing the model created specifically for the movie, but he completely set aside the idea of wearing an IWC. Instead, beneath his elegant suit, he chose a Patek Philippe reference 2526, a beautiful Calatrava, featuring a yellow gold bracelet and case, and a stunning white enamel dial.
Conclusion
The watches featured in F1: The Movie are far more than simple props; they are an integral part of the characters’ identities, highlighting aspects of their personalities and stages of their careers, while lending greater realism and authenticity to many scenes. The prominent role of IWC in particular, far beyond traditional product placement, underscores the close bond between Formula 1 and watchmaking, a partnership that has so often led to extraordinary innovations.
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