This year, IWC Schaffhausen marks a double milestone: 90 years of Pilot’s Watches, and the extension of that aviation legacy beyond the sky and into space. Reflecting this ambition, the booth immerses visitors in the world of space exploration. Its architecture draws inspiration from a space station, while offering a sweeping view of Earth as seen from orbit. At its centre, a sculpture of the Little Prince connects this engineering story to the spirit of curiosity and exploration that defines this year’s Le Petit Prince collection. Eileen Gu and George Russell were welcomed by IWC Schaffhausen CEO Chris Grainger-Herr and Chief Marketing Officer Franziska Gsell, who walked them through the new collections and detailed the stories behind the novelties. 

“I always look forward to visiting the IWC family in Geneva. Every year they create a truly immersive experience, and this time, the concept and storytelling have been especially inspiring. You really feel like you are looking out into space, and you can’t help but think of all of the possibilities we have yet explore,” explained Eileen Gu. 

By recently winning another Olympic gold medal in Halfpipe and two Olympic silver medals in Slopestyle and Big Air, Eileen Gu has added another highlight to her already impressive achievements, cementing her place as the most decorated freestyle skier in the history of the sport.

During her visit to the booth, Eileen wore the Portofino Automatic 34 Day & Night Le Petit Prince (Ref. IW459806) – the first Le Petit Prince edition outside the Pilot’s Watches collection. Looking at her wrist, she said that the story of the Little Prince has fascinated her since her childhood: “I am thrilled to see that the little fellow has made his way into the Portofino collection. Seeing him standing on the small moon here is such a charming detail, and a reminder that you should never lose your sense of curiosity and always keep exploring the world around you.” 

While the visit for Eileen Gu marked a return, MercedesAMG PETRONAS Formula One^TM Team Driver George Russell made his long-awaited debut at the renowned Geneva watch exhibition. The six-time Grand PrixTM winner, who had achieved his latest victory at the season-opening race in Australia, wore the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 Le Petit Prince (Ref. IW389410), one of the key pieces of IWC’s new Le Petit Prince collection. “I really like the presence this 41-millimetre chronograph with a deep blue dial has on my wrist. This piece masterfully combines the characteristic, highly legible instrument design of a Pilot’s Watch with the more emotional side of aviation and the story of one of the greatest aviation pioneers. It’s an unexpected yet very IWC combination that simply works,” Russell commented.

Another novelty that captured Eileen Gu’s and George Russell’s attention was the Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar ProSet, the first perpetual calendar that can be adjusted both forward and backward through a single position of the crown. The engineering behind this watch resonated with both IWC brand ambassadors, making them look ahead to future achievements while also remembering their path to becoming two of the most influential personalities in global sports. Russell added: “The story of IWC engineering a calendar that can be adjusted in both directions, as easy and intuitive as setting the time, that is the kind of precision I can relate to as a racing driver. It is like setting yourself the ultimate goal in watchmaking and then working consistently and passionately to achieve it.”

Every autumn, professional golfers and amateur players alike meet in Scotland to play side by side at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. Known for its unique format, it combines two separate competitions within one event – a DP World Tour individual professional tournament and a Team Championship, pairing each professional with a high-profile amateur player.

For the fifth consecutive year, IWC Schaffhausen supports the Championship as the official timing partner. A celebration of Links golf at its finest, the event has a lively atmosphere, sense of camaraderie and sportsmanship like no other.

Amongst this year’s professional players are IWC Brand Ambassadors Laurie Canter, Louis Oosthuizen, Taichi Kho, Wilco Nienaber, and Pablo Larrazabal. Taking place from October 2^nd – 5^th, 2025, they play on some of the most scenic yet challenging courses in the country: the Old Course at St. Andrews, the Championship Course at Carnoustie and Kingsbarns, which has been described as a ‘modern classic’.

ALFRED DUNHILL LINKS CHAMPIONSHIP

The Alfred Dunhill Links Championship is a pinnacle golfing event on the DP World Tour. With its unique format, it is a magnet for golfers and spectators from every corner of the globe. Played over three world-famous Links courses – the Old Course at St Andrews, the Championship Course at Carnoustie and the Kingsbarns Golf Links – the tournament includes two separate competitions.

One competition is an individual professional tournament for the world’s leading golfers with a US$5 million prize fund. The other one is a team competition where some of the world’s most celebrated amateur golfers are each paired with one of the professionals.

This is the 40^th year that Alfred Dunhill has supported golf at St Andrews – first in the Alfred Dunhill Cup from 1985, then in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship from 2001. During that time, many millions have been raised for charity.

The weekend of the MIAMI GRAND PRIX kicks the city’s vibrant energy into overdrive with the excitement of the motorsport reaching beyond the track. Commencing the race weekend, IWC Schaffhausen took over a rooftop restaurant in the hip Wynwood district for an evening of racing and movie magic. The event brought together its team partners from the real and fictional worlds of FORMULA 1 – Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team and the event film of the summer, F1. In conversation on-stage for the first time were Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team Principal and CEO Toto Wolff and driver George Russell alongside stars from the movie production, actresses Kerry Condon and Simone Ashley, and producer Jerry Bruckheimer. It was moderated by FORMULA 1 commentator Immy Barclay. Fellow FORMULA 1 commentator Günther Steiner also made a special guest appearance. 

A STORY FUELED BY AUTHENTICITY

The real and fictional worlds are, however, not that far apart but instead closely intertwined. Starring Brad Pitt as Sonny Hayes, the movie tells the story of “the greatest that never was,” FORMULA 1’s most promising phenom of the 1990s until an accident on the track nearly ended his career. Thirty years later, he is a nomadic racer- for-hire when he is approached by his former teammate Ruben Cervantes (Javier Bardem), owner of a struggling FORMULA 1 team that is on the verge of collapse. Ruben convinces Sonny to come back to FORMULA 1 for one last shot at saving the team and being the best in the world. He will drive alongside Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris), the team’s hotshot rookie intent on setting his own pace. But as the engines roar, Sonny’s past catches up with him and he finds that in FORMULA 1, your teammate is your fiercest competition – and the road to redemption is not something you can travel alone. 

The ambitious movie project captures FORMULA 1 like never before, taking cinematic engineering to another level. Set against the backdrop of actual Grand Prix™ races, the film crew traveled alongside the real FORMULA 1 teams for two years. 

The conversation offered many behind-the-scenes insights into the production, including Toto Wolff revealing how he suggested adapting real F2 cars for the movie to maintain authentic speed and performance. Jerry Bruckheimer explained how they had to engineer a new camera set-up and why its partnership with IWC helps convey the story authentically. Kerry Condon and George Russell explained how it was to work alongside each other during the races.

Guests in attendance also had the opportunity to explore the APXGP watch collection inspired by the movie, which was launched at Watches and Wonders Geneva this year. The limited-edition Ingenieur Automatic 40 (Ref. IW328908) features a green dial and is derived from a prop watch worn by Sonny Hayes. With the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph APXGP (Ref. IW378009) and the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 APXGP (Ref. IW388116), IWC celebrates its official sponsorship of the fictional APXGP team appearing in the movie. On display was also the Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 in 18-carat 5N gold (Ref. IW388309).

Jerry Bruckheimer wore the Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 (Ref. IW388309), while Kerry Condon and Simone Ashley were spotted with the newly introduced Ingenieur Automatic 35 with respectively a black dial (Ref. IW324906) and silver dial (Ref. IW324901). Toto Wolff wore the Big Pilot’s Watch Shock Absorber XPL Toto Wolff x Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team (Ref. IW356201), launched earlier this year in dedication to the longstanding partnership between the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer and the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team. George Russell sported a one-of-a-kind black ceramic Ingenieur Automatic 42 with a dial in his signature blue color.

Immy Barclay wore the Pilot’s Watch Mark XX Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team (Ref. IW328210), and Günther Steiner wore the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph APXGP (Ref. IW378009).

ABOUT THE MOVIE F1 

Set for release this summer by Warner Bros. Pictures, Apple Original Films’ F1 is directed by Joseph Kosinski, and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, Kosinski, seven-time FORMULA 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton, Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, and Chad Oman. It stars Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Tobias Menzies, Kim Bodnia, and Javier Bardem. 

Apple Original Films Presents a Monolith Pictures / Jerry Bruckheimer / Plan B Entertainment / Dawn Apollo Films Production, A Film by Joseph Kosinski, F1, distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, in theatres and IMAX nationwide on June 27, 2025, and internationally beginning June 25, 2025. 

Watch the official F1 trailer here: link

Since 2015, IWC Schaffhausen has been the “Official Timing Partner” of the Goodwood Members’ Meeting; an intimate “members only” weekend filled with motor racing and high-speed track demonstrations. After having made several appearances on the Goodwood Motor Circuit with its own racing team, IWC Racing, the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer’s presence this year was all about its collaboration with Apple Original Films’ upcoming racing feature F1 from director Joseph Kosinski and producer Jerry Bruckheimer and more, which will be released globally in cinemas on 27^th June and distributed by Warner Bros Pictures. IWC Schaffhausen is one of the official team sponsors of the fictional “APXGP” team appearing in the movie.

ACTORS DAMSON IDRIS AND KERRY CONDON OFFERED INSIGHTS INTO THE FILM SHOOT

Damson Idris and Kerry Condon, two of the movie’s stars, were present in Goodwood. Damson Idris plays Joshua Pearce, the young rookie driver of APXGP, the fictional 11^th team in FORMULA 1 and the teammate of veteran driver Sonny Hayes, portrayed by actor Brad Pitt. Kerry Condon’s character Kate McKenna is the race director of the fictional “APXGP” team and the first female technical director in FORMULA 1. In the IWC garage trackside, the stars were interviewed by presenters Emma Walsh and David Green. They shared fascinating insights into the shooting of the movie, which took place over the past two years at real Grand Prix™ races around the world. Visitors could also marvel at an original “APXGP” race car used for the film shoot at the IWC garage area. Based on an F2 engine and platform, the car was modified to look like a current FORMULA 1 car and fitted with lightweight and compact camera systems that were specially developed for this movie.

A BREATH-TAKING STUNT DEMONSTRATION OF CAR CHASE SCENES 

One of the highlights of IWC’s presence of the 82nd Goodwood Members’ Meeting was a live stunt demonstration showing how high-precision action sequences are filmed in Hollywood. It was delivered by stunt professionals that were involved in shooting scenes for the movie F1 on the iconic Silverstone circuit. Stunt driver Eliott Cole drove the MercedesAMG GT with a special “APXGP” black and gold livery, which was presented for the first time in public. He was accompanied by actor Damson Idris during the demonstration. The car was closely followed by an authentic Mercedes GLE 63S camera car with a topmounted motorised arm commonly used in major film productions. This gyro-stabilised crane system can be panned 360 degrees and tilted up and down, enabling f ilm crews to shoot highly dynamic and high-speed tracking shots of moving objects like horses, actors or cars. The demonstration on the Goodwood Motor Circuit included tight tracking shots, overhead drone footage and onboard perspectives, with the AMG GT passing just centimetres away from the camera arm. The demo was captured by 14 cameras around the track and livestreamed worldwide. 

POP-UP STORE EXHIBITING IWC SCHAFFHAUSEN’S MAIN WATCH NOVELTIES

In line with the partnership with the movie F1, IWC recently launched a collection of new Pilot’s Watches. These novelties also took centre stage at a pop-up store in Goodwood, accompanied by an exhibition of movie props like a race suit, helmet and gloves. Shown on site was also the new Ingenieur Automatic 40 with a green dial (Ref. IW328908). This limited edition is inspired by a prop watch worn by the movie character Sonny Hayes. With the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph APXGP (Ref. IW378009) and the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 APXGP (Ref. IW388116), IWC celebrates its official sponsorship of the fictional “APXGP” team appearing in the movie. On display was also the Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 in 18-carat 5N gold (Ref. IW388309). The first performance chronograph in a precious metal is worn by Damson Idris’ character, Joshua Pearce, in the upcoming movie F1. 

ABOUT F1 

Apple Original Films Presents a Monolith Pictures / Jerry Bruckheimer / Plan B Entertainment / Dawn Apollo Films Production, A Film by Joseph Kosinski, F1, distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, in theatres and IMAX nationwide on 27^th June 2025, and internationally beginning 25^th June 2025.

IWC Schaffhausen kicked off Watches and Wonders in Shanghai by hosting an exclusive event at TANK Shanghai, a non-profit art institution and multi-functional art centre. Located in the heart of Xuhui Riverfront along the Huangpu River, the centre is one of the city’s most vibrant art and cultural landmarks. It consists of five former tanks that previously belonged to Shanghai Longhua Airport, one of China’s first airports. Tank 5 provided the perfect setting for a conversation about time and eternity, as well as the passion for music and the engineering and craftsmanship behind the new Portugieser collection.

A PASSION FOR SCIENCE AND THE CONCEPT OF TIME 

The Swiss luxury watch manufacturer brought together Eileen Gu and Professor Brian Cox. When not chasing new records on the slopes, Eileen Gu is a student of physics at the world-renowned Stanford University. Brian Cox is a professor of particle physics at the University of Manchester and one of the foremost scientific commentators. The two talked about their shared passion for science and physics. Eileen Gu pondered questions about the concepts of time and eternity with Professor Cox. She also shared with the audience that she once wrote a letter to her future self, in which she manifested winning a medal at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing.

THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE NEW PORTUGIESER COLLECTION 

The duo delved into IWC’s new Portugieser collection. Professor Brian Cox expressed his fascination for the Portugieser Eternal Calendar. He explained how human curiosity led to the observation of celestial movements, helping our understanding of the continuous passage of time and ultimately leading to the development of the Gregorian calendar we use today. Since Kurt Klaus engineered his ingenious perpetual calendar in the 1980s, IWC has gained unique expertise in creating calendars that accurately reflect the solar year. With its innovative 400-year gear and moon phase display designed to run accurately for over 45 million years, the Portugieser Eternal Calendar exemplifies the engineering approach that has defined IWC for over 150 years. Eileen Gu discussed her admiration for the new colours Horizon Blue, Dune, Obsidian and Silver Moon and the elaborately crafted dials. Reflecting the eternal cycle of day and night, the colours reminded her of the mysteries of time and the beauty of our universe. She was equally impressed with the craftsmanship that went into manufacturing the dials, which are made using a complex 60-step process. Applying 15 layers of transparent lacquer gives them tremendous visual depth.

PERFORMANCE OF “A TRIBUTE TO ETERNITY” BY A STRING QUARTET 

Finally, Eileen Gu and Professor Brian Cox bonded over their mutual love of music. Eileen Gu is an enthusiastic piano player and also enjoys composing music. She even travels with a portable keyboard. Professor Brian Cox was a musician in various bands during the 1980s, and music is a significant part of his highly acclaimed live shows. 
 

The event concluded with a beautiful performance of “A Tribute to Eternity” by a string quartet from Shanghai. The music was created in a collaboration between Academy Award^®-winning music composer Hans Zimmer and Professor Brian Cox, and is inspired by the new Portugieser collection and the Portugieser Eternal Calendar. Representing the mystery of time in musical form, its performance provided a fitting end to the event.

BRIAN COX 

Brian is Professor of Particle Physics at the University of Manchester, The Royal Society Professor for Public Engagement in Science and a Fellow of the Royal Society. Brian is widely recognised as the foremost communicator for all things scientific, having presented a number of highly acclaimed science programmes for the BBC watched by billions internationally, including ‘Adventures in Space and Time’ (2021), ‘Universe’ (2021), ‘The Planets’ (2018), ‘Forces of Nature’ (2016), ‘Human Universe’ (2014), ‘Wonders of Life’ (2012), ‘Wonders of the Universe’ (2011) and ‘Wonders of the Solar System’ (2010). He also co-hosted popular astronomy and cosmology series ‘Stargazing Live’ with Dara O’Briain (and for ABC in Australia, with Julia Zemiro) and awardwinning BBC Radio 4 series ‘Infinite Monkey Cage’, which has gone on to become one of the UK’s most popular podcasts. As an author, Brian has also sold over a million books worldwide including ‘Black Holes’, ‘Universal: A Guide to the Cosmos’, ‘Quantum Universe’ and ‘Why Does E=mc2?’ with co-author Professor Jeffrey Forshaw. 
 

Brian has undertaken several sell-out live world tours, setting several Guinness World Records, including for the biggest selling science tour – a record he himself broke with his most recent worldwide tour, ‘Horizons’, which took in venues in the UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong and across Europe and was performed to hundreds of thousands of people across the world.

EILEEN GU 

After taking home two gold medals and one silver at the 2022 Winter Olympics, freeskier Eileen Gu became the only action sports athlete to win three medals at the same Olympic games. This made her the youngest freeski Olympic Gold medallist in history. The 20-yearold’s achievements on snow also include a slew of other record-breaking performances, including being the first snowsport athlete to ever win three medals at both the 2021 XGames and FIS World Championships. Eileen was also the first female freeskier to land a double cork 1440 and an unnatural double cork 1620.
 

Eileen uses her voice to help foster cultural understanding and friendship through sports. As an ambassador for freeskiing in the US, China, and worldwide, she hopes to inspire young people, especially girls, to build confidence, break their own boundaries, and lead happier, healthier lives through sport. Named Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year 2023 and one of the TIME100 List of Most Influential People of 2022, Eileen has also been recognised for her efforts with the Vogue Aurora Award for female empowerment and the SuperELLE Youth Idol Award. She has been a keynote speaker at the espnW Women in Sport Summit, received the “Next Gen” Award from Apex for Youth Organization and been named a Global Ambassador by the Asia Society of Southern California. Eileen is an accomplished student and fashion model with covers on Vogue, ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, and L’Officiel, among others, while also excelling academically as a full time student at Stanford University.

In 2013, IWC Schaffhausen became the Official Engineering Partner of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ team. This milestone also marked the beginning of the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer’s shared journey with Lewis Hamilton, one of the most successful F1 pilots of all time, as well as a style and fashion icon with global appeal. To celebrate more than a decade of partnership, IWC invited Hamilton to a “Best of British” boat ride on the Thames. From Butler’s Wharf Pier to Battersea Power Station, where IWC has had a boutique since 2022, the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ team driver passed by some of London’s most popular landmarks – among them Tower Bridge, the Shard, Tate Modern Gallery, Big Ben and the London Eye. Accompanied on the yacht by British TV presenter and broadcaster Roman Kemp, Hamilton recalled some of the most memorable moments from his ten years as an IWC brand ambassador – such as racing a fighter jet, driving with a thousand drones in Las Vegas or competing in entertaining golf and basketball challenges in Miami. During the boat ride, Lewis Hamilton wore the Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team (Ref. IW388306) in Ceratanium^® with a black dial.

