IWC Schaffhausen
The Salon International de La Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) represents the pinnacle of fine watchmaking. Gathering from around the world, some of the most prestigious horologists present their latest innovations, designs and show-stopping styles at this premiere exhibition held in the capital of high-end watchmaking, Geneva, Switzerland. IWC has participated in the event since 2002. In 2018, the company yet again debuted an impressive array of meticulously crafted timepieces.
SIHH – IWC at SALON INTERNATIONAL DE LA HAUTE HORLOGERIE
With over three dozen exhibitors, including some of the most globally renowned horlogerie brands such as Cartier, Audemars Piguet and Jaeger-LeCoultre, SIHH brings together the excitement of the world of watchmaking today.
SIHH was established in 1991 as an exclusive gathering of some of the finest watchmakers. Since then, it has blossomed into an exhibition in which a number of companies debut new timepieces, launch one-of-a-kind collections and showcase the craftsmanship and artistry that underlines their brand. SIHH added a public day in 2017, giving those outside of the watch industry access to the incredible array of offerings. Geneva proved the perfect backdrop: When one thinks fine watchmaking, Switzerland comes to mind.
IWC’s participation in this exclusive event began in 2002. Since then, the company has showcased special collections, commemorative timepieces and groundbreaking new designs at the prestigious exhibition. The 2018 SIHH proved perhaps even more special for IWC as it presented a number of timepieces to commemorate its 150th anniversary.
Highlights of SIHH 2018
In honor of 150 years of watchmaking expertise, IWC highlighted a variety of watches at SIHH that were intimately connected to the Jubilee-inspired theme.
Some of the more notable timepieces featured at SIHH included four limited edition “IWC Tribute to Pallweber” wristwatches with jumping numerals. Among these was the IWC Tribute to Pallweber Edition “150 Years” REF IW505002, which is limited to just 50 pieces. Housed in an 18-karat 5N gold case, this hand-wound piece stands as both an iconic testament to IWC’s roots as well as having the distinction of being the company’s first pocket watch produced in this century.
The Da Vinci collection, featuring a 1980s retro watch face, was an ideal choice to help usher in the Jubilee. Adding two new members to this exclusive line, IWC introduced the Da Vinci Automatic Edition “150 Years” with small seconds at “6 o’clock,” along with the Da Vinci Automatic Moon Phase 36 Edition “150 Years”. These two new watches embody the spirit of where the company began as well as where it is headed. Both have an 18-karat gold white dial and are limited edition pieces heralding IWC’s tradition of melding luxury and beauty with precision watchmaking.
Also among the highly anticipated timepieces unveiled were nine new watches in the Portugieser wristwatch collection. Among these, the Portugieser Constant-Force Tourbillon Edition “150 Years” stands as one of the most technically superior pieces in IWC’s oeuvre. Each watch features the Jubilee celebration design.
Find out more about the 150th anniversary and IWC’s participation in SIHH in The Journal.
More information on each of the pieces presented at this year’s SIHH can also be found in The Journal. Read about the inspiration behind the creation of the Pallweber pocket watch or find out how the DaVinci collection’s newest additions enhance what was already a stunning line of timepieces.
