IWC SCHAFFHAUSEN’S 2021 PILOT’S WATCH NOVELTIES TOUCH DOWN AT WATCHES AND WONDERS SANYA
Sanya, 4th October 2021 – IWC Schaffhausen marks a strong presence at the Watches and Wonders exhibition in China Duty Free Mall of Sanya. The brand showcases its latest novelties in the Big Pilot’s booth, like the Big Pilot’s Watch 43 and the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41. But visitors can also admire sophisticated TOP GUN models and a selection of Haute Horlogerie pieces ranging from the Portugieser to Ingenieur family. The Swiss luxury watch brand is proud to present a spectacular multimedia exhibition to introduce its new engineering and timekeeping partnership with Airspeeder, the world’s first racing series for electric flying cars.
The Watches and Wonders exhibition in China Duty Free Mall of Sanya has opened its doors to the public. From October 1st to December 31st, the seaside resort located on the southern end of Hainan Island turns into the global centre of luxury watchmaking. IWC Schaffhausen marks a strong presence at the exhibition held at the Sanya International Duty Free Shopping Complex.
In the IWC Big Pilot’s booth, visitors can discover the latest Pilot’s Watch novelties from Schaffhausen. One of many highlights is the Big Pilot’s Watch 43. This new version of IWC’s most iconic aviator’s watch features a 43-millimetre case and is powered by the IWC-manufactured 82200 calibre movement. The case and conical crown have been carefully re-engineered to combine a bold presence on the wrist with improved ergonomics and wearing comfort. Also shown are the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 or the Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar. Another focus area is Pilot’s Watches made with robust performance materials such as ceramic and Ceratanium®. A particular highlight is the Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar Edition “Mojave Desert” in sand-coloured ceramic. In addition, the Pilot’s Watch Double Chronograph TOP GUN Ceratanium features IWC’s latest material innovation Ceratanium®. This ground-breaking new material is light and robust like titanium and, at the same time, similarly hard and scratch-resistant like ceramic.
But enthusiasts of fine watchmaking will also get their rewards in Sanya, as they can discover some of the most complicated timepieces created in Schaffhausen. On display are marvels like the Portugieser Tourbillon Mystère Retrograde or the Portugieser Perpetual Calendar, featuring the iconic perpetual calendar developed by IWC’s former head-watchmaker, Kurt Klaus. A special highlight is the Portugieser Minute Repeater, which announces the time to the nearest minute using a series of chimes from inside the watch. Comprising more than 200 individual parts, the repeater mechanism is arguably the most sophisticated complication that can be integrated into a wristwatch.
AN EXHIBITION ABOUT ENGINEERING AND INNOVATION
But IWC brings another spectacular highlight to Watches and Wonders Sanya. Over a surface of 200 square metres, the brand tells the story of its new engineering and timekeeping partnership with Airspeeder, the world’s first racing series for electric flying cars. Airspeeder founder Matt Pearson envisions an entire grid of eVTOL (electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing) craft, competing at a height of up to 40 metres and racing at top speeds of up to 200 km/h. Combining their passion for technological progress, human endeavour, and sustainability, IWC and Airspeeder will work together to pioneer this new form of motorsport and fast-track a new era of clean-air mobility. At the centre of the Airspeeder booth are two prototypes of Airspeeder MK4 multicopters in their original size. The design marries a classic 1960s sports car with a futuristic aircraft. These 8-bladed eVTOL crafts use the latest carbon fibre composite and EV battery technologies. A key component will be an anti-collision system based on laser and radar technology, which will create a “virtual force field” around the vehicles to enable gripping but always safe air races.
These races will play a vital role in accelerating the arrival of electric flying cars by creating a space and a place for the eVTOL industry to rapidly develop key safety and performance technologies. In this sense, Matt Pearson and his vision for Airspeeder plays the same role that racing did at the dawn of the automotive and aviation ages. This partnership echos the role IWC has played in enabling the vision of pioneers of both aviation and racing and creates a bold new legacy at the start of today’s clean-air advanced mobility revolution.
At the exhibition, visitors can also learn more about IWC’s new engineering division IWC Experimental and its first brainchild, the Big Pilot’s Watch Shock Absorber XPL, featuring the patented SPRIN-g PROTECT shock absorber system. Other topics include IWC’s expertise in advanced technical case materials, the award-winning IWC Manufacturing Centre, or the IWC Laboratory.
In 1868, the American watchmaker and entrepreneur Florentine Ariosto Jones travelled 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. In doing so, he not only laid the foundation for IWC’s unique engineering approach but also established the centralised production of mechanical watches in Switzerland.
Over its 150 year history, IWC Schaffhausen has developed a reputation for creating functional complications, especially chronographs and calendars, which are ingenious, robust, and easy for customers to use. A pioneer in the use of titanium and ceramics, IWC today specialises in highly engineered technical watch cases manufactured from advanced materials, such as titanium aluminide and Ceratanium®. Preferring the principle of “form follows function” over decoration, the Swiss watch manufacturer’s timeless creations embody their owners’ dreams and ambitions as they journey through life.
IWC sources materials responsibly and takes action to minimise its impact on the environment, creating intrinsically sustainable timepieces that are built to last for generations. The company prides itself in training its own future watchmakers and engineers, as well as offering an excellent working environment for all employees. IWC also partners with organisations that work globally to support children and young people.