AN EXCLUSIVE ROOFTOP COCKTAIL RECEPTION

After he arrived at Battersea Power Station, Hamilton joined guests at a rooftop bar for an exclusive cocktail reception. In an intimate talk hosted by TV presenter Lucy Hedges and British-Italian racing driver Vittoria “Vicky” Piria, he revealed personal insights and anecdotes from his racing career spanning more than 30 years – from his humble beginnings in karting at the age of eight to winning seven world championship titles in the elite class of motorsport. Hamilton also looked ahead to the British Grand PrixTM at the historic Silverstone circuit. The event was attended by many notable guests. Among them was British actor Damson Idris, who is featured on the cast of the upcoming Apple Original Films movie about a fictional F1 team called APX GP, which is supported by IWC Schaffhausen.

POP-UP BOUTIQUE IN FRONT OF THE BATTERSEA POWER STATION

In the immediate vicinity of its boutique at Battersea Power Station, IWC Schaffhausen installed a pop-up store in Malaysia Square. Designed as an open and transparent space and built with a re-usable inflatable structure, the pop up-features an exhibition of racing memorabilia, a selection of emblematic watches and a photo wall celebrating key moments from Lewis Hamilton’s incredible journey with the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™  team. The centrepiece is the Mercedes-AMG F1 W10 EQ Power+, the racing car contributing to Hamilton’s eleven first-place finishes in the 2019 season. Visitors can also marvel at Hamilton’s race suit from his Silverstone win in 2021, the trophy from the 2020 British Grand Prix™  when he crossed the finish line with only three working tyres, or a replica of his current racing helmet. Selected special edition watches Hamilton designed in collaboration with IWC’s creative team are also on display. These include the Lewis Hamilton Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar Edition in black ceramic with a burgundy dial and gold accents, or last year’s Portugieser Tourbillon Rétrograde Chronograph Lewis Hamilton in platinum with an elaborately finished teal-coloured dial.
 

The IWC Schaffhausen pop-up boutique is open daily until 7^th July from 10am to 5pm. 
 

Visitors wanting to explore the space are encouraged to sign up via the IWC website: https://www.iwc.com/gb/en/home.html

On the opening day of Watches and Wonders in Geneva, supermodel and IWC Brand Ambassador Gisele Bündchen visited IWC Schaffhausen at its booth. Upon her arrival, she was greeted by Chris Grainger-Herr, CEO of IWC Schaffhausen, and Franziska Gsell, CMO of IWC Schaffhausen. 
 

This year at Watches and Wonders, IWC launches its new Portugieser collection. With the introduction of new design codes and complications, IWC once again showcases its expertise in fine watchmaking. 
 

During her visit, Gisele, who will be part of the Portugieser campaign, toured the booth which this year is designed with the theme of “A Tribute to Eternity”. Reminiscent of the endless cycle of day and night, the booth showcases the new colours, Silver Moon, Horizon Blue, Dune and Obsidian. Each of which is uniquely reminiscent of the journey from dusk till dawn.
 

“It is a pleasure to be here with IWC at Watches and Wonders and see the beautiful new Portugieser collection,” states Gisele. Commenting on what “A Tribute to Eternity” means to her, she continued “Time is a special gift and using it wisely impacts what we leave behind for future generations. I chose to use my time to focus on my family, love, learning, health, and friendships.”

On the special occasion, Gisele wore the new Portugieser Chronograph (ref. IW371626) in Horizon Blue. The blue dial is intricately crafted and finished with 15 transparent layers, giving it a captivating visual depth. It is fitted with a gradient light blue calfstrap from Santoni and powered by the IWC-manufactured 69355 calibre. Horizon Blue draws its inspiration from the serene yet vibrant blue hues of the early afternoon sky. When paired with the white-gold case, it gives the watch an underlying sense of lightness. This combination of colour and material gives the watch an elegant and refined look, making it a perfect choice for everyday use. Gisele explained what particularly draws her to the Horizon blue colour, “One thing that is important to me about selecting a watch is that it matches my personal style and is versatile. The Horizon Blue sparks a sense of the peace and calm when I wear it. As we all are busy with work and families, we need to remember time is precious and we must take a moment for ourselves.”
 

In 2022, IWC welcomed the Brazilian supermodel and philanthropist Gisele as a brand ambassador. The relationship was formed in recognition of the remarkable synergy of shared values and ambitions between the two. Throughout her career, she has become one of the most successful and recognisable supermodels in the world. Not only because she has been photographed by some of the most legendary photographers and walked the runways of the biggest fashion houses but also because of her work within sustainability. Gisele has been a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Environmental Program since 2009. She has also been honoured by renowned academic institutions such as Harvard University for her longstanding commitment to key environmental issues.

“A Tribute to Eternity” is the theme for IWC Schaffhausen’s 2024 Portugieser collection. It is a nod to IWC’s latest feat of engineering: the Portugieser Eternal Calendar. At the same time, it is a reference to the timeless character of the Portugieser. Created in the late 1930s, the first Portugieser was inspired by a nautical deck watch used for navigation on ships. The DNA of a highly precise and easily legible instrument has resulted in a timeless design idiom that continues to be incredibly fresh and modern today. For the new collection, IWC has reworked selected models and perfected them to the smallest detail. Four new colours called Horizon Blue, Dune, Obsidian and Silver Moon add a fresh touch and shine a surprising new light on the Portugieser’s emblematic design.

IWC SCHAFFHAUSEN’S FIRST SECULAR PERPETUAL CALENDAR

Since Kurt Klaus created his ingenious perpetual calendar in the 1980s, IWC Schaffhausen has acquired unique expertise in the field of mechanical calendars. With the Portugieser Eternal Calendar (Ref. IW505701), the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer now pushes the boundaries of engineering once again. In addition to recognising the different month lengths and adding a leap day every four years at the end of February, the Portugieser Eternal Calendar also takes into account the Gregorian calendar’s leap year exceptions by skipping three leap years over 400 years. For this watch, IWC’s engineers have taken on the challenge of developing a moon phase display with unprecedented precision. Theoretically, the Double Moon^TM indication will only need to be adjusted by one day after 45 million years.

NEW SIGNATURE COLOURS AND INTRICATELY CRAFTED DIALS

From the dawn of civilisation, every culture has looked up and observed the movements of the celestial bodies. The movements of the sun, the moon and the stars gave us an intuitive way of understanding and measuring time, leading to the development of our time scale and our calendars. The eternal cycle of day and night has inspired IWC to create four unique new colours: Horizon Blue, Dune, Obsidian and Silver Moon. Horizon Blue is a light blue shade with an exceptional lightness and clarity. It is inspired by the early afternoon sky when the sun bathes the world in a bright, clear light. The unique atmosphere of early evening with the golden glow of the setting sun inspired the new dial colour Dune. The design code Obsidian, with black dials and gold-plated hands and gold appliques, stands for the night sky and the golden city lights. Silver Moon, finally, reflects the whitish shimmer of sunlight reflected from the moon’s surface. For showcasing these colours to maximum effect, IWC has also created new dials with a captivating visual depth. They are crafted in a complex process comprising 60 individual steps, including the application of 15 layers of transparent lacquer, which is f ine-ground and then polished to a high gloss finish. 

A MODERNIST EXHIBITION PAVILLION BATHED IN COLOURS

To reflect the timelessness that distinguished the Portugieser, the IWC booth at Watches and Wonders is inspired by the modernist era in architecture. Designed as an open and transparent exhibition pavilion, it takes up elements which can also be found in IWC’s Manufakturzentrum in Schaffhausen. With various water elements, the booth also recalls the unique location on the banks of the river Rhine where IWC was established more than 150 years ago. During different times of the day, the booth will be immersed in the new signature colours Horizon Blue, Dune, Obsidian and Silver Moon – creating distinctive atmospheres and moods for visitors to experience. The new Portugieser collection is presented on a large round display. As a reference to IWC’s calendar watches and moon phase indications, there is a huge, shimmering silver moon hanging above it. From the colours to the water to the moon, each element of the booth is a reference to eternity. 
 

At the booth, IWC also presents the Perpetual Studio for the first time. The Perpetual Studio is where IWC’s most experienced and skilled master watchmakers work on assembling and fine-tuning the most complex mechanisms, such as tourbillons and calendars. Visitors can learn more about the evolution from the Perpetual Calendar to the Eternal Calendar. What is more, they can observe a master watchmaker at work wearing the Cyberloupe^®, the world’s first digitalised watchmaker magnifying glass. During the remainder of 2024, the Perpetual Studio will be shown as a traveling exhibition in various locations around the globe.

THE 2024 PORTUGIESER COLLECTION AT A GLANCE 

The Portugieser Eternal Calendar (Ref. IW505701) is the first secular perpetual calendar developed by IWC Schaffhausen. It automatically recognises the different lengths of the months and adds a leap day every four years at the end of February. While a perpetual calendar is programmed for a four year cycle, the Portugieser Eternal Calendar goes one step further: thanks to a new 400-year gear, it also considers the Gregorian calendar’s leap year exceptions by skipping three leap years over 400 years. In addition, its moon phase is so accurate that it will – theoretically – only deviate by one day after 45 million years. 
 

The Portugieser Hand-Wound Tourbillon Day & Night (Ref. IW545901) features a flying minute tourbillon at 6 o’clock and a day and night indication with a small globe, which rotates around its axis once every 24 hours. The idea for this indication came from a former IWC apprentice watchmaker. Featuring an 18-carat Armor Gold® case and Obsidian dial, the watch is powered by the IWCmanufactured 81925 calibre with manual winding. 
 

The new Portugieser Perpetual Calendar 44 (Ref. IW5037) features a completely re-engineered case construction with a slimmer casing ring. Box-shaped glasses on the front and back showcase the intricately crafted dials and the IWC-manufactured 52616 calibre, which features a Pellaton winding system with ceramic components and offers a power reserve of seven days. Four versions are available in 18-carat white gold or 18-carat Armor Gold® with either Horizon Blue, Dune, Obsidian or Silver Moon dials. 
 

The new Portugieser Automatic 42 (Ref. IW5017) impresses with a new case construction with a slimmer casing ring and double box-glass sapphire crystals. At work inside is the IWC-manufactured 520111 calibre with Pellaton winding, ceramic components and a 7-day power reserve. Available in six new versions in 18-carat white gold, 18-carat 5N gold or stainless steel, the Portugieser Automatic 42 is a classic instrument dress watch that retains the DNA of the original Portugieser Automatic from 2000.
 

The Portugieser Automatic 40 (Ref. IW3584) has also been reworked with a slimmer case and double box-glass sapphire crystals. With its clean and open dial, it represents the essence of the timeless Portugieser design and stands in direct lineage to the original Reference 325 from 1939. Powered by the IWC-manufactured 82200 calibre with Pellaton winding, ceramic components and 60 hours of power, it is presented in two new versions in 18-carat white gold or 18-carat 5N gold with either a Horizon Blue or Obsidian dial. 
 

Having formed a major pillar of the Portugieser collection since 1998, the Portugieser Chronograph (Ref. 3716) launches in three new versions in 18-carat White Gold, 18-carat 5N gold or stainless steel with either a Horizon Blue, an Obsidian or a Dune dial. Powered by the IWC-manufactured 69355 calibre, the chronograph is distinguished by its easy-to-read dial with the vertically arranged totalizers. The quarter-second scale enables highly accurate stop time measurements and reflects the Portugieser’s DNA as a measuring instrument.

IWC Schaffhausen organised a day on the slopes for young skiers with brand ambassador Eileen Gu. It took place at the renowned Genting Snow Park in Zhangjiakou, China. The day began with the children and their parents watching the World Cup 2023 Halfpipe final, in which Eileen competed and won gold. In the afternoon, Eileen showed the children how to improve their ski form and skills, taking the time to help each skier personally. 
 

“I cherish the days I spend with the future generation of skiers, helping them improve their form and confidence. It is both inspiring and fun. On days like this, I look at my watch, and I am reminded how quickly time passes. I remember being a little kid on the slopes, learning my first tricks. So, thank you to my IWC family for helping me make every second of the day count,” says Eileen Gu. 
 

On the slopes, Eileen wore the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph TOP GUN Edition “Lake Tahoe” (Ref. IW389105) powered by the IWC-manufactured 69380 calibre. The 44.5-millimetre case is made from hard and scratch-resistant white ceramic and fitted with a white rubber strap. The sleek design is completed with a pitch-black dial, black hands with white Super-LumiNova®, and a stainless-steel crown, pushers, and case back ring.

This marks the second ski class for children hosted by the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer and Eileen Gu this year, reinforcing their shared values and appreciation for sports. The classes are not only about improving skills; they are about celebrating sports, fostering confidence, and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle. Earlier this year, they hosted one in Aspen, Colorado, in the United States, where Eileen also personally trained with the children. 

EILEEN GU 

After taking home two gold medals and one silver at the 2022 Winter Olympics, freeskier Eileen Gu became the only action sports athlete to win three medals at the same Olympic games. This made her the youngest freeski Olympic Gold medallist in history. The teenager’s achievements on snow also include a slew of other record-breaking performances, including being the first snowsport athlete to ever win three medals at both the 2021 XGames and FIS World Championships. Eileen was also the first female freeskier to land a double cork 1440 and an unnatural double cork 1620 in competition. 
 

Eileen uses her voice to help foster cultural understanding and friendship through sports. As an ambassador for freeskiing in the US, China, and worldwide, she hopes to inspire young people, especially girls, to build confidence, break their own boundaries, and lead happier, healthier lives through sport. Named Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year 2023 and one of the TIME100 List of Most Influential People of 2022, Eileen has also been recognised for her efforts with the Vogue Aurora Award for female empowerment and the SuperELLE Youth Idol Award. As a cross-cultural bridge between the US and China, Eileen serves as a Global Ambassador for the Salt Lake City 2030 Olympic Bid. She has been a keynote speaker at the espnW Women in Sport Summit, received the “Next Gen” Award from Apex for Youth Organization and been named a Global Ambassador by the Asia Society of Southern California. Eileen is an accomplished student and fashion model with covers on Vogue, ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, and L’Officiel, among others, and is recognised by the honour society for finishing her first year as a full-time undergraduate student at Stanford.

During Art Basel Miami, IWC Schaffhausen hosted a conversation with supermodel and brand ambassador Gisele Bündchen. Recognized for her influence in the fashion industry and beyond for almost three decades, Gisele shared her thoughts on the intertwined themes of time management, watches, and style. The intimate conversation was set against the backdrop of Miami Beach’s contemporary art museum, The Bass, known for embracing design, fashion, and architecture in its program. She was accompanied onstage by style and watch editor, Malaika Crawford. 
 

The conversation also focused on design with reference to watch designer and artist Gérald Genta. Earlier this year, the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer introduced the Ingenieur Automatic 40. It draws design cues from Genta’s Ingenieur SL (Reference 1832) from the 1970s while meeting the highest standards regarding ergonomics, finishing, and technology. The collection encompasses one reference in titanium and three in stainless steel with respectively a black dial, a silver-plated dial, and an aqua dial. The Ingenieur Automatic 40 is powered by the IWC-manufactured 32111 caliber with a power reserve of 120 hours. All new models feature soft-iron inner cases to protect the movements from magnetic fields and are water-resistant to 10 bar.
 

Gisele’s favorite is the Ingenieur Automatic 40 (Ref. IW328903), thanks to the aqua dial. Considered a quintessential 21st-century sports watch, she explained why she loves this watch. As someone who is always on the go and has a schedule packed with different events, she appreciates the wearability and versatility of the watch. Made from stainless steel with an integrated bracelet, it is perfect for any occasion, be it casual or formal. It is the kind of watch one can build an entire outfit around or use as a finishing touch.
 

“With a packed schedule and always being on the move, I have learned to make the most of every hour,” said Gisele. “I like wearing my Ingenieur because it is beautiful and comfortable. You can wear it with anything, and it will look great.”
 

The event brought together the worlds of horology, style, and design, showcasing the mutual admiration between Gisele and IWC Schaffhausen. In 2022, Gisele joined the IWC family as a brand ambassador. The relationship is built on shared values and ambitions. Through her career, Gisele has become one of the most successful and recognizable supermodels in the world. Not only because she has been photographed by legendary photographers and walked the runways of the best-known fashion houses but also because of her work within sustainability. Gisele has been a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Environmental Program since 2009. She has also been honored by renowned academic institutions such as Harvard University for her longstanding commitment to key environmental issues.

IWC Schaffhausen and Mercedes-AMG have been partners since 2004, making their collaboration one of the longest running between a Swiss luxury watch manufacturer and an automotive engineering company. Ahead of the upcoming F1^TM race in Las Vegas, the partners joined forces to organise an exclusive event in the Las Vegas desert. To mark the occasion, they took over the famous Speedvegas racetrack and built a pop-up “Speed City”, a desert camp and entertainment venue. In the presence of dozens of guests, they celebrated their long-standing collaboration and shared passion for performance and design. 
 

The similarities and differences in the design processes for cars and watches were key topics in a panel discussion with Christian Knoop, Chief Design Officer at IWC Schaffhausen, and Robert Lešnik, Head of Exterior Design Department at Mercedes-Benz and responsible for the design of the Mercedes-AMG GT Coupé. Interviewed by technology journalist and BBC presenter Lucy Hedges, the two professionals revealed stunning facts about what it is like to work as designers in their respective industries. Robert Lešnik detailed how design can be used to accentuate technical features of a car and which considerations went into the sporty-emotional look of the Mercedes-AMG GT Coupé. Christian Knoop shared an in-depth look at IWC’s chronograph and materials expertise and explained how these competences came together for the development of the Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41. IWC officially launched the new collection with four performance chronographs in titanium and Ceratanium® the day prior. 
 

Following the design talk, Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1^TM Team drivers Lewis Hamilton and George Russell delivered a fantastic driving performance in the Mercedes-AMG GT Coupé. The action on the track was accompanied by a spectacular drone show supported by lights, illuminating the night sky above the Las Vegas desert and giving a glimpse of the upcoming night race in the “City of Lights”. Both drivers then joined Lucy Hedges and former F1^TM driver and IWC brand ambassador David Coulthard for an entertaining conversation, reflecting on the performance and giving an outlook to the upcoming night race.
 

To close off the event, Chris Grainger-Herr, CEO of IWC Schaffhausen, Michael Schiebe, CEO of Mercedes-AMG, and Toto Wolff, Team Principal & CEO of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1^TM  Team, joined the stage. They looked back on the successful and long-standing collaboration between the companies, and shared memories.

GUESTS EXPLORED THE POP UP EXHIBITIONS IN “ SPEED CITY” 

During the entire evening, the guests were invited to explore the many attractions at the “Speed City” venue in the Las Vegas desert. Among other things, they could visit an exhibition from Mercedes-AMG and learn more about the company’s range of performance cars. In addition, IWC set up a pop-up watch boutique with a curated selection of some of the most iconic watches from Schaffhausen. 

MERCEDES-AMG 

Mercedes-AMG is the performance and sports car brand of Mercedes-Benz Cars based in Affalterbach, Germany. Driven by the fascination of motorsports Hans Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher founded the company in 1967. Since 2005 Mercedes-AMG GmbH has been a wholly-owned subsidiary of Daimler AG representing the sporting spearhead of the company with a wide range of models ranging from performance compact cars up to true sports cars like the AMG GT family. In contrast to large-scale production, Mercedes-AMG’s engines are assembled in Affalterbach according to the “One Man, One Engine” principle. AMG was born on the racetrack and is up to this day committed to “Driving Performance” in every detail, which is also expressed in every vehicle’s perceptible, innovative excellence. AMG – these three letters stand for supreme automotive performance, exclusivity, emotion, efficiency and highly dynamic driving pleasure and for exclusive encounters, contact points and collaborations for customers all around the globe. AMG continues to set benchmarks and, as a sub-brand of Mercedes-Benz, has the ambition to strengthen the product portfolio as a performance luxury brand. Currently, AMG is pushing the transformation of the company and redefining the Future of Driving Performance with electrified powertrains. 

MERCEDES-AMG PETRONAS FORMULA ONE 

Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team is the works team of Mercedes-AMG, competing at the pinnacle of motorsport – the FIA Formula One™ World Championship. Formula One is a sport like no other. Combining elite teamwork, cutting-edge technologies and innovation, high-performance management and exceptional driving skill, teams develop race cars capable of competing against their rivals in a high-octane environment that spans upwards of 20 races across five continents throughout each season. 
The Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team, based across Technology Centres at Brackley and Brixworth in the United Kingdom, brings together over 1,000 dedicated and determined people that design, develop, manufacture and race the cars driven by seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton and Grand Prix winner, George Russell.  Winning seven consecutive double Drivers’ and Constructors’ World Championships from 2014 to 2020 and securing a record-breaking eighth consecutive Constructors’ Championship success in 2021, the Team is one of the most successful in the sport’s history. Between returning as a Constructor in 2010 and the end of the 2022 season, the Mercedes-AMG works team has scored 116 wins, 264 podium finishes, 128 pole positions, 91 fastest laps and 54 one-two finishes from 259 race starts.

Not only on the slopes is freestyle skier and IWC brand ambassador Eileen Gu breaking all the records, but she is also enrolled as a student at the prestigious Stanford University and working as an internationally successful model. At the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, she won two gold medals and one silver medal, which also marked her first Olympic games. In May of this year, she also added the title of “Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year” to her accolades on her already impressive CV. Eileen is a tireless spokesperson for diversity and equal opportunities in sports. Using her voice as an elite athlete, she primarily hopes to inspire young women by giving them the courage to pursue their dreams.

ONE AUCTION LOT WITH TWO VERY SPECIAL IWC WATCHES

At the 2023 Laureus Charity Night, which takes place on 11^th November at the Zurich Convention Center, Eileen Gu and IWC Schaffhausen are auctioning one-of-a-kind watches. Obtainable for the highest bidders are two of Eileen Gu’s IWC watches that feature a unique engraving and have a special connection to the 20-year-old sporting star.  
 

The Pilot’s Watch Chronograph TOP GUN Edition “Lake Tahoe” turns heads with its 44-millimetre case made from hard and scratch-resistant white ceramic. This was the watch Eileen Gu wore for her first IWC photoshoot after she was made a brand ambassador for the Schaffhausen-based watch manufacturer in 2021. The design is inspired by the wintry landscape around the freshwater Lake Tahoe, which is where Eileen first took to her skis as a little girl.  
 

The second watch is the Portofino Automatic Day & Night 34. This classically elegant Portofino in stainless steel with a deep blue dial is studded with 66 diamonds. This is the watch that Eileen wore when she was named “World Action Sportsperson of the Year” at the 2023 Laureus World Sports Awards Gala in Paris this May. There, she also met Laureus Chairman Edwin Moses and had the opportunity to speak with him about the foundation.  
 

“The white ceramic Pilot’s Watch Chronograph represents more than just the start of my journey with IWC Schaffhausen. The Lake Tahoe Edition also reminds me of the place where I discovered and nurtured my love for skiing. Since then, sports have taught me so much and altered my life in profound ways: they have taught me confidence, resilience, sportsmanship, and creativity. The Portofino Automatic Day & Night 34 was on my wrist when I received one of the most important awards of my career - Laureus’ Action Sportsperson of the Year. I hope that by auctioning off these pieces, we can make a contribution to the Laureus Foundation’s impactful philanthropic mission of supporting underserved young people through the power of sport,” explains Eileen Gu. 
 

The Pilot’s Watch Chronograph TOP GUN Edition “Lake Tahoe” and the Portofino Automatic Day & Night 34 are engraved on the back with Eileen’s signature, making the two watches exclusive and unique timepieces. Alongside the watches, IWC and Eileen are auctioning a pair of freestyle skis in “Lake Tahoe” design from Swiss ski brand Faction Collective and a skiing weekend for two in the winter sports resort of Laax in Grisons, Switzerland.

DESIGN A WATCH AND DO GOOD AT THE SAME TIME

A first for Switzerland, IWC is also bringing its personalisation service for the Portugieser to the Zurich Convention Center. Guests will have the opportunity to visit a special stand in the foyer, where they can put together their version of the Portugieser Chronograph. As well as cases made from stainless steel or 18-carat 5N gold, there is a choice of 16 dial colours specially developed for this service. Every watch ordered will have “LCN 2023” printed on the see-through case back as a reminder of the special event. IWC will donate 3000 Swiss francs to the Laureus Foundation Switzerland for each stainless steel watch sold and 5000 Swiss francs for every 18-carat 5N gold watch sold.

LAUREUS FOUNDATION SWITZERLAND

The aim of the Laureus Foundation Switzerland is to enable children and young people to live a positive life full of self-determination through sports. Beyond sports and its associated values, Laureus also systematically promotes the integration and personal development of the young, as well as their physical and mental well-being. The main focus is not on achievement but rather on enjoying sports and shared experiences. The foundation helps young people who need support – regardless of their gender, ethnicity, religion, social class or health issues.  
 

Laureus supports over 23,000 children in Switzerland through seven charitable sports projects each year. The dedication of around 30 Swiss ambassadors, including cycling legend Fabian Cancellara, track athlete Mujinga Kambundji, skier Marco Odermatt and schwinger wrestler Christian Stucki, is a wonderful source of inspiration for all the children and young people involved. The Laureus Foundation Switzerland was established in 2006 by IWC Schaffhausen in collaboration with Mercedes Benz as part of the international Laureus Sport for Good Foundation.

Every year, IWC Schaffhausen and Laureus Sport for Good join forces for the IWC Drawing Competition. The competition offers young people from more than 300 Laureus-supported programmes worldwide the opportunity to use their creativity to create a piece of artwork under a specific theme. For the 2022 edition, the theme was ‘Time for the Planet,’ and 15-year-old João Paulo won the public vote. 
 

With a focus on the environment and climate change, João Paulo’s winning drawing shows people hugging each other around the planet, illustrating togetherness without discrimination and prejudice. It was through sport that João Paulo learned that lesson, saying, “I really enjoy playing football and playing with my friends. That’s what motivated me to draw the picture and take part in the competition.” 
 

Brazilian football legend, Cafu, and the most decorated Brazilian paralympic swimmer, Daniel Dias, visited the Instituto Bola Pra Frente to congratulate João Paulo. Celebrating his competition win with the two Laureus Academy Members, other youths from the programme, and guests, the day was filled with football and other group activities, perfectly exemplifying IWC’s longstanding partnership with Laureus. A global partner of Laureus since 2005, the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer supports the organisation in its mission to use the power of sport to transform the lives of disadvantaged youths around the globe.

Located in northern Rio de Janeiro, Instituto Bola Pra Frente is a programme supported by Laureus. Portuguese for ‘pass the ball forward,’ Bola Pra Frente was founded in 2000 by World Cup winning football legend, Jorginho. The programme uses sports, cultural literacy, and education to develop general knowledge, healthy living, and socio-emotional skills and promote citizenship within its community. 
 

Laureus Academy Member Cafu said: “The programmes supported by Laureus Sport for Good are always about more than sport, and this wonderful competition gives these young people a chance to express themselves in a different way. I was really impressed with João Paulo, not just his art, but his character, too. I hope that winning this competition encourages him to do more with his special talent, and that it opens up opportunities for him in the future.”

LAUREUS SPORT FOR GOOD 

Laureus is a global movement that uses the power of sport to transform the lives of children and young people. In 2000, Laureus’ founding patron Nelson Mandela said, “sport has the power to change the world”, and these words have become the philosophy of Laureus and the driving force behind its work. Since 2000, Laureus Sport for Good has used the power of sport to overcome violence, discrimination, and inequality, changing the lives of over six and a half million children and young people. Laureus currently supports more than 300 programmes in over 40 countries and territories.

2023 saw the challenging hill climb between Langwies and Arosa take place for the 19^th time. Over the last few years, the internationally renowned event, which brings together motorsport and action in the spectacular setting of the Bündner mountains, has become one of the most well-known events beyond Switzerland’s borders. The racetrack, which is situated at around 1800 m above sea level, offers spectators pure entertainment. Over a distance of 7.3 km, the drivers must navigate 76 turns and overcome an altitude difference of 422 m.  IWC Schaffhausen is a partner of Arosa ClassicCar. 
 

IWC AMBASSADOR LAURA KRAIHAMER: DYNAMICS AND ELEGANCE 
Last weekend, professional racing driver Laura Kraihamer steered the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL “Gullwing” effortlessly and elegantly around the racetrack for the IWC Racing Team. With her flair for precision, technology and elegance, she perfectly exhibits IWC’s essential values. The IWC ambassador wore a Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 (Ref. IW388102) with a blue dial in Arosa. This Pilot’s Watch, in the classic design of a cockpit instrument, boasts a stainless-steel case with a compact diameter of 41 mm and is driven by the precise IWC-manufactured calibre 69385. “Concentration is an important factor on such a winding route. And it goes without saying that I don’t just want to be fast, I want to drive gracefully too,” explained a visibly satisfied Laura Kraihamer after the race. This is the third time she has driven for the IWC Racing Team in Arosa. In 2022, she was at the wheel at the ICE in St. Moritz and, in 2021, at the Goodwood Members’ Meeting (UK). Her and the historical “Gullwing” make a strong team every time. 
 

FANS OF HISTORIC RACING CARS ARE ENTHRALLED BY THE “GULLWING” 
In 2023, around 180 registered vehicles, including some real classics, completed the race route in Arosa. Historic racing and sports cars are allowed to participate in this event and acted as real crowd-pullers, attracting a large number of enthusiastic spectators to Arosa again this year. Since 2018, the IWC Racing Team has taken part in historic race events with a Mercedes-Benz 300 SL “Gullwing” from the year 1956. When the elite of international classic cars meets in Switzerland, the elegant “Gullwing” certainly earns its place among them.

IWC Schaffhausen has always been committed to supporting sports and encouraging people to feel the extraordinary value and charm of sports and competition. Yesterday, brand ambassador Eileen Gu visited IWC’s flagship boutique in Taikoo Hui Mall for a conversation about their shared values, appreciation for sports and visions for future generations. During the talk, she explained the common denominators between sports and IWC’s engineering of timepieces – both deeply rooted in passion and pursuit for excellence. 
 

“Sport is a unique avenue for people to connect through a shared passion, to break limits and to improve their self confidence, resilience, and creativity – for kids and girls in particular. It is a cause that is integral to building a better future, and one that my IWC family believes in just as much as I do,” stated Eileen Gu.
 

Ned Wills, Managing Director of the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation joined the talk and congratulated Eileen on her recently winning the “Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year” award at the 2023 Laureus World Sports Awards. He shared more about the work of Laureus Sport for Good and the organisation’s long-term partnership with IWC. Valuable insights were also given by him, highlighting the importance of solidarity for a better future. “When forward-thinking people and organisations like Eileen Gu, IWC and Laureus unite, they can ignite real change for not only the sports community but also a better future for all. We can achieve greatness alone – but together, anything is possible,” said Ned Wills. 
 

After the talk, they explored the boutique together with other distinguished guests. Spanning over 300 m2, it is the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer’s largest flagship boutique. From the collection displays and Portugieser Chronograph customisation studio to the Airspeeder Mixed Reality flight and the Big Pilot Bar, the boutique allows visitors to become fully immersed in the IWC universe. Alongside IWC’s Pilot’s Watches, Portugieser and Portofino collections, the IWC Laureus special edition timepieces are displayed. Since 2006, IWC has issued special edition timepieces in honour of Laureus Sport for Good.
 

Eileen appeared wearing the IWC Portofino Automatic Moon Phase 37 (Ref. IW659602). At just 37.1 millimetres, the elegant timepiece has an 18 carat 5N gold case, diamond-set bezel and moon phase display. It is powered by the IWC-manufactured 32800 calibre with a 120-hour power reserve which can be admired through the sapphire glass back. Perfectly complementing the case, it has a traceable taupe-coloured Swiss calfskin strap featuring the quick-change system.

EILEEN GU 

After taking home two gold and one silver medal at the 2022 Winter Olympics, freeskier Eileen Gu became the only action sports athlete to win three medals at the same Olympic games. This made her the youngest freeski Olympic Gold medallist in history. The teenager’s achievements on snow also include a slew of other record-breaking performances, including being the first snowsport athlete to ever win three medals at both the 2021 XGames and FIS World Championships. Eileen was also the first female freeskier to land a double cork 1440 and unnatural double cork 1620 in competition. 
 

Eileen uses her voice to help foster cultural understanding and friendship through sports. As an ambassador for freeskiing in the US, China, and worldwide, she hopes to inspire young people, especially girls, to build confidence, break their own boundaries, and lead happier, healthier lives through sport. Named one of the TIME100 List of Most Influential People of 2022, Eileen has also been recognised for her efforts with the Vogue Aurora Award for female empowerment and the SuperELLE Youth Idol Award. As a cross-cultural bridge between the US and China, Eileen serves as a Global Ambassador for the Salt Lake City 2030 Olympic Bid. She has been a keynote speaker at the espnW Women in Sport Summit, received the “Next Gen” Award from Apex for Youth Organization and been named a Global Ambassador by the Asia Society of Southern California. Eileen is an accomplished student and fashion model with covers on Vogue, ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, and L’Officiel, among others, and is recognised by the honour society for finishing her first year as a full-time undergraduate student at Stanford.

LAUREUS SPORT FOR GOOD FOUNDATION 

Laureus is a global movement that uses the power of sport to transform the lives of children and young people. In 2000, Laureus’ founding patron Nelson Mandela said, “sport has the power to change the world”, and these words have become the philosophy of Laureus and the driving force behind its work. Since 2000, Laureus Sport for Good has used the power of sport to overcome violence, discrimination and inequality, changing the lives of over six and half million children and young people. The foundation currently supports more than 300 programmes in over 40 countries and territories.

Every year, Laureus celebrates the achievements of the most outstanding sportswomen and sportsmen at the Laureus World Sports Awards. First held in 2000, the event honours the greatest sporting triumphs of the year. The shortlists for the seven categories are created by votes from more than 1000 sports media, and the winners are selected through secret ballot votes by the members of the Laureus World Sports Academy – an illustrious group of sporting legends. Taking place at the Pavillon Vendôme in Paris, the ceremony marked the return to a physical format after two years of virtual presentations due to the global pandemic. During the event, Eileen Gu wore the Portofino Automatic Day & Night 34 with a charming day & night complication. 

EILEEN GU HANDED OVER A SPECIAL MEDAL

Ahead of the award show, Eileen Gu handed over a special medal to Edwin Moses, Chairman of Laureus Sport for Good US. The Olympic legend took the medal on behalf of Olivia Époupa, who could not be there in-person, to highlight her impressive achievements in basketball. A professional basketball player in the FIBA EuroLeague Women today, Olivia Époupa is a former participant in the Laureus-supported “Paris Basket 18” programme. The programme uses basketball to empower young girls and women, give them more self-confidence and enhance their education. Eileen Gu created the medal during her recent visit to the IWC Manufakturzentrum in Schaffhausen, utilising the same sophisticated processes IWC employs to manufacture its high-quality mechanical timepieces.

ANOTHER MILESTONE IN AN INCREDIBLE CAREER

Laureus created the “Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year” award to honour outstanding achievements of athletes from the world of action sports. At 18, Eileen Gu became the youngest Olympic champion in freestyle skiing after winning three medals at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. The teenager’s achievements on snow also include a slew of other record-breaking performances, including being the first snowsport athlete to ever win three medals at both the 2021 XGames and FIS World Championships. She was the first female freeskier to land a double cork 1440 and unnatural double cork 1620 in competition. 

But Eileen Gu is not only an accomplished athlete. She is also a successful fashion model and a student of science at the renowned Stanford University in California. Thanks to her unique combination of skills, passion and determination, Eileen Gu is the perfect embodiment of a modern, multifaceted woman and an inspiring role model for girls and young women worldwide.

LAUREUS USES THE POWER OF SPORT TO DO GOOD

In addition to honouring the most outstanding athletes of the year, the Laureus World Sports Awards also shine a spotlight on the work of the Laureus Sport for Good, a global movement that uses the power of sport to transform the lives of young people. The foundation currently supports more than 300 programmes in over 40 countries and territories. IWC has been a global partner of Laureus Sport for Good since 2005. The partnership with Laureus underscores the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer’s commitment to community engagement and having a positive impact on society.

LAUREUS SPORT FOR GOOD FOUNDATION 

Laureus is a global movement that uses the power of sport to transform the lives of children and young people. In 2000, Laureus’ founding patron Nelson Mandela said, “sport has the power to change the world”, and these words have become the philosophy of Laureus and the driving force behind its work. Since 2000, Laureus Sport for Good has used the power of sport to overcome violence, discrimination and inequality, changing the lives of over six and half million children and young people. The foundation currently supports more than 300 programmes in over 40 countries and territories.

Celebrating ten years of partnership, IWC Schaffhausen and the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ team hosted a “courtside talk” on the IWC basketball court at Jungle Plaza. The talk kicked off the race weekend and marked the final event organized during IWC’s multi-day takeover of this spectacular outdoor venue in the Miami Design District. Jérôme D’Ambrosio, a former professional racing driver, is responsible for developing the team’s roster of young drivers in different racing categories. During the talk, he offered fascinating insights into how the team identifies and develops young talents.

While elaborating on the importance of team performance and shared values with IWC, D’Ambrosio wore the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 Edition Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team on a “Miami Pink” rubber strap. Team members in Miami will also wear the chronograph on this strap throughout the race weekend, and pink details will also feature prominently on Lewis Hamilton’s and George Russell’s racing shoes and gloves. The official team watch in a bundle with a “Miami Pink” and a green rubber strap is available exclusively online and for a limited time.

ABOUT JÉRÔME D’AMBROSIO

Jerome D’Ambrosio started his career as a professional racing driver in Karting. He later competed in Formula 2, Formula 1 and Formula E. After retiring from the cockpit, he became the Team Principal of a Formula E Team. In March 2023, he was appointed Driver Development Director at the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team.

MERCEDES-AMG PETRONAS FORMULA ONE TEAM

Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team is the works team of Mercedes-AMG, competing at the pinnacle of motorsport – the FIA Formula One™ World Championship. 

Formula One is a sport like no other. Combining elite teamwork, cutting-edge technologies and innovation, high-performance management and exceptional driving skill, teams develop race cars capable of competing against their rivals in a high-octane environment that spans upwards of 20 races across five continents throughout each season. 

The Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team, based across Technology Centers at Brackley and Brixworth in the United Kingdom, brings together over 1,000 dedicated and determined people that design, develop, manufacture and race the cars driven by seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton and Grand Prix winner, George Russell. 

Winning seven consecutive double Drivers’ and Constructors’ World Championships from 2014 to 2020 and securing a record-breaking eighth consecutive Constructors’ Championship success in 2021, the Team is one of the most successful in the sport’s history. 

Between returning as a Constructor in 2010 and the end of the 2022 season, the Mercedes-AMG works team has scored 116 wins, 264 podium finishes, 12  pole positions, 91 fastest laps and 54 one-two finishes from 259 race starts.

On the second day at Jungle Plaza, IWC teamed up with Laureus Sport for Good and Dibia DREAM to organize a day focused on empowering girls. IWC has been a global partner of Laureus since 2005, supporting its mission to use the power of sport to help young people around the world. During the day, Dibia DREAM organized different activities for children involving recreational education in sciences, technology-related fields, engineering and mathematics (STEM). IWC then invited representatives from Laureus to an inspirational talk about empowering the next generation through STEM education. They were joined on stage by Jagger Eaton, two-time skateboarding World Champion and Olympic Medalist. Jagger Eaton was recently announced as the newest brand ambassador.

During the discussion hosted by Rachelle Patel, the Laureus USA Director of Marketing & Partnerships, Jagger Eaton revealed the inspiration he received from the day’s activities with kids. Known for his raw talent, perseverance and confidence, the young athlete talked about how skateboarding taught him the essential life lesson to get right back up after a fall and try again. Drawing on his ability to always believe in himself and never give up, Jagger Eaton won the bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games in Men’s Skateboarding Street despite competing with a broken ankle.

Olympic legend Edwin Moses, a founding member of the Laureus World Sports Academy, then shared more information about the work of Laureus Sport for Good and the organization’s long-term partnership with IWC. Valuable insights were also added by Rachelle Patel, who highlighted the importance of educational projects for underserved youth and explained Laureus’ support for Dibia DREAM. After the talk, Jagger Eaton gave the kids on site a demonstration of his skateboarding skills and answered their questions.

Jagger Eaton and IWC share many core values, such as their dedication to pushing the limits of what can be achieved. Understanding the impact that his family’s skatepark had on his own career, Jagger Eaton is fully committed to community give-back initiatives and wants to make skateboarding more accessible to kids. IWC also believes in investing in strong, healthy communities and empowering young people. Community engagement, therefore, forms an integral part of IWC’s sustainability efforts.

LAUREUS

Laureus is a global movement that uses the power of sport to transform the lives of children and young people. In 2000, Laureus’ founding patron Nelson Mandela said ‘sport has the power to change the world’, and these words have become the philosophy of Laureus and the driving force behind its work. Since 2000, Laureus Sport for Good has used the power of sport to overcome violence, discrimination and inequality, changing the lives of over six and half million children and young people. Laureus Sport for Good currently supports more than 275 programmes in over 50 countries and territories.

DIBIA DREAM 

Founded in 2014, Dibia DREAM provides a safe place after school, on the weekends and in the summer with caring, responsible role models and engaging activities. Dibia DREAM was created to spark social change through hands-on, engaging STEM education for historically underserved youth and their families. Over 40,000 scholars worldwide have engaged with the nonprofit in-person or online. Its programs use STEM and sports as instruments to teach life skills and promote mentorship, active participation, and exposure to diverse opportunities through its 5 pillar program. The goal is to enrich youth across the world through transformative experiences. 

IWC Schaffhausen celebrates its return to Miami with a takeover of Jungle Plaza in the city’s Design District. For the “IWC Chrono Challenge,” the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer created a spectacular set-up with a full-sized basketball court. In the background, a giant mural depicts IWC brand ambassador Lewis Hamilton wearing the just-announced Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ team watch featuring a Miami Pink rubber strap.

The “IWC Chrono Challenge” marked the first of several events at this impressive outdoor venue and saw two teams competing against each other in three different basketball skill challenges. “Team Pink” was led by seven-time Formula One™ world champion Sir Lewis Hamilton, who was joined by IWC brand ambassador and American actor James Marsden and former professional football player Antrel Rolle. Canadian actor and author Simu Liu, IWC brand ambassador and American Olympic skateboarder Jagger Eaton and Dibia DREAM founder and CEO Brandon Okpalobi formed the opposing “Team Green.”

THREE BASKETBALL SKILL CHALLENGES

In the first challenge, players had to dribble and jump towards the basket, trying to achieve as many layups as possible in 60 seconds. Next, the competitors attempted to score as many free throws as they could in a 30-seconds beat-the-buzzer challenge. Finally, two players took turns shooting from several defined spots on the court. For each ball landing in the basket, they received one letter to spell out the word “Chrono” – a playful reference to the recently-launched chronograph. F1™ legend David Coulthard hosted the event, supported by former college basketball athlete and Laureus USA Program Officer Tiffany Aidoo. IWC brand ambassador and Hollywood actress Monica Barbaro was responsible for keeping the score and the exact timekeeping of the challenges. 

On the court, the players of “Team Pink” were wearing the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ team featuring a Miami Pink rubber strap. IWC recently introduced this eye-catching new strap color in a bundle with the green strap to celebrate its return to Miami and also ten years of longstanding collaboration with the team. Pink details will also be featured on the driver’s gloves and shoes during race weekend. “Team Green” sported the chronograph on a green rubber strap. The timepiece in a light and rigid grade 5 titanium case was originally launched at last year’s Miami Grand Prix™ in a bundle with a green rubber strap and a black calfskin strap, It is the first official team watch IWC has produced for its partner, the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ team.

IWC AND DIBIA DREAM

For the basketball challenge, IWC once again collaborated with Dibia DREAM, a nonprofit organization sparking social change through STEM education and sport for underserved young people in Miami. IWC has been supporting Dibia DREAM since 2022 through their global partnership with Laureus. Kids from Dibia DREAM programs participated in the warm-up and supported the players as ball girls and boys during the challenge.

The IWC basketball court will remain on Jungle Plaza until Friday. During the takeover, members of the public can register for Basketball Clinics. Dibia DREAM will also organize different educational activities for children. Following the event in Miami, IWC will donate the basketball court to Dibia DREAM and the City of Miami. In addition, IWC will be using a systemized approach to repurpose the mural vinyl into new products such as tote bags, that will be donated to the community and employees.

DIBIA DREAM 

Founded in 2014, Dibia DREAM provides a safe place after school, on the weekends and in the summer with caring, responsible role models and engaging activities. Dibia DREAM was created to spark social change through hands-on, engaging STEM education for historically underserved youth and their families. Over 40,000 scholars worldwide have engaged with the nonprofit in-person or online. Its programs use STEM and sports as instruments to teach life skills and promote mentorship, active participation, and exposure to diverse opportunities through its 5 pillar program. The goal is to enrich youth across the world through transformative experiences. 

LAUREUS 

Laureus is a global movement that uses the power of sport to transform the lives of children and young people. In 2000, Laureus’ founding patron Nelson Mandela said ‘sport has the power to change the world’, and these words have become the philosophy of Laureus and the driving force behind its work. Since 2000, Laureus Sport for Good has used the power of sport to overcome violence, discrimination and inequality, changing the lives of over six and half million children and young people. Laureus Sport for Good currently supports more than 275 programmes in over 50 countries and territories.

During her trip to Schaffhausen, Gu had the opportunity to experience the watchmaking process firsthand during a tour of the manufacture and had lunch overlooking the world-famous Rhine Falls. IWC Chief Marketing Officer Franziska Gsell was on hand to accompany Gu during the visit, which followed the Olympic medallist’s debut appearance at the Watches and Wonders show on Wednesday. 
 

“I am thrilled to join IWC Schaffhausen on home ground this week,” explained Gu. “It has been so interesting to experience the reality behind the legendary ‘Made in Schaffhausen’ pledge. Seeing the watchmakers’ passion and expertise as they carefully craft each watch has been amazing. I also enjoyed visiting the Rhine Falls and hearing how its waters powered the original factory, a fascinating foreshadowing of the sustainable ethos driving IWC today.” 
 

IWC has produced mechanical watches in Schaffhausen since 1868 and opened a new manufacture in the Swiss city in 2018 to mark its 150th anniversary. A groundbreaking facility, the IWC Manufakturzentrum combines component production, case-making and movement assembly all under one roof. Organised in sequential steps, the process from raw materials to finished watch movements and cases can be experienced up close with transparency. 

At Schaffhausen, Gu wore the recently-released Portofino Perpetual Calendar (Ref. IW344602). Launched in November 2022, it is the first time a perpetual calendar has featured in the Portofino collection in decades. At just 40 millimetres, it is also the smallest version of the complication in IWC‘s portfolio. Gu‘s 5N Gold version has a silver-plated dial, gold-plated hands and appliques and a soft, blue calfskin leather strap. It is powered by the IWC-manufactured 82650 calibre movement and will run without adjustment until 2100.

ABOUT EILEEN GU
Born in 2003, Eileen Gu is a champion freestyle skier, a successful fashion model and a student at the prestigious Stanford University. Gu started recreational skiing at age three before delving into freestyle skiing when she was eight. Freeski is an action-packed extreme sport that involves spectacular acrobatic skills like flips, spins and slides. She became the youngest Olympic champion in her category at Beijing’s 2022 Winter Olympics after winning two gold medals and a silver medal. Most recently, she participated in January’s Winter X Games in Aspen and the Freestyle Ski World Cup in Calgary.

During her visit, Gu toured IWC’s booth, which this year has a retro-futuristic look dedicated to the latest reimagining of the Ingenieur watch. First developed in the 1950s as a homage to technical ingenuity, the Ingenieur collection is characterised by the Swiss luxury watchmaker’s passion for engineering, material innovation and style. The new editions are inspired by Gérald Genta’s design from the 1970s, considered one of the most iconic steel sports watches ever created.
 

After CEO Christoph Grainger-Herr welcomed her, Gu was handed an ‘Ingenieur coat’, similar to the lab jackets worn by IWC’s watchmakers, in a symbolic nod to the brand’s engineering know-how. The Olympic medallist was then taken on a tour where she had the opportunity to learn more about the new Ingenieur editions and the ‘FORM UND TECHNIK’ premise of the booth and campaign. She was also presented with some of IWC’s newest chronographs from the Pilot’s Watches, Portugieser and Portofino collections..
 

“It’s incredible to be here at Watches and Wonders in Geneva with IWC today,” explained Gu. “The design of the booth is so impressive, and to have the chance to see and touch all the new watches has been super interesting. In addition, absorbing the Ingenieur story this way has given me an even greater understanding of the collection’s meticulous engineering and astonishing technicality.”

During the event, Gu wore the Portofino Automatic Day & Night 34 (Ref. IW659802). Featuring a luxurious 18 carat 5n gold case decorated with 66 light-reflecting diamonds, a silver-plated dial and a taupe calfskin leather strap, the design is a declaration of understated femininity. Moreover, it is the first 34-millimetre Portofino to feature IWC’s intricate day & night complication. Full of poeticism, this charming addition sees an expertly-crafted sun or the moon appearing on the dial at 6 o’clock to indicate if it is day or night.
 

Following her appearance at Watches and Wonders, Gu is now expected to accompany IWC back to Schaffhausen for her first visit to the watchmaker’s Manufakturzentrum on Thursday.
 

ABOUT EILEEN GU 

Born in 2003, Eileen Gu is a champion freestyle skier, a successful fashion model and a student at the prestigious Stanford University. Gu started recreational skiing at age three before delving into freestyle skiing when she was eight. Freeski is an action-packed extreme sport that involves spectacular acrobatic skills like flips, spins and slides. She became the youngest Olympic champion in her category at Beijing’s 2022 Winter Olympics after winning two gold medals and a silver medal. Most recently, she participated in January’s Winter X Games in Aspen and the Freestyle Ski World Cup in Calgary.

In the 1970s, watch designer Gérald Genta created the Ingenieur SL, Reference 1832, as part of his series of luxury steel sports watches. Its unique visual identity has inspired the new Ingenieur Automatic 40, which IWC launches at Watches and Wonders this year. As the 1970s were an era of powerful design expressions, the motto of the booth is FORM UND TECHNIK. By using the German words for ‘form and technology’, IWC is not only referring to its roots in the German-speaking part of Switzerland but also hints at a specific period in German industrial design with a progressive and technical character.
 

THE INGENIEUR EMERGES FROM A STEEL PLATE
In line with this functional approach to design, the Ingenieur Automatic 40 is presented in a reduced, technical way. The collection is integrated into a large steel plate, allowing visitors to admire the sculptural beauty of the watches and learn more about their intricate manufacturing process. The history of IWC’s first antimagnetic wristwatch for civilian use can also be discovered in an exhibition, showing the evolution of this watch family from 1976 to 2013. The new Ingenieur can even be experienced in the Metaverse. In a newly designed Ingenieur space, members of the IWC Diamond Hand Club will have the opportunity learn more about the development of this timepiece from IWC’s specialists first-hand.
 

NEWLY FOUND ORIGINAL DRAWING OF THE INGENIEUR SL 
Also in Geneva, Gérald Genta’s original hand painted drawing of the Ingenieur SL is presented to the public for the first time. The watercolour painting was thought to have been lost but was recently discovered by IWC museum curator David Seyffer and his team. The artwork features many distinguishable characteristics of an original Gérald Genta design – from the paper and the scale to the shading and the octagonal crown. Its authenticity was investigated and officially certified by the Gérald Genta Heritage Association.
 

MERCEDES-BENZ C 111-III AS A VISUAL HIGHLIGHT
A visual highlight of the booth is the Mercedes-Benz C 111-III. This vehicle was part of a series of experimental cars produced in the 1970s to test new engines and materials. A perfect example of “form follows function” engineering, its body was rigorously designed with the aim of optimising aerodynamics. With its strong focus on functionality and technical detailing, the concept car is emblematic of the respective design trend of the 1970s.
 

LOUNGE AREA WITH FURNITURE FROM VITRA
In the lounge area, visitors can relax on iconic furniture like the Lobby Chair ES104 from Charles and Ray Eames, provided by Vitra, a Swiss furniture company. Charles and Ray Eames are amongst the most important figures of 20th-century design. Since 1957, Vitra has been the only authorised manufacturer of their products for Europe and the Middle East. Typical for the designer duo’s work is the combination of functional design with an appreciation for detail. This approach is also reflected in the new Ingenieur, which features an astonishing level of detail and quality in processing and finishing.
 

IWC IS “THE REFERENCE” FOR CHRONOGRAPHS
The booth also offers an in-depth look at IWC’s chronographs. The heritage of IWC is deeply rooted in professional watches, distinguished by their robustness and accuracy. For over 40 years, this legacy has also driven the company to manufacture chronographs that are among the best the industry has to offer. An uncompromising approach to performance, functionality and quality has made IWC “The Reference” in mechanical chronographs. In Geneva, IWC exhibits chronographs from the Pilot’s Watches, Portugieser and Portofino collections. All of them feature IWC-manufactured movements from the 69000 calibre family, engineered with a focus on robustness, precision, and durability. A typical feature of IWC’s chronographs is also the vertical dial layout, a result of the company’s functional approach to design and significantly enhances readability.
 

AN INTRODUCTION TO IWC’S TESTING PROGRAM
IWC lets visitors peek into the IWC Laboratory in Schaffhausen, where the company conducts its stringent quality and type-testing program. Every new movement, complication or watch reference undergoes several dozen tests, simulating at least ten years of wear in normal and extreme conditions. On display in Geneva are four custom-built quality testing devices: a bath test for corrosion and water resistance, an overpressure test for chronographs, an accelerated gear train wear test and a magnetic resistance test.
 

WATCHMAKING DEMONSTRATION WITH THE CYBERLOUPE ®
At the Watchmaker’s Table, visitors can observe a watchmaker performing their magic on several IWC-manufactured movements. Thanks to the patented Cyberloupe®, they can get a closer look at the tiny components inside. Developed, designed, and made in Schaffhausen, the Cyberloupe® is the world’s first digitalised watchmaker’s magnifying glass, featuring a high-resolution camera and a network connection. Since its introduction in 2020, this digital tool has continuously been enhanced and upgraded. Most recently, IWC introduced the Cyberloupe® 3.0 with a comprehensive range of Augmented Reality (AR) features.

Zimmer has scored over 200 projects, including some of the most successful films of our time. He has been honored with two Academy Awards®, three Golden Globes®, three Grammys®, an American Music Award, and a Tony® Award. 

In 2022, IWC teamed up with Zimmer to create original music inspired by the ceramic colors used by the luxury watch manufacturer for five monochromatic watch designs which were added to the TOP GUN Pilot’s Watches collection. For the unique project, titled ‘The Sound of Color’, Zimmer composed five pieces of music, one for each color: IWC “Ceratanium®”, “Mojave Desert”, ”Woodland”, “Lake Tahoe” and “Jet Black”.

During the 2022 Watches and Wonders exhibition, Zimmer conducted a performance of the suite of tracks at an exclusive event at Geneva’s Théâtre du Léman in Switzerland. This weekend’s Dubai concerts are the first time Zimmer is performing in the Middle East and, on this occasion, is celebrating the continuation of his close partnership with IWC. 

“It’s been such a thrill to bring the show to Dubai,” explained Zimmer after finishing his performance. “Being on stage to play my music with the orchestra, live band, and dancers is always an extraordinary privilege. To do so in partnership with IWC here in this amazing city has felt particularly special, and I look forward to returning soon.”

Last year, IWC opened one of its flagship boutiques in the Dubai Mall, representing its innovative ‘new retail’ concept that blurs the traditional boundaries between a physical boutique and a digital experience. 

During both performances, Zimmer wore his IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar TOP GUN Ceratanium® (Ref. IW503604). Part of the TOP GUN collection, the watch is the first to feature a bracelet fully made from Ceratanium®, an innovative material developed by IWC. This patented material is as tough and almost as light as titanium yet similarly, it is as hard and scratch-resistant as ceramic. As well as its optimum material properties, what characterizes Ceratanium® is its matte black color. The watch also features IWC’s iconic perpetual calendar complication which can be operated simply via the crown. Developed in the 1980s by former head watchmaker Kurt Klaus, its ingeniously arranged parts will continue to run without manual intervention until 2100.

Gu joined the IWC family in August 2021 and became the youngest Olympic champion in freestyle skiing after winning two gold medals and a silver medal at Beijing’s 2022 Winter Olympics. As well as being a sought-after model and student at the prestigious Stanford University, the skier is a powerful advocate for improving representation and inclusion in her sport and is driven by a desire to inspire millions of young kids to pursue their ski dreams.

In addition to her university studies in California, Gu remains dedicated to her freestyle career and is currently hard at work training for the upcoming Winter X Games in Aspen taking place from 29th – 31st  January. After nearly a year away from the slopes, Eileen confirmed her status as the favourite with a double victory last week at the Freestyle Ski World Cup in Calgary (21st January) catapulting her to the top of the overall rankings. By organising a memorable and fun day on the Colorado slopes alongside young skiers from the local Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club and IWC local partner Meridian Jewellers, IWC Schaffhausen has combined both of Gu’s passions: skiing and empowering the next generation to excel in the sport.

“I was so excited to spend the day on the mountains with this group of incredible skiers!” explained Gu. “So much about skiing comes down to confidence. It’s a super personal and expressive sport, so the more time you devote, the more it pays off in your ability. It was fantastic to share my passion – and some tips and tricks – with the young men and women here. I hope they will be inspired to follow their dreams.”

While in action on the mountain, Gu chose to wear IWC Schaffhausen’s Pilot’s Watch Chronograph TOP GUN in Jet Black (Ref. IW389101), with its black ceramic 44.5-millimetre case, black dial, black hands and black textile strap. 

Later she swapped her watch to wear a Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 (Ref. IW388102). This modern take on a classic design has an elegant stainless-steel case in a compact 41-mm size, a blue dial, and an IWC-manufactured movement. Exemplifying the performance, innovation, and technical excellence of IWC’s legendary Pilot’s Watches, the Chronograph 41 also features IWC’s EasX-CHANGE® system, enabling the wearer to adapt their watch swiftly to different surroundings. With such a contemporary and versatile design, it’s the ideal choice for adventurers, athletes, fashion pioneers, and bright young talents, just like Gu

IWC Schaffhausen has a long-standing passion for motorsport and racing – and that passion extends even beyond the physical racetrack. When announcing a multi-year extension of its partnership with the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ team earlier this year, the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer also became a sponsor of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Esports Team. The partners have since joined forces to organise the virtual “iRacing Esports Sim Challenge,” marking the opening of IWC’s new boutique in London.

The challenge consisted of two teams racing each other virtually on the Silverstone racetrack. One team was coached prior to the event by Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ team driver George Russell, the other one by Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Esports Team driver Jarno Opmeer. Preceding the event was an extensive qualifying session, during which interested motorsport fans could win a place on one of the two teams. During the first phase in October, gaming enthusiasts from around the United Kingdom competed in two online events to secure their position on the virtual grid. The last phase of qualifying then took place from December 5th to 7th at the Battersea Power Station boutique, where gamers could test their driving skills in an official Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Esports simulator.

MANY GUESTS CHEERED FOR THE PLAYERS AT THE BOUTIQUE

Among the guests attending the event were motorsport presenter and content creator Emma Walsh, presenter and content creator Harry Pinero, poet and BBC Radio London presenter LionHeart, IWC-CEO Chris Grainger-Herr and Grant Wilson, IWC’s Brand Director for the United Kingdom. Jarno Opmeer, Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Esports Team driver and two-time F1™ Esports Pro Series Drivers’ Champion was also present to cheer for the participants. A global audience followed the virtual racing action on the interactive live-streaming platform Twitch. The members of the winning team will be invited to a Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ factory tour and simulator experience in Brackley. In addition, the player with the fastest recorded lap received a Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 Edition “Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team,” the first official team watch IWC developed for its partner.

NEW IWC BOUTIQUE IN AN ICONIC LONDON LANDMARK

The challenge marked the official opening of IWC’s new boutique at the Battersea Power Station, one of London’s most iconic landmarks. Inspired by the IWC Big Pilot, the boutique highlights key aspects such as IWC’s unique engineering approach or comprehensive expertise in advanced materials like ceramics or Ceratanium®. Visitors can discover IWC’s main collections, such as the Pilot’s Watches, the Portugieser, and the Portofino. As a particular highlight, they can put their watchmaking skills to the test assembling an original IWC-manufactured 69000 chronograph movement. Via live stream, a watchmaker from IWC’s headquarters in Schaffhausen, will guide those at the boutique through every step of the complex assembly process.

MERCEDES-AMG PETRONAS FORMULA ONE™ TEAM

Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team is the works team of Mercedes-Benz, competing at the pinnacle of motorsport – the FIA Formula One™ World Championship. Formula One™ is like nothing else in the sporting sphere. It’s a demanding technical and human challenge, combining cutting-edge technologies and innovation, high-performance management and elite teamwork. At Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team, a group of passionate and determined people work to design, develop, manufacture and race the cars driven by seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton and young star George Russell. The team has set a new benchmark for F1™ success during the sport’s current Hybrid era, winning consecutive Drivers’ and Constructors’ World Championships in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020, and the Constructors’ Championship in 2021. During those title-winning seasons, the team has scored 111 wins, 232 podium finishes, 118 pole positions, 81 fastest laps and 53 one-two finishes from 160 race starts.

MERCEDES-AMG PETRONAS ESPORTS TEAM

The Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Esports Team is the esports team of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula 1™ Team. Based on the premises of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team, Brackley, a purpose-built esports training centre provides the team’s gamers with world class facilities and state-of-the- art equipment from our Esports partners, to develop their skills, train and compete.

Before motorsport’s elite gather for the final F1 Grand Prix™ race of the 2022 season on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit, IWC Schaffhausen invited brand ambassador Lewis Hamilton for a ride around Dubai. His driver and tour guide was no other than Alexandra Hirschi, known by millions of car enthusiasts worldwide as “Supercar Blondie.” The Australia-born content creator has been calling Dubai home for many years, which is known as one of the most attractive and exciting destinations around the world for tourism, trade and luxury. Driving down the famous Sheikh Zayed Road and passing many iconic landmarks, the two discussed Dubai’s association with cars and culture while sharing insights into their relationship with the city and recalling their most memorable experiences there.

After arriving at the Dubai Mall, Hamilton was welcomed to the flagship boutique by IWC CEO Chris Grainger- Herr and former F1™ star and brand ambassador David Coulthard. In the entrance area, the 7-time world champion was reunited with the Mercedes-AMG F1™ W12 E Performance, his race car from the 2021 season. The car is exhibited in the boutique, underscoring its strong thematic focus on racing and engineering. The group then walked over to the “Engineering wall”, where they admired a selection of iconic racing watches that IWC created in collaboration with its longstanding motorsport partners. Among these were the “Lewis Hamilton” Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar Edition with a burgundy dial, and the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 Edition “Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team,” the official team watch that was launched at the Miami GP™ earlier this year. Finally, they headed to the “Big Pilot Café” for a well-deserved pit stop.

THE NEXT LEVEL OF LUXURY WATCH RETAILING

IWC’s innovative “new retail” concept blurs the traditional boundaries between a physical store and a digital experience. Interactive features and services enable visitors to immerse themselves into the IWC universe in an unprecedented way, taking luxury watch retailing to a new level. The first flagship boutique with this concept was opened in September 2020 in Zurich, Switzerland. The centrepiece of “IWC Racing Works” is the IWC Racing Mercedes-Benz 300 SL “Gullwing,” the official race car of the IWC Racing Team. The Dubai boutique then marked the second “new retail” flagship. Designed in the functional aesthetic of the Big Pilot’s Watch, it was opened in March 2022 and focuses on IWC’s longstanding connection to the worlds of motorsport and racing. For example, the Central Exhibition Area explores IWC’s partnerships with Mercedes-AMG and the Mercedes- AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ team, while the Engineering Wall lets visitors deep-dive into IWC’s engineering heritage and comprehensive materials expertise. Just a few weeks ago, IWC opened its third “new retail” flagship boutique at the Taikoo Hui Mall in Shanghai, China.

The Italian racer, affectionally known as ‘Il Dottore’ by fans around the world, retired from motorcycle racing in 2021. During his 26-year career, Rossi won a record-breaking nine World Championships and claimed 235 podiums and 115 race wins. In 2022, the 43-year-old switched to the GT World Challenge Europe, starting a new chapter on four wheels. Just recently, at the Laureus World Sports Awards 2022 in Seville, Rossi received the Laureus Sporting Icon Award, which further underscored the exceptional nature of his career. At the occasion of Laureus Charity Night in Zurich, Rossi will also officially join the IWC family. The Italian athlete has been associated with the brand since last year and also made an appearance at an IWC Signature Talk at Watches and Wonders Geneva in April.

The watch up for auction is the Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar TOP GUN Ceratanium® (Ref. IW503604). It was worn by Rossi during many of his key milestones. Equipped with IWC’s legendary perpetual calendar, it features a case and bracelet made of Ceratanium®. This IWC-developed performance material is nearly as light and tough as titanium and almost equally as hard and scratch-resistant as ceramic. With a case diameter of 46 millimetres, the Big Pilot’s Watch was the perfect fit for Rossi, as he used to race with the number 46. ‘Il Dottore’ will also invite the winning bidder to witness the ‘100km dei Campioni’, a motorcycle race which is held every year at his legendary VR46 Motor Ranch in Tavullia, Italy.

“This IWC watch has a high personal value for me. I wore it for the first time in Valencia, Spain, during my last MotoGP race. Since then, this unique timepiece has accompanied me in all sporting activities I have experienced during this year of change, and also in everyday life. Whoever takes it home will get an object that has experienced a great number of important and meaningful moments with me,” explains Rossi.

A MASTERPIECE OF HAUTE HORLOGERIE
In addition to auctioning Rossi’s Big Pilot’s Watch, the Laureus Charity Night will also feature a silent auction of one of the most complex watches ever made by IWC Schaffhausen: the Portugieser Tourbillon Hand-Wound (Ref. IW546305). A masterpiece of Haute Horlogerie, it was donated by a collector and long-time friend of the Laureus Foundation Switzerland, whose wish is to support the Foundation’s projects for the advancement of girls. All proceeds from the watch’s auction will go to the Foundation’s programmes focusing on young women.

The timeless and elegant Portugieser model features a 43.2 millimetre case crafted of solid 18-carat 5N gold and a distinctive blue dial with a flying minute tourbillon at 9 o’clock. The balance wheel, pallet and escape wheel are placed in a tiny cage that constantly rotates around its axis, helping to minimise the effects of gravity on the oscillating system. Instead of being held by an upper bridge, the tourbillon is held from one side, allowing a better view of the delicate mechanism, which consists of 56 parts and weighs only 0.635 grams. 

This year’s Laureus Charity Night will take place in Zurich on 5th November and will collect charitable contributions for the further promotion of social sports programmes under the theme of ‘The future is now’.

LAUREUS FOUNDATION SWITZERLAND
The Laureus Foundation Switzerland was founded in 2006 by IWC Schaffhausen and Mercedes-Benz as part of the international foundation Laureus Sport for Good. It works to enable children and young people to live a positive life of self-determination through sports, regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, social class or health issues. Promoting the integration and personal development of the young and their physical and mental well-being, Laureus places its primary focus not on achievement but on enjoying sports and shared experiences. It supports over 20,000 children in Switzerland through charitable sports projects each year.

The Alfred Dunhill Links Championship is one of the leading golf events and a magnet for golfers from every corner of the globe. Celebrating Links golf at its finest, it is played over three magnificent courses - the Old Course (St Andrews), the Championship Course, Carnoustie (near Dundee) and Kingsbarns Golf Links (7 miles south of St Andrews). With a prize fund of US$5 million, the Alfred Dunhill Links, which raises substantial funds for charity each year, incorporates two separate competitions - an individual Professional Championship for the world's leading golfers and the Team Championship, in which the pro's are paired with amateur players, creating a unique atmosphere and camaraderie. 

Throughout the tournament, Pablo Larrazabal was spotted wearing the Pilot's Watch Chronograph TOP GUN Edition “Lake Tahoe” from IWC's new “Colors of TOP GUN” collection. Richard Sterne was wearing the Pilot's Watch Double Chronograph TOP GUN Ceratanium®. This IWC-developed performance material combines the lightness and structural integrity of titanium with a hardness and scratch resistance similar to ceramic. Playing alongside these IWC brand ambassadors was also Kathryn Newton. The American actress was wearing the Portugieser Chronograph, one of IWC's most iconic and recognizable designs. 

IWC has been at the forefront of watchmaking and innovation for over 150 years. Founded by the American watchmaker and engineer Florentine Ariosto Jones in 1868, the brand has earned a reputation for its unique engineering. IWC creates professional instrument watches and functional complications, with a particular focus on robust chronographs and easy-to-use calendars. In addition, the brand is also known for its unique expertise in advances materials. 

Located in the heart of London at the intersection of Tottenham Court Road and Charing Cross Road, Outernet London is the most advanced immersive space on the planet featuring floor to ceiling, 360 degree wrap around screens creating brand experiences the likes of which have never been seen before. IWC Schaffhausen was the first global luxury brand to take over this exciting new venue. Visitors were greeted with impressive photography and videos of IWC Schaffhausen and the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team in the “Now Arcade”, a 21 meter multistorey LED tunnel, entirely covered with an interactive 8K screen surface. On display, bathed in PETRONAS-green light, was also the Mercedes-AMG F1 W13 E Performance, the team’s current race car.

A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE AND MAGIC MOMENTS OF A FRIENDSHIP

During the event at the “Now Trending” venue, Toto Wolff and Chris Grainger-Herr reflected on their longstanding collaboration and personal relationship. The two have met on many occasions and lived countless memorable moments on and off the racetrack. Commenting on photos projected on giant LED screens, they recalled key moments shared from when they first met in 2017 to the recent launch of the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 Edition “Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One™ Team” in Miami in May 2022. They also recalled the legendary moment when Toto Wolff smashed his headset at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix™ in December 2021, and his bespoke Big Pilot’s Watch Shock Absorber XPL successfully withstood a particularly tough blow.

THE OFFICIAL KICK-OFF FOR THE AUCTION AT BONHAMS

Over the years, Toto Wolff has worn many IWC watches, including some experimental prototypes. With the Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar Edition “Toto Wolff x Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One™ Team,” IWC has created a limited edition that carries his name and recognises his outstanding career and achievements thus far. The watch is limited to 100 pieces. The last available piece, number 50 of 100, is now being auctioned by international auction house Bonhams. The proceeds will go to Ignite, a joint charitable initiative operated by Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1™ and Sir Lewis Hamilton to support greater diversity and inclusion in motorsport. 

Interested buyers can register and place their bids here: www.bonhams.com/auction/28074

As the first Formula One™ Grand Prix comes to Miami, the action doesn’t stop at the Miami International Autodrome. From May 6 to May 8, the FTX Off the Grid festival will take place at 10^th Street and the beachfront, directly on the sands of South Beach, just beyond the iconic, pastel-hued Art Deco buildings lining Ocean Drive. Blending the thrills of F1™ with the diverse culture of Miami Beach, the festival brings together the exciting world of motorsport with music, art, fashion, food – and watchmaking. IWC marks a strong presence at the event. The Swiss luxury watchmaker will not only be the official timekeeper of the festival but also bring its successful Big Pilot Exhibition to it.

Since its launch in 2021, the IWC Big Pilot Exhibition has visited more than 30 cities in 7 countries, including 8 cities across the United States. Housed in specially converted shipping containers, the exhibition brings the story of IWC to life in an unprecedented and surprising way. During the festival, guests will not only be able to learn more thanks to the knowledgeable staff on hand, but they will also have the opportunity to take a closer look and try some of IWC’s newly released Pilot’s Watches. On top of the exhibition space, IWC will also present the “Mojave Lounge”, a luxurious lounge space offering a privileged view of the stage to watch the main concert performances taking place every night at the festival.

The IWC Big Pilot Exhibition will be open to the public Friday May 6 and Saturday May 7 from 12pm to 5.30pm. People interested in a guided visit of the exhibition can schedule an appointment via Simplybook (https://www.iwc.com/us/en/specials/map-teaser.html). 

FTX Off the Grid will offer guests free access during the day and ticketed concert performances by night. Register for an exclusive NFT ticket and find more information on the line-up, activities, and schedule at www.ftxoffthegrid.com

ABOUT FTX US 

FTX US is a US-regulated cryptocurrency exchange, built from the ground up. Our mission is for FTX US to grow the digital currency ecosystem, offer US traders a platform that inspires their loyalty, and become the market-leading US cryptocurrency exchange by volume over the next two years. To learn more about FTX US, please visit: https://ftx.us

As the inaugural Miami Grand Prix™ brings the excitement of Formula One™ to South Florida, IWC Schaffhausen united some of the world’s greatest sporting legends to raise money for social programs in the Miami area. Relaxed and fun, ‘The Big Pilot Challenge’ took place at the Miami Beach Golf Club, an 18-hole golf course located in the heart of South Beach. Former F1™ star David Coulthard hosted the event alongside American actor and passionate golf player Kathryn Newton. Mixing Scottish humor with in-depth golfing knowledge, they presented the teams and guided them through the challenge. 

FOUR TITAN S CLASH ON THE GREEN 

Team ‘Mojave Desert’ brought together two of IWC’s most accomplished brand ambassadors: seven-time American Football World Champion Tom Brady and seven-time Formula One™ World Champion Lewis Hamilton. The other team ‘Lake Tahoe’ comprised retired American Football running back, Marcus Allen, and Dibia DREAM founder and CEO Brandon Okpalobi. The first self-explanatory challenge, called ‘The Longest Drive’, was followed by ‘Closest to Pin’. Here, the objective was to put the ball close to a digit on the dial of a gigantic Big Pilot’s Watch painted onto the green. 

ONLINE AUCTION TO RAISE FUNDS FOR CHARITY 

Following the event, the watches worn by the players and some personal items from the players will be auctioned online by the international auction house Bonhams. Among the timepieces are novelties from IWC’s recently launched “Colors of TOP  GUN” collection in crisp white and sand-colored ceramic. Bidding starts immediately and will end on Wednesday, May 11, at 11 am ET. The auction proceeds will allow Laureus Sport for Good to expand its critical impact on youth in communities in Miami, Florida. The primary beneficiary will be Dibia DREAM, which sparks social change through STEM and recreational education for underserved young people in Miami. Last year Dibia DREAM served 5,000  youths, with 75% improving their school attendance, 70% improving their academic performance, and multiple students helped with scholarships to support their educational aspirations. 

The charity auction can be accessed via this link: www.bonhams.com/auction/27983/The-Big-PilotChallenge-charity-auction-IWC-Laureus

DIBIA DREAM 

Founded in 2013, Dibia DREAM provides a safe place after school, on the weekends and in the summer with caring, responsible adults and engaging activities. Dibia DREAM was created with athletes and aspiring youth in underserved communities in mind. Its programs use sports as an instrument to teach life skills and promote mentorship, active participation, and exposure to diverse opportunities through its 5 Pillar program. Dibia DREAM delivers early, positive experiences for students in sport, physical activity, STEM, and education. Our goal is to enrich the youth through transformative experiences.

LAUREUS  SPORT FOR GOOD FOUNDATION 

Laureus Sport for Good is a global charity that supports children and young people by using the power of sport to end violence, discrimination, and disadvantage. Over the last 20 years, Laureus Sport for Good has raised more than $200m for the Sport for Development sector, reaching and helping change the lives of more than six million children and young people since 2000. Laureus Sport for Good currently supports more than 200 programs in 50 countries and territories that use the power of sport to transform lives.

Schaffhausen/Geneva, 2nd April 2022 – Throughout this week’s Watches and Wonders exhibition in Geneva, IWC Schaffhausen is hosting a series of three Signature Talks. During the third event, titled “The IWC Colors”, Christian Knoop, IWC Chief Design Officer, and Carola Seybold, Head of Global Key Accounts at PANTONE® talked about the language of color, the function of color in watch design, and how the Pantone Color Institute supported IWC’s creative specialists as they created new chronographs in colored ceramic.

In 1963, PANTONE® revolutionized the printing industry by creating an international language of color that would enable those working in the global printing industry to select and communicate color with accuracy. Today, PANTONE® offers a range of different physical and digital color language standards, supporting industries including textiles, apparel, beauty, interiors, architecture, and industrial design to achieve consistent reproduction of color anywhere in the world.

THE ROLE OF COLORS IN WATCH DESIGN

“The colors we wear and the colors we surround ourselves with reflect who we are and how we want others to perceive us,” said Laurie Pressman, Vice-President, Pantone Color Institute. “Consumers are increasingly comfortable with color and in our highly visual world look to color to help them create a unique statement that expresses their individualized style.”

After giving a general introduction into the history of PANTONE’s color standards products, Carola Seybold talked about how people all perceive color differently, and which factors influence their perception. Christian Knoop then elaborated on the role of IWC as a pioneer of colored ceramic watches, recalling how the brand had launched its first watches in white or green ceramic as early as in the 1980s. The engineering ceramic used to produce watch cases consists of zirconium oxide, which is mixed with other metallic oxides, shaped and then sintered at high temperatures in a kiln. This high-tech material is characterized by its extreme hardness and scratch-resistance. It is virtually wear-free and one of the most durable and long-lasting materials on earth.

Christian Knoop then explained in detail the creative journey that led to the development of the new ceramic colors “IWC Woodland” and “IWC Lake Tahoe.” He explained how IWC’s creative specialists had been inspired by the fascinating landscapes TOP GUN pilots use as training grounds, and how they concretized their inspiration with Pantone’s language of color, seamlessly integrating it into the process of engineering new ceramic colors and adapting all the other components of the watches to these new shades. Knoop also explained the difficulties involved in producing colored ceramic, from finding the right mixture of raw materials to fine-tuning the complex manufacturing process to achieving perfect quality and color consistency. IWC’s Chief Design Officer also revealed that Pantone’s color standards products form the foundation for all creative work by the IWC creative team, underscoring the importance of these tools.

HOW PANTONE COLOR INSTITUTE ACCOMPANIED IWC ON THEIR JOURNEY

“With about 80% of human experience filtered through our eyes, the first challenge is to grab the eye, and nothing does that better than the thoughtful use of color,” Laurie Pressman, Vice-President Pantone Color Institute explained. “Color is the first thing we see and the first thing we connect to, influencing up to 85% of product purchasing decisions which is why the use of color for product and how brands put their color themes and stories together is so important.”

As Knoop described the creative process, Seybold illustrated why the matching systems from PANTONE® are indispensable tools for creatives around the world, supporting them on their creative journey and enabling them to realize their visions. At the close of the talk, Seybold revealed her personal favorite from the new “Colors of TOP GUN” collection, admitting she is fascinated by the exceptional purity and the clarity of the Pilot’s Watch TOP GUN Edition “Lake Tahoe” in white ceramic. 

The video of the talk is available on https://www.iwc.com/gb/en/specials/videos-2022.html.

ABOUT PANTONE AND THE PANTONE COLOR INSTITUTE

Pantone provides a universal language of color that enables color-critical decisions through every stage of the workflow for brands and manufacturers. More than 100 million designers and producers around the world rely on Pantone products and services to help define, communicate and control color from inspiration to realization – leveraging advanced X-Rite technology to achieve color consistency across various materials and finishes for graphics, fashion and product design. Pantone Standards feature digital and physical color specification and workflow tools. The Pantone Color Institute is the business unit within Pantone that highlights the top seasonal runway colors, selects the Pantone Color of the Year, forecasts global color trends, and advises companies on color for product and brand visual identity. Through seasonal trend forecasts, color psychology, and color consulting, the Pantone Color Institute partners with global brands to effectively leverage the power, psychology, and emotion of color in their design strategy. Pantone B2B Licensing incorporates the Pantone Color System into different products and services, enabling licensees to communicate and reproduce approved Pantone Values and improve efficiencies for their users. Pantone Lifestyle brings color and design together across apparel, home, and accessories. Connect with Pantone on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn.

Hans Zimmer has scored more than 200 projects across every medium and has been honoured with two Academy Awards®, three Golden Globes®, three Grammys®, an American Music Award, and a Tony® Award. Work highlights include the scores for Dune No Time to Die, Gladiator, The Thin Red Line, As Good as It Gets, Rain Man, The Dark Knight trilogy, Inception, Thelma and Louise, The Last Samurai, 12 Years A Slave, Blade Runner 2049 (co-scored with Benjamin Wallfisch) and Dunkirk, as well as recent film scores including Wonder Woman 1984, Ron Howard’s Hillbilly Elegy and The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run. In 2019, Zimmer also scored the live-action remake of The Lion King, for which he received a Grammy® nomination for Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media.

In what marks one of the first collaborations between a Swiss luxury watch manufacturer and a film music composer, IWC Schaffhausen and Zimmer have teamed up to bring a unique project to life: “The Sound of Color”. For the newly launched TOP GUN Pilot’s Watches collection, IWC’s creative specialists engineered five striking new ceramic colors and created timepieces in stunning, monochromatic designs. Zimmer then took these colors as the starting point for his musical composition, creating five pieces of music, one for each color: The Sound of Color – IWC Ceratanium®, The Sound of Color – IWC Mojave Desert, The Sound of Color – IWC Woodland, The Sound of Color – IWC Lake Tahoe and The Sound of Color – IWC Jet Black. The music adds a surprising and original new dimension to each, expressing each emotionally through sound.

 “What I love about music is the playful element and the opportunity to try out things I have not done before,” explained Zimmer. “I enjoyed creating sounds with IWC because it was quite different from my work on films. Writing music is always about telling a story and taking people to new places, whether inspired by a moving picture or a color, and this was no different.”

AN ENGINEERING APPROACH TO CREATING MUSIC 

The collaboration between IWC and Zimmer is founded on shared values. Just as IWC fosters an engineering approach to watchmaking, he uses a technology-driven approach to composing music. Cutting-edge technology enables him to push the boundaries and venture into unchartered territories of sound. In his studio in Santa Monica, California, he has assembled a unique system of synthesizers and samplers, allowing him to electronically compose and arrange his music without ever writing a single note. He also travels to the most unusual places to record new samples or builds custom-made instruments for a specific purpose. What also sets Zimmer’s work apart is his collaborative approach. He works in a unique creative environment, surrounded by fellow composers and musicians. Together, they experiment with new sounds and samples and continuously challenge each other to create extraordinary new film music.

WORLD PREMIERE IN GENEVA TONIGHT 

The debut performance of the music Zimmer created for IWC took place tonight at an exclusive event held at the Théâtre du Léman in Geneva. In a concert titled “The Sound of Color”, the band also performed major hits from the composer’s incredible career, which already spans more than four decades. The event was organized as part of the Watches and Wonders exhibition and was not open to the public.

Hamilton, considered to be the most successful Formula One™ driver in history, races for IWC’s longstanding partner, the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team. As well as his seven world titles, he holds multiple records within the sport including most race wins - and is an important advocate for greater global equality. One of his most recent endeavors is Ignite, a joint charitable initiative set up by the Briton and his Formula One™ team to improve diversity and inclusion in motorsport. IWC will work with the team to define and deliver a meaningful contribution to Ignite.

Rossi called time on his incredible 26-year motorcycling career in 2021. A global icon, he won a record-setting nine championships in 125cc, 250cc, 500cc and MotoGP^TM and claimed 235 podiums and 115 race wins during his career on two wheels. In 2022, the Italian 43-year-old is switching to four wheels for a new chapter, competing in this season’s ten-round GT World Challenge Europe.

DIFFERENT CATEGORIES, SAME UNASSAILABLE TALENT 

The starting point for the Signature Talk began with a reminder of a particular moment in 2019 when Rossi drove Hamilton’s Formula One™ car, and the Briton rode the Italian’s MotoGP^TM bike to great success in Valencia, Spain. The two racing legends discussed their memories of that day, how they felt making the switch from four wheels to two and vice versa, and why they believed they could make the swap between two entirely different vehicles look so effortless. From there, the conversation covered the transferable ‘meta skills’ of racers, their career highlights, as well as their mutual respect and friendship.

ONCE A PILOT, ALWAYS A PILOT 

Later in the conversation, the two elite ‘pilots’ on terra firma also shared their thoughts on aviation, particularly supersonic jets, comparing the feeling of ultra-fast flight with the physical and psychological experiences they undergo when moving at speed in the cockpit or on the bike. Lastly, the two greats discussed what skills and character traits it takes to compete at an elite level and what vehicle they would choose to be their ‘ultimate ride’. The video of the live talk is available on https://www.iwc.com/ch/en/specials/videos-2022.html.

MERCEDES-AMG PETRONAS FORMULA ONE 

Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team is the works team of Mercedes-Benz, competing at the pinnacle of motorsport – the FIA Formula One™ World Championship. Formula One is like nothing else in the sporting sphere. It’s a demanding technical and human challenge, combining cutting-edge technologies and innovation, high-performance management and elite teamwork. At Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team, a group of passionate and determined people work to design, develop and manufacture the cars driven by seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton and young star George Russell. The team has set a new benchmark for F1 success during the sport’s current Hybrid era, winning consecutive Drivers’ and Constructors’ World Championships in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020, and the Constructors’ Championship in 2021. During those title-winning seasons, the team has scored 111 wins, 232 podium finishes, 118 pole positions, 81 fastest laps and 53 one-two finishes from 160 race starts.

At the event, which was also streamed worldwide live on YouTube, IWC welcomed Airspeeder CEO and founder Matt Pearson, and Brian Durrence, Chief Technology Officer at Boom Supersonic. Airspeeder uses the power of a sporting competition to drive innovation and turbocharge a new era of sustainable urban mobility. Boom has assembled a unique team of engineers to bring their vision of mainstream supersonic flight to life. As they are working towards the future of mobility, both partners are supported by IWC with best practices from its Manufakturzentrum.

The conversation between Durrence and Pearson centered first on the Mojave Desert, an iconic location for aviators. Airspeeder plans to hold US races there, while Boom Supersonic chose the Mojave Desert to test-fly their supersonic demonstrator XB-1. The dry and barren landscape of China Lake in the Western Mojave Desert has also inspired the unique sand-colored ceramic IWC uses for the “Mojave Desert” editions in the TOP GUN collection.

ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE AND SUSTAINABLE PRACTICE

Next, Pearson and Durrence discussed the importance of innovation and advanced materials in pushing technological boundaries. The pair also spoke about how their engineering journey has led to machines with beautiful silhouettes. The most important common thread between the partners and IWC, however, is sustainability. Both Boom and Airspeeder are redefining the future of mobility in a sustainable way, and both are currently ramping up their production facilities. In this process, they are supported by IWC with best practices in sustainable manufacturing. IWC’s new Manufakturzentrum is an award-winning production facility that integrates many elements for responsible production. Durrence described how Boom’s approach to sustainability extend beyond running Overture on up to 100% SAF (sustainable aviation fuels) and to how they design and test their aircraft to how they operate their production facility to aircraft recycling. Pearson detailed his hopes that EXA racing would accelerate the acceptance of eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) technology to promote a more sustainable form of mobility, transporting people and goods across short distances in dense urban environments.

IWC ANNOUNCING PARTNERSHIP WITH POLARIS DAWN

At the end of the signature talk, the participants on stage were joined by IWC CEO Christoph Grainger-Herr and John “Slick” Baum, Philanthropy Director of the Polaris Space Program. Following IWC’s successful participation in last year’s Inspiration4 mission, Grainger-Herr and Baum announced a partnership of IWC with the Polaris Dawn mission. Commanded by entrepreneur Jared Isaacman, the Polaris Dawn mission will conduct scientific research to improve life on Earth and continue to raise funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®. 

The video of the talk is available on https://www.iwc.com/ch/en/specials/videos-2022.html 

AIRSPEEDER

Airspeeder is the world’s first racing series for electric flying cars. Our mission will accelerate eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) advanced aviation technology through intense sporting competition. This mobility revolution, underpinned by future tech, will transform urban air mobility (UAM), global logistics and even medical applications with a clean-air electric vehicle (EV) solution. Our racing multicopters are developed at our advanced aerospace engineering hub in Adelaide, South Australia by engineers drawn from elite motorsports, automotive, aviation and even FPV drone, electric plane, electric vehicle,s and passenger drone backgrounds. Airspeeder’s vision will deliver the most exciting and future-focused motorsport on the planet. Following an inaugural unmanned season, elite pilots will take to the skies to race prop-to-prop while navigating electronically governed racetracks in the skies above some of the most visually arresting scenery in the world. For more information, visit https://airspeeder.com/partners.

BOOM SUPERSONIC

Boom Supersonic is redefining commercial air travel by bringing sustainable, supersonic flight to the skies. Boom’s historic commercial airliner, Overture, is designed and committed to industry-leading standards of speed, safety, and sustainability. Overture will be net-zero carbon, capable of flying on 100% sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) at twice the speed of today’s fastest passenger jets. Overture’s order book, including purchases and options, stands at 70 aircraft, and Boom is working with the United States Air Force for government applications of Overture. The company is backed by world-class investors, including Bessemer Venture Partners, Prime Movers Lab, Emerson Collective and American Express Ventures. For more information, visit https://boomsupersonic.com.

POLARIS DAWN

The Polaris Program is a first-of-its-kind effort to further humanity’s exploration of space and to help solve the most challenging issues on Earth. The program will consist of up to three human spaceflight missions. 

The first mission, Polaris Dawn, is targeted for no earlier than the fourth quarter of this year and will be commanded by Isaacman, an accomplished pilot and astronaut who commanded Inspiration4, the world’s first all-civilian mission to orbit that helped raise more than $240 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. 

“The Polaris Program is an exciting next step in space missions to advance human space exploration while helping to solve problems through the use of innovative technology here on Earth,” said Isaacman. “On Polaris Dawn, we endeavor to achieve the highest Earth orbit ever flown in addition to conducting the world’s first commercial spacewalk. Alongside these important objectives, we will be supporting scientific research to advance both human health on Earth and our understanding of human health during future long-duration spaceflights.” Building upon the Inspiration4 mission, Polaris Dawn will continue to raise funds and awareness for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

The frozen Lake St. Moritz in Switzerland, 1,800 meters above sea level, is a popular venue for horse races in winter. However, on 26 February 2022, the iconic location was taken over by classic race and sports cars from all over the world, as the luxurious winter sports destination welcomed the ICE, the International Concours of Elegance. IWC supported the event as Official Timing Partner. 

The IWC racing team seized the opportunity to kick off its fourth racing season. In her second appearance for the team, Austrian racing driver Laura Kraihamer steered the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL “Gullwing” across the frozen lake. Kraihamer, who has been a member of the IWC family since 2021, already sat behind the wheel of the “Gullwing” at the Goodwood Members’ Meeting in the UK last October. With the “300 SLS Porter”, IWC brought a second unique racing car to the ICE. American racing driver Chuck Porter designed this car in 1956 using components from a damaged 300 SL “Gullwing”, thereby creating a legendary one-off. Mastering the course on the frozen lake required a lot of focus and expert driving skills. The approximately 50 participants were grouped into six themed categories and competed with studded snow tires.

“Seeing these two 1950s legends, the ‘Gullwing’ and the ‘300 SLS Porter’, compete in the company of other historic racing cars on snow and ice for the first time was a truly unforgettable experience”, commented Philippe Franke, IWC Brand Director Switzerland. 

IWC Schaffhausen has been present in the Swiss “Top of the World” destination with its own boutique for some years now and has a long-standing connection to motorsport. The brand founded its own motorsport team in 2018. Since then, the IWC racing team has competed at events including the Goodwood Members’ Meeting in the UK and the Arosa ClassicCar in Switzerland.

The IWC Racing Team celebrated its comeback at Goodwood this weekend. The team’s last appearance on the legendary Goodwood Motor Circuit dates back to April 2019, when former Formula 1^TM star David Coulthard lead the IWC Racing 300 SL to first place in the Tony Gaze Trophy. This year, Austrian racing driver Laura Kraihamer was behind the wheel of the iconic sports car. Kraihamer, who races in DTM Trophy events and forms part of KTM’s car development and engineering team, lined up on the grid in the Stirling Moss Trophy.

Also witnessing the racing action at the 78th Goodwood Members’ Meeting in the South of England were many members of the global IWC family, such as F1^TM legend David Coulthard and British racing driver Billy Monger. They connected virtually to chat with guests at an event hosted by Philip Rathgen at IWC’s manufacturing center in Schaffhausen, turning the Members’ Meeting 2021 into a hybrid event with physical and digital activations.

While the life-sized 300 SL lined up on the grid on Sunday, its 1:64 scale die cast replica took centre stage the day before, when IWC and partner Hot WheelsTM launched the “IWC x Hot Wheels^TM Racing Works” collector’s set. Limited to 50 pieces, it contains the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “IWC x Hot Wheels^TM Racing Works” and the Hot Wheels Mercedes-Benz 300 SL “Racing Works Edition”, presented in a metal toolbox. Set 1 of 50 is currently being auctioned for charity by international auction house Bonhams, with the proceeds going to the Two Bit Circus Foundation. This Foundation wants to create learning experiences for children to inspire entrepreneurship, encourage young inventors and instill environmental stewardship. Lovers of mechanical watches and car culture are invited to place their bids online until 22^nd October at: www.bonhams.com/auction/27446.

ABOUT THE MEMBERS’ MEETING

The Goodwood Members’ Meeting is an epic weekend of motor racing founded by the Duke of Richmond, which aims to recreate the atmosphere and camaraderie of the original BARC Members’ Meetings held at Goodwood throughout the 1950s and 1960s. As well as a full programme of racing, the Members’ Meeting features all kinds of cars from classic tin-tops and GTs, to motorcycles and open wheeled Formula 3^TM and F1^TM machines, offering visitors a friendly and intimate atmosphere with no crowds, thanks to being exclusively available to GRRC Members and Fellowship. A winning formula of spectacular cars, high-speed track demonstrations, fun-packed festivities and great entertainment; along with the very best food and drink. Joining the GRRC Fellowship is the only way to become a full GRRC Member.

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.

Following the digital Watches and Wonders event earlier this month, the watch world is gathering in person at theWest Bund Art Centre for the second Shanghai Editionfrom April 14th-18th. IWC Schaffhausen is presenting severalnew Pilot’s Watches at the event, including the flagship IWCBig Pilot’s Watch 43, the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41,the Big Pilot’s Watch Shock Absorber XPL, the first watchto feature the brand’s patented new shock absorbersystem, two new Top Gun models and a Big Pilot’s WatchPerpetual Calendar. Chinese media, retailers and clientshave the opportunity to see the latest watches in personand take a closer look at each of the designs, which are allfitted with IWC-manufactured calibres.

DISCOVER THE LATEST IWC EDITIONS FIRST HAND

A faithful interpretation of an iconic observation watch design, the new IWC Big Pilot’s Watch 43 features an ergonomic 43-millimetre stainless steel case. Available with either a black or blue dial, it is powered by the IWC-manufactured 82100 calibre with Pellaton winding, which is visible through a sapphire glass back. The user-friendly EasX-CHANGE strap system, as well as the comprehensive calf leather and rubber strap and stainless steel bracelet options, establishes the Big Pilot’sWatch 43 as a quintessential modern utility sports watch, ready for adventures in the air, on land and by water.

IWC is further demonstrating its high-tech capability and craftsmanship by showcasing several other exciting new timepieces at the event. The IWC Pilot’s Chronograph 41 in an ergonomic 41-millimetre case, powered by the IWC-manufactured 69385 calibre, represents the brand’s chronograph expertise.

The specially formulated sand-coloured ceramic, used for the case on both models of the Big Pilot’s Watch Top Gun Mojave Desert Edition, is one of the hardest materials on the planet and demonstrates the brand’s know-how in materials.

IWC’s legendary perpetual calendar, developed in the 1980s by Kurt Klaus, IWC’s former head watchmaker, is showcased too, as it powers the new Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar. It works alongside the IWC manufactured 52615 calibre and features a Pellaton winding system fitted with ceramic components.

Guests can also take a closer look at IWC’s new Big Pilot’s Watch Shock Absorber XPL, which is the first watch to feature the brand’s patented new shock absorber system. Developed over eight years, the SPRIN-g PROTECT system is based on a cantileverspring that suspends the movement inside the case. Thanks to its perfect form and the use of Bulk Metallic Glass (BMG), the spring protects the movement against the g-forces generated during impacts on the watch.

TELLING THE BIG PILOT’S STORY: FROM FUNCTIONALITY TO CULTURAL ICON

Over the last 85 years, the classic Big Pilot’s Watch design has evolved from a functional aviation watch into a cultural icon, inspiring creators from many fields, including the arts, fashion, photography and design. With the launch of so many innovative new Big Pilot’s Watch editions this year, IWC wanted to celebrate its iconic story at Watches and Wonders in a fresh and exciting way.

To do this, the Manufacture called upon a select number of friends of the brand to feature on a ‘Talent Wall’ in their booth and tell their story of pushing boundaries and redefining the status quo. Starring in short inspirational videos, each friend of the brand shares how they made their ambitions come true and details how the IWC Big Pilot’s Watch has accompanied them as they have dreamed big on their journey to success.

Friends include: Billy Monger, a racing driver, disability campaigner and challenger; Hayden Cox, a designer and advocate for sustainable surfing; Lu Yan, a womenswear designer and sustainability campaigner; Guillaume Philibert, a streetwear brand creator; Matt Pearson, the co-founder of Airspeeder; Matt Jones, a world record breaker and IWC Longest Flight pilot; Misan Harriman, a photographer, creative director and cultural commentator; Mark Ong, a streetwear designer and artist; Hani Rashid, an architect and educator; Alexvi, a leading fashion and portraiture photographer; and Ye Tao, an internationally-renowned dancer and choreographer who developed the “Circular Movement System”.

A PEEK INTO THE FUTURE OF WATCHMAKING

IWC also wanted to showcase its engineering spirit and high-tech expertise at the event through several new technology displays. In a world-first for watch brands, IWC CEO Christoph Grainger-Herr is being ‘teleported’ directly from Schaffhausen to the Shanghai event. Thanks to innovative new hologram technology, a life-sized Grainger-Herr is appearing at Watches and Wonders, presenting the most important watch novelties of the year to an astonished audience and welcoming visitors to the booth.

For the rest of the event, the technology is also enabling attendees to interact inreal-time with watchmakers at work in the Schaffhausen manufacturing center. Elsewhere, 3D-printed models that reveal the magic of watchmaking in even its smallest details are on show. Both mechanical movement parts and the process of creating new lighter and more resilient materials, such as titanium, steel, Ceratanium®, ceramics and bronze, are being brought to life through this innovative medium. In the Lab area of the fair, IWC is also demonstrating the innovative Cyberloupe 2.0 to those in attendance. The newly-upgraded digital watchmaker’s magnifying glass is now equipped with a completely revised design, and higher quality cameras, lenses and software that enable better and more detailed streaming quality. With the new Cyberloupe 2.0, watchmakers can share their view with other people worldwide and have any information they require displayed right in front of their eyes by scanning a QR code or opening a browser.

Besides discovering the brand’s most recent watches and latest technology, guests can also participate in hands-on IWC workshops and attend panel sessions on a wide range of topics such as auctions, collecting, oriconic designs.

Watches and Wonders Shanghai at the West Bund Art Centre remains open until April 18th. The event is by invitation only.

Across the world, more than 60,000 cyclists are expected to join the World Cancer Day Solidarity Challenge directly from their homes, via the online cycling platform ZWIFT. Money raised from donations will go to the UICC, the largest and oldest global membership organisation dedicated to the fight against cancer. Representing some 1,200 organisations across the world, it has supported and convened the international cancer community since 1933.

SIX RIDES, ONE SIGNIFICANT CAUSE

Taking place on World Cancer Day itself, February 4^th, the World Cancer Day Solidarity Challenge will encompass six Community Rides, starting at six different times to enable as many people as possible worldwide to support the cause. Celebrities will join the action too, allowing riders to cycle ‘shoulder to shoulder’ with some of their heroes. As the event’s official timekeeper, IWC will ensure impeccable timekeeping throughout, and will also field two corporate teams, headed by IWC CEO Christoph Grainger-Herr.

RIDING TOGETHER FOR CHARITY

IWC has a long history of charitable cycling. In 2017 and 2018, Schaffhausen teams took part in the Tortour event, raising money for social sports projects run by the Laureus Foundation Switzerland, and also participated in Laureus Sport for Good bike rides in Monaco. Leading the pack for IWC then - and in this year’s Solidarity Challenge - will be two-time Olympic and four-time world champion Fabian Cancellara. An IWC brand ambassador since 2010, Cancellara is one of the most successful riders in the history of the sport. The Swiss racer will also be on-hand, providing pre-event training tips via video, alongside the Swiss Racing Academy (SRA), which will offer online live training sessions in the build-up to the event.

To sign up for the Solidarity Challenge, go to the ZWIFT platform, register or sign in to your account and select the ride of your choice. Each one will last 45 minutes. You will need to have compatible indoor cycling equipment for ZWIFT. The event, including a special celebrity race, will be broadcast on television globally and streamed on YouTube, via this link.

UNION FOR INTERNATIONAL CANCER CONTROL

The UICC is the largest global membership organisation dedicated to the fight against cancer and has been a unique voice for cancer control since 1933. It has close to 1200 member organisations in almost every country and helps them urge their governments to take action and ensure that comprehensive cancer programmes and services are a priority for all countries.

WORLD CANCER DAY

Led by UICC, World Cancer Day unites the world every February 4^th to help save millions of preventable cancer deaths by raising public awareness, improving education, and inspiring positive action from governments, businesses and individuals. The campaign theme for 2021 leads with ‘I Am and I Will’: a reminder that each person has a role in reducing the impact of cancer, and that together, all of our actions matter.

SOLIDARITY CHALLENGE

Solidarity Challenge is a branded initiative created by Orsen SA to provide simple integrated solutions to help develop fundraising and fresh revenue streams that can be used in a variety of positive ways, from harnessing the power of celebrity influencers to helping employees reach their own health goals. Orsen SA is a Swiss based company. Orsen SA is a full-service, brand focused international sports marketing agency delivering multi-market, cost-effective partnerships in sport and entertainment.

Mingling with the global sporting elite, as well as many prominent personalities from the world of politics, economics and entertainment, IWC Schaffhausen celebrated two decades of the Laureus World Sports Awards at the Verti Music Hall in Berlin. This year’s gala focused on Laureus’s anniversary campaign, “Sport Unites Us”. The award ceremony, recognised as the “Oscars of Sports”, not only honours the world’s best athletes but also shines a spotlight on the work of Laureus Sport for Good. The foundation currently supports over 200 projects in 40 countries.

IWC AND GUESTS VISIT LOCAL LAUREUS PROJECT

In the run-up to the awards ceremony, Christoph Grainger- Herr, CEO of IWC, and members of the IWC and Laureus family visited a local community project, which is supported by Laureus. The programme aims to use football to integrate socially disadvantaged girls throughout Germany. The young athletes had a kickabout with IWC and Laureus brand ambassador Maro Engel, and Laureus Academy members Cafu and Alessandro Del Piero. Afterwards, the girls kicked off a discussion of all things football with Laureus football ambassador Nia Künzler. 

LAUREUS SPECIAL EDITION FOR NEW ACADEMY MEMBER

During the celebrations, IWC also introduced its 14th Laureus special edition watch and welcomed Bryan Habana as new member of the Laureus World Sports Academy. This body now consists of 69 sporting legends from around the world, who voluntarily dedicate their time to the foundation and also select the Laureus World Sports Awards winners each year. Christoph Grainger-Herr presented the South African former Rugby Union star with a Portugieser Hand-Wound Monopusher Edition “Laureus Sport for Good” (Ref. 515301).

This special edition watch, limited to 500 pieces, is the first model in the Portugieser range with a monopusher chronograph. The watch features a stainless steel case and a dial in characteristic Laureus blue. The IWC manufactured hand-wound 59360 calibre has an eight-day power reserve. The chronograph can be started, stopped and reset with a single push-button integrated in the crown. Engraved on the back of the watch is the winning design from the annual IWC drawing competition for participants of Laureus projects. This year’s contest, with the theme of “Time to Care”, was won by 15-year old Yi Xin, who is a participant of the “Special Olympics China” programme.

LAUREUS SPORT FOR GOOD

In 2019, approximately 300,000 young people around the world benefitted from more than 200 projects supported by Laureus Sport for Good in 40 countries; programmes that use sport to promote social change and put an end to violence, discrimination and disadvantage. Every programme Laureus supports addresses at least one of the following six social issues, which align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals: Health, Education, Women and Girls, Employability, Inclusive Society and Peaceful Society.

Honoured to have been a main partner and official timekeeper of the expedition, IWC Schaffhausen wanted to celebrate the crew’s phenomenal achievement and arranged an intimate homecoming party at the airfield. Friends and family of the pilots, IWC management, and the entire support crew were all in attendance as the Spitfire landed. IWC brand ambassador David Coulthard also put in an appearance to welcome the daring duo back to the UK.

“It’s so wonderful to be back on home soil,” said Boultbee Brooks, co-founder of the Boultbee Flight Academy. “It’s been an incredible adventure and such a privilege to share our stunning Silver Spitfire with the rest of the world. Of course, there have been challenges along the way, but at every stop, we have received such incredible support from people on the ground. Everyone has greeted us and our aircraft with open arms.”

On its route around the world, the record-breaking flight covered a total of almost 43,000 kilometres and visited over 20 countries. After leaving Goodwood back in August, the 76 year-old restored aircraft journeyed across the icy expanse of Greenland, glided over the majesty of New York, before crossing the United States to reach Las Vegas and the California sun.

From there, the Spitfire flew north to Canada and Alaska, before heading westward into Russia. In Japan, the team had to dodge a typhoon before slowly making their way across Asia, from the humidity of Myanmar to the vibrant colours of India. After a brief rest in Abu Dhabi, the pilots made their way home to Europe, visiting Italy and the Netherlands, before finally landing back in the UK.

After taxiing from the Goodwood runway, the Spitfire pulled up in front of a hangar where it was greeted by a sea of smiling faces and congratulatory banners, all celebrating the historic feat.

“What a welcome!” said Chief Pilot Jones. “After such a whirlwind of a trip, it feels quite surreal to be back at Goodwood with our mission accomplished. The scenery, the places we’ve visited, the people we have met, have been truly life-changing. From flying past the Statue of Liberty to coasting over the frozen plains of Russia and the jungles of Asia, we have been lucky enough to see the earth in all its beauty, all whilst sitting in the most gorgeous Spitfire. It’s been an unforgettable experience.”

As they journeyed through the different time zones, Boultbee Brooks and Jones wore the Pilot’s Watch Timezoner Spitfire Edition “The Longest Flight” (Ref. IW395501). Featuring a bezel which can be turned to set the time to a different zone, this special timepiece was the official watch of the expedition.

BOULTBEE FLIGHT ACADEMY

Boultbee Flight Academy is the world’s first Spitfire training school and approved Spitfire flight provider and is owned by British pilots Matt Jones and Steve Boultbee Brooks. Boultbee Flight Academy offers Spitfire experience flights and a ground-breaking Spitfire flight simulator to non-pilots and Spitfire training to certified pilots. Boultbee Flight Academy offers flights and experiences around the UK in an ever-expanding number of locations. Its headquarters is based at Goodwood Aerodrome, West Sussex; its proximity to the white cliffs of Beachy Head and the Needles means the Spitfire flying experience is conducted around one of the most iconic landscapes on the south coast of the United Kingdom. Matt Jones and Steve Boultbee Brooks have partnered with IWC Schaffhausen to bring to fruition their dream of flying an original Spitfire around the world in “Silver Spitfire – The Longest Flight”.

Even in Switzerland, not everyone has an equally successful start in life. The Laureus Foundation Switzerland supports those in need with a wide range of charitable sports projects. For example, the "DanceQweenz" initiative focuses on promoting dance for girls in a relaxed environment, whilst the intercultural "Laureus Street Soccer by infoklick.ch" league, makes it easy for Swiss children and young people to access football in an atmosphere where fair play is the most important aspect of the game.

AN EVENING DEDICATED TO SPORTS

The theme for the 13th Charity Night was "The Power of Sport". With this motto in mind, the Laureus Foundation Switzerland once again emphasised the importance of sports and movement to the long-term positive physical and mental development of the young. The 620 guests, including many prominent names from sports, economics, politics and show business, came together at Hangar Dübendorf. The charity gala was hosted by the well-known TV sports presenter Rainer Maria Salzgeber, together with Swiss comedian Charles Nguela, who ensured everyone's spirits were kept high throughout the evening. In addition to spectacular drumming entertainment provided by Stickstoff, a performance by Swiss cult band Gotthard was one of the stand-out highlights of a varied evening programme. The gala ended with a cheque for CHF 1,000,000 being handed over to the Laureus Foundation Switzerland.

The auction of the Pilot's Watch Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Edition "Laureus Sport for Good" (Ref. IW392203), which was created especially for the 2019 Charity Night, contributed considerably to the substantial amount raised. The Pilot's Watch, with a case made of gleaming, white-toned platinum and a blue dial, found a new home with the highest bidder for CHF 120,000. The unique timepiece is driven by an 89630 IWCmanufactured calibre and combines a perpetual calendar with a chronograph function. The perpetual calendar, one of IWC's most well-known complications, automatically recognises the different month lengths and adds a leap day at the end of February every four years. The mechanical programme will require no corrections until 2100.

SPORT HAS THE POWER TO CHANGE THE LIVES OF THE NEXT GENERATION

The aim of the Laureus Foundation Switzerland is to enable children and young people to live a positive life full of self-determination through sports. Beyond sports and its associated values, Laureus also systematically promotes the integration and personal development of the young, as well as their physical and mental well-being. The main focus is not on achievement, but rather on enjoying sports and shared experiences.

The foundation helps young people who need support – regardless of their gender, ethnicity, religion, social class or health issues. Laureus supports more than 10,000 children in Switzerland by way of charitable sports projects each year. The dedication of more than 20 ambassadors, like Fabian Cancellara, Nino Schurter and Nicola Spirig, is a fantastic inspiration for all those involved. The Laureus Foundation Switzerland was established by IWC Schaffhausen in 2006 as part of the international Laureus Sport for Good Foundation. The Laureus Charity Night is the foundation's most important fundraising event and has been held every autumn since 2007.

Few individuals in the film industry possess the appeal of Cate Blanchett: Since the 1990s, the Australian actor, who is also an IWC brand ambassador has appeared in dozens of feature films and TV series. In 2014, she won Best Actress at the Academy Awards for her leading role in “Blue Jasmine”, having already won Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Katharine Hepburn in “The Aviator” in 2004. Blanchett is not only omnipresent on the silver screen; she also regularly appears on stage and is involved in various projects as a producer or artistic director. She also works tirelessly with charitable organisations and other partners to improve society or the environment. As a Goodwill Ambassador for the UNHCR, she is focused on the issue of forced displacement and statelessness, meeting with refugee families overseas and addressing states and corporate leaders at the UN Security Council. Blanchett’s many successes also inspire countless women who want to gain a foothold in the film industry. She presented the 5th Filmmaker Award at an exclusive IWC Schaffhausen private dinner at the restaurant Haute, which was held as part of the 15th Zurich Film Festival (ZFF). She was spotted wearing the new Portofino Automatic 34, the latest women’s watches added to IWC’s iconic Portofino line and currently the smallest in the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer’s portfolio.

“WANDA, MY MIRACLE” WINS THE 5TH FILMMAKER AWARD

A total of thirty-eight projects had applied for the 5th Filmmaker Award. The jury finally selected “Wanda, My Miracle” as the winner. The film tells the story of a Polish woman named Wanda. While looking after an older Swiss couple in their villa, she embarks on an affair with their youngest son Gregor and unexpectedly becomes pregnant. The film will be released in 2020. Directed by Bettina Oberli from Bern, it is produced by Lukas Hobi and Reto Schaerli, who, in addition to the Filmmaker Award, were also presented with a Portugieser Automatic (IW500703) from IWC Schaffhausen. The premiere of “Die Stimme des Regenwaldes” (“Paradise War”) by Niklaus Hilber likewise underscored the importance of the Filmmaker Award. This highly anticipated film had officially opened the ZFF on 26 September. Telling the gripping story of Swiss environmental activist Bruno Manser, who fought alongside the Penan people to save the rainforest in Malaysia, this project won the Filmmaker Award in 2017. 

FILMMAKER AWARD HELPS TO BRING PROJECTS TO THE BIG SCREEN

The Filmmaker Award, which comes with CHF 100,000, was established by the Verein zur Filmförderung in der Schweiz (Association for Film Funding in Switzerland). As well as the co-founders of the ZFF, Nadja Schildknecht and Karl Spoerri, this association also includes Ringier CEO Marc Walder and IWC CEO Christoph Grainger- Herr. The prize closes a gap in Swiss film funding by targeting projects that are in the crucial production or post-production phase.

The centrepiece of the evening was the presentation of the fourth annual £50,000 IWC Schaffhausen Filmmaker Bursary Award in Association with the BFI, awarded to Rose Glass, Writer/Director of SAINT MAUD. Presented by Danny Boyle with co-jurors Christoph Grainger-Herr, CEO of IWC Schaffhausen, and Amanda Nevill, CEO of the BFI, the Bursary is a unique award and one of the largest arts prizes in the UK. It offers those at the beginning of their career the gift of time to allow them to grow as filmmakers, awarded to a UK-based writer, director or writer/director with a first or second feature film screening in the BFI London Film Festival in partnership with American Express.

ABOUT ROSE GLASS AND “SAINT MAUD”

Rose Glass has been making films since childhood. Upon discovering her dad’s mini DV camera, she began by experimenting with stop-motion animation before realising it took a very long time, and that she preferred working with real people. Her small friendship circle and family were regularly cast in nonsensical, surreal adventure films until, at 18, she secured a place at London College of Communication and got the chance to make shorts with ‘real’ actors. A Master of Arts at the National Film and Television School followed a few years later.

Her shorts have been screened at various international film festivals including SXSW, Palm Springs ShortFest and London Short Film Festival. She is an alumna of Guiding Lights and Berlinale Talent Campus, an iFeatures finalist and Screen International Star of Tomorrow 2018. Her debut feature, SAINT MAUD, was backed by Film4 and the BFI and premieres at Midnight Madness at the Toronto International Film Festival.

SAINT MAUD is the story of Maud, who starts work as a live-in nurse to glamorous ex-dancer Amanda, now dying and unable to walk. As Amanda grows friendlier, the lonely young Maud becomes enraptured, but her fixation soon mutates into an obsessive mission to save Amanda’s soul.

SAINT MAUD was shortlisted alongside Peter Mackie Burns, director of RIALTO, and Hong Khaou, director of MONSOON. The three filmmakers were selected by a senior industry panel from the UK-based directors or writers with their first or second film selected to premiere at the BFI London Film Festival.

BFI LUMINOUS’ CHARITY AUCTION

The entertainment industry came together at this spectacular event to celebrate and raise funds to create new educational opportunities for young people. By bidding on exclusive, bespoke and money-can’t-buy lots, guests at BFI LUMINOUS directly support the BFI’s transformational education programmes. The funds raised will ensure opportunities are available for young people from all backgrounds to access training, resources and the platform to tell their story.

LUMINOUS’ charity auction was led by renowned Sotheby›s auctioneer Lord Dalmeny, and comprised over 50 extraordinary lots including a flight in a Spitfire TR9 across the English Channel, an exclusive IWC Schaffhausen Spitfire Chronograph timepiece and a visit to a top secret and highly anticipated Warner Bros. film set shooting in the UK, followed by attendance at its red carpet premiere in 2020. Furthermore the BFI Luminous’ charity auction included a 007 experience at the Royal Premiere and exclusive after party for the 25th James Bond film, NO TIME TO DIE, completed with a luxury escape to the stunning north oast of Jamaica at the GoldenEye resort; a set visit to the fourth season of ‘The Crown’ with Olivia Colman (as Queen Elizabeth II) and Helena Bonham Carter (as Princess Margaret); meeting Hugh Grant at the red carpet premiere of Guy Ritchie’s latest film THE GENTLEMAN and mingling with the stars at the exclusive after party, as well as a chance to see a set in action and have lunch with Hugh Bonneville on one of his forthcoming projects; a post-show drink with Tom Hiddleston following ‘Betrayal’ on Broadway; a private garden tour with Monty Python’s Terry Gilliam at his home; and an opportunity to be immortalised in the next ‘Broken Sword’ video game. Ahead of the event, the lots were open to bidders all over the world online.

BFI CEO Amanda Nevill CBE, stated: “We wouldn’t have wonderful films if we didn’t seek out talent and nurture it for the future. I am overwhelmed by the incredible support we’ve had from so many people for LUMINOUS, including our generous partner IWC Schaffhausen, and people across the UK. It is so exciting to know that our BFI education programmes will now reach further to find talented young people from all backgrounds, to open doors and propel them into the industry.” The star-studded gala was held at London’s iconic Roundhouse on the eve of the BFI London Film Festival. Josh Berger, BFI Chair and President & Managing Director, Warner Bros. Entertainment UK, Ireland and Spain, and Amanda Nevill hosted the evening, with Jonathan Ross as Master of Ceremonies.

IWC SCHAFFHAUSEN FILMMAKER BURSARY AWARD IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE BFI

The IWC Schaffhausen Filmmaker Bursary Award in association with the BFI is presented annually, forming a key part of the BFI London Film Festival’s commitment to UK film and those who drive its creative success, and demonstrating the steadfast support of IWC Schaffhausen for British filmmaking.

At £50,000, the Bursary is the largest prize of its kind in the UK film industry, supporting exceptional new and emerging UK filmmakers. To be eligible for the Bursary, a writer and/or director must be UK-based and have their first or second film selected for the BFI London Film Festival in Partnership with American Express®.

The 2019 shortlist was selected by a panel of senior industry figures: Rose Garnett, Director of BBC Films, Ollie Madden, Head of Creative at  Film4, Ben Roberts, BFI’s Deputy Chief Executive, Tricia Tuttle, Director of BFI Festivals, and Larushka Ivan-Zadeh, Chief Film Critic at Metro.

A jury made up of Oscar®-winning director Danny Boyle, BFI CEO Amanda Nevill and IWC Schaffhausen CEO Christoph Grainger-Herr selected the winner.

ABOUT THE BFI

The BFI is the UK’s leading organisation for film, television and the moving image. It is a cultural charity that:

• Curates and presents the greatest international public programme of World Cinema for audiences in cinemas, at festivals and online
• Cares for the BFI National Archive – the most significant film and television archive in the world
• Actively seeks out and supports the next generation of filmmakers
• Works with Government and industry to make the UK the most creatively exciting and prosperous place to make film internationally

Founded in 1933, the BFI is a registered charity governed by Royal Charter. The BFI Board of Governors is chaired by Josh Berger CBE.

The stunning Graubünden mountains provide the perfect backdrop for the extraordinary vehicles participating in the Arosa ClassicCar race. The 15th edition of the international hill climb for historic sports and racing cars attracted around 27,000 spectators. The breathtaking historic vehicles and fantastic driving performances are what draw so many fans to this unique event in Arosa year after year. A total of 162 drivers participated in the 2019 event.

IWC MOTORSPORT TEAM PUTS IN AN IMPRESSIVE PERFORMANCE

IWC Schaffhausen is a partner of the internationally renowned event, which combines motor racing and action against the stunning backdrop of the Swiss Alps. The IWC racing team has been participating in historic racing events in its 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL "Gullwing" since 2018. The vehicle is famous for its powerful engine and vertically opening gull-wing doors. In April 2019, the IWC crew drove the 300 SL to first place in the Tony Gaze Trophy at the Goodwood Members’ Meeting in England. The team and the vehicle give a fine demonstration of their expertise at every race – and also did exactly that in Arosa.

PRECISION, QUALITY AND DESIGN: THE ELEMENTS THAT UNITE MOTORSPORT AND WATCHMAKING

German racing driver Bernd Schneider took to the track for IWC in Arosa this weekend and drove the Mercedes- Benz 300 SL "Gullwing" on the challenging Arosa hill climb course, which covers a distance of 7.3 kilometres. As a true professional, Schneider was well aware of the qualities of the iconic racing car, and used them to his advantage. The stunning vehicle boasts 215 HP and a top speed of 250 km/h. But it is not all just about performance. The historic gull-wing car is also a vehicle that motor racing enthusiasts are very passionate about. It embodies IWC’s core values of excellent quality and performance, a true pioneering spirit and outstanding craftsmanship. Mercedes-AMG and IWC have been partners for many years, and this partnership is based on the countless qualities that are shared by the worlds of motorsport and watchmaking.

Over the last two years, more than a dozen specialists have worked to restore an original Spitfire MK IX aircraft, which was originally built in Castle Bromwich back in 1943. Following several successful test flights in July, the “Silver Spitfire” finally took off from Goodwood Aerodrome today, beginning its much-anticipated circumnavigation of the globe. Piloting the iconic British aircraft, on the first leg of its journey, is Matt Jones, co-founder of the Boultbee Flight Academy.

“The last few months have been intense, and full of activity. Now we're thrilled that we can finally begin our great adventure and share the glory of the Silver Spitfire with the rest of the world. It's a massive undertaking, and a huge privilege to be involved in such a project. Now it's time to make history," added Boultbee Brooks, before the departure.

EXCLUSIVE DINNER AND AIR SHOW

On Sunday evening, ahead of the flight, IWC hosted a private dinner with the two pilots and their crew at Goodwood House. Today, about 400 guests gathered on the Goodwood Estate for a big farewell party. The funfair atmosphere included live music, an air show and other attractions. Amongst the guests were British actress Rosamund Pike and former Formula One™ star David Coulthard, both IWC brand ambassadors, British actors Taron Egerton and Finn Cole, as well as TV and radio presenter Dermot O’Leary.

On the flight around the world, the two British pilots will cover more than 43,000 kilometres and visit 30 countries. The route will initially take them to Iceland, and from there to Canada and the USA. A total of approximately 100 flight segments will be needed to complete the mission from start to finish. During their journey through the different time zones, Boultbee Brooks and Jones will wear the Pilot’s Watch Timezoner Spitfire Edition “The Longest Flight” (Ref. IW395501). As the official watch of the expedition, this timepiece makes it possible to set the time to a different time zone by simply turning the bezel to the desired location.

- Find the Aviation Series on YouTube.

- Listen to the Spotify Podcast here.

- Live Flight Tracker https://www.silverspitfire.com/about/flight-tracker/

BOULTBEE FLIGHT ACADEMY

Boultbee Flight Academy is the world’s first Spitfire training school and approved Spitfire flight provider and is owned by British pilots Matt Jones and Steve Boultbee-Brooks. Boultbee Flight Academy offers Spitfire experience flights and a ground-breaking Spitfire flight simulator to non-pilots and Spitfire training to certified pilots. Boultbee Flight Academy offers flights and experiences around the UK in an ever-expanding number of locations. Its headquarters is based at Goodwood Aerodrome, West Sussex; its proximity to the white cliffs of Beachy Head and the Needles means the Spitfire flying experience is conducted around one of the most iconic landscapes on the south coast of the United Kingdom. Matt Jones and Steve Boultbee-Brooks have partnered with IWC Schaffhausen to bring to fruition their dream of flying an original Spitfire around the world in “Silver Spitfire – The Longest Flight”.

Established in 2009, the Antoine de Saint-Exupéry Youth Foundation (FASEJ) works to preserve the humanist values of the famous French pilot and author. IWC begun a collaboration with the heirs of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry in 2006 and became a partner to FASEJ on its inception in 2009.

To celebrate their successful partnership, IWC and FASEJ are organising a “10 years, 10 days” event in Paris, including an exhibition at the IWC boutique on Rue de la Paix from 10^th–20^th June, as well as an exclusive cocktail reception. The special exhibition features a carefully curated selection of historic artefacts and original photographs, and also honours the foundation’s vital work in various countries around the world over the last decade.

A particular highlight of the exhibition will be a Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Edition “Le Petit Prince” (Ref. IW392202) in 18-carat 5N gold. Featuring a spectacular midnight blue dial, this special edition is limited to 250 pieces worldwide. The auction lot itself is the piece 10 out of 250 with a beige luminescent index at 10 o’clock in celebration of the foundation’s 10^th anniversary. Watch lovers around the world will be able to place bids on the unique timepiece honouring Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s most famous literary work, “The Little Prince”, from 8^th–17^th July.

The perpetual calendar, designed in the early 1980s by Kurt Klaus, contains more than 80 individual parts. Its mechanical program automatically recognises the differing lengths of the months and the watch even adds a leap day to the end of February every four years. Its smart mechanism will require no manual adjustment until 2100. The date, day, month, moon phase and year displays are perfectly synchronised and can be reset by simply turning the crown. The IWC-manufactured 89630 calibre combines this iconic complication with a chronograph function. The calendar's moon phase display has been integrated with the chronograph totaliser at 12 o’clock.

The timepiece will be offered within Sotheby’s Watches Online sale, open for bidding exclusively online from 8th–17th July. A "The Little Prince - Tactile Art Book, Claude Garrandes edition" with drawings in relief and texts in English, French and Braille and signed by François d’Agay, President of the Antoine de Saint Exupéry Youth Foundation and Dr Claude Garrandes will accompany the timepiece. For further information and to bid in the sale visit www.sothebys.com/watchesjuly

ABOUT THE ANTOINE DE SAINT-EXUPÉRY YOUTH FOUNDATION

The Antoine de Saint-Exupéry Youth Foundation (www.fasej.org), operating under the umbrella of the Fondation de France, celebrates its 10^th anniversary this year. It was created by the family of the famed French writer and pilot, and his admirers from across the literary, scientific and aerospace spheres. The foundation honours Saint-Exupéry’s memory and continues his work, by passing on his universal humanist values and broadcasting his messages of peace and solidarity, the challenge to better oneself, and his pioneering approach to the environment, to the youngest members of the community, both in France and internationally.

FASEJ is faithful to the spirit of the author and aviator when he encouraged us to build a society based on respect for our fellow humans, on cultural diversity, on solidarity, on universal fraternity, on commitment, and on personal responsibility. Its philanthropic actions in the fields of education and culture, and its aim to combat illiteracy, are undertaken to improve the daily lives of young people, helping them gain skills for a more successful future.

By launching the first international writing competition to be kicked off in space by the astronaut Thomas Pesquet; by helping to build schools and libraries in developing countries; by developing relief reproductions of the illustrations in The Little Prince for blind and visually impaired children with Professor Claude Garrandès; and by enabling ill and handicapped children to take to the skies, the Antoine de Saint-Exupéry Youth Foundation is working to achieve its only goal: to keep the memory of The Little Prince alive and to share the literary works of its author, in order to give young people the skills of reflection, altruism, commitment, and an enlightened civic conscience.

Following its debut appearance last year, the IWC Racing Team showed up on the grid of the Goodwood Members’ Meeting for the second time. Once again, David Coulthard was at the wheel of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL “Gullwing”, driving the iconic sports car, with doors reminiscent of the wings of a seagull to 1^st place in the Tony Gaze Trophy. IWC also presented the John Duff Trophy on Sunday. With this race, the Members’ Meeting paid tribute to the Canadian racing driver and his achievements with an eye-watering selection of vintage cars from the late 1920s.

Over the weekend, IWC also took advantage of the unique setting of the Members’ Meeting to present its latest Pilot’s Watches to the public, notably the recently launched Spitfire and Top Gun collections. In addition to unveiling this year’s race car, IWC also showcased an original Spitfire aircraft next to the IWC Garage to highlight the “Silver Spitfire – The Longest Flight” expedition that the luxury watch brand is supporting. This project will see the first circumnavigation of the globe in a carefully restored Spitfire aircraft. The Silver Spitfire will take off from Goodwood Aerodrome this August.

A WEEKEND FILLED WITH RACING AND ENTERTAINMENT

Members of the IWC family and guests enjoyed a weekend full of classic motorsport and entertainment at the 77^th Goodwood Members’ Meeting. In addition to thrilling races on the 3.8-kilometre Goodwood Motor Circuit, the programme also included paddock tours, a gin tasting experience, as well as a pub night followed by the legendary Goodwood funfair party, light show and fireworks on Saturday evening.

The original Members’ Meetings took place at Goodwood between 1949 and 1966. The Goodwood Road Racing Club reintroduced the classic racing event in 2014. Since 2015, IWC Schaffhausen has been the “Official Timing Partner” of the Goodwood Members’ Meeting.

GOODWOOD MEMBERS' MEETING

The Members’ Meeting was established by the Goodwood Road Racing Club in 2014. It evokes the atmosphere and camaraderie of the 71 Members’ Meetings held by the British Automobile Racing Club between 1949 and 1966. The Members’ Meeting is an event for those part of the GRRC, where guests have access to all areas in an intimate, relaxed environment. The event offers a unique setting in which to celebrate the historic motorsport season. It is the perfect accompaniment to the renowned Goodwood Festival of Speed in July and the Revival Meeting in September.

IWC Schaffhausen has been actively involved in motorsport for many years. Since 2004, the Swiss luxury watch brand has been a partner of Mercedes-AMG, the high-performance arm of Mercedes-Benz. In 2013, it became the Official Engineering Partner of Mercedes- AMG Petronas Motorsport. In 2015, the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer became “Official Timing Partner” of the Goodwood Members’ Meeting. Since then it has supported selected classic car races at this event. In 2018, IWC took its commitment to the sport to a new level and founded a dedicated motorsport team. With this step, it became the first watch brand to compete at classic car events with its own racing team and car.

IWC officially launched the IWC Racing Team at the 76th Goodwood Members’ Meeting last year. The team’s sports car of choice is the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL “Gullwing”. This iconic sports car, with vertically opening doors reminiscent of the wings of a seagull, was manufactured by Daimler-Benz between 1954 and 1957. It dates back to the time when IWC’s watchmakers first developed the Ingenieur – a wristwatch featuring unparalleled protection against the effects of magnetic fields.

The team made its debut appearance at the Salvadori Cup at the 76th Goodwood Members’ Meeting. At the wheel of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL ”Gullwing”, former Formula One™ star David Coulthard took ninth place. The second race of the season and the Swiss premiere of the IWC Racing Team followed at the 14th Arosa ClassicCar in September 2018. Former Formula One™ star Karl Wendlinger drove the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL “Gullwing” on the winding 7.3-kilometre hill-climb route from Langwies to Arosa, finishing in seventh place.

At the 77th Goodwood Members’ Meeting in England, the IWC Racing Team now lines up on the grid for its third race. Once again, David Coulthard will be at the helm of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL “Gullwing”. Coulthard will compete in the Tony Gaze Trophy for sports and GT cars of a type that raced before 1959.