The Journal
Eternal Craftsmanship at Venice’s Homo Faber
Eternal Craftsmanship at Venice’s Homo Faber
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3 min
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IN ANTICIPATION OF SHOWCASING ITS PERPETUAL STUDIO AT THE PRESTIGIOUS HOMO FABER EXHIBITION, WE ASKED IWC’S CHIEF DESIGN OFFICER CHRISTIAN KNOOP ABOUT THE EVENT’S THEME “THE JOURNEY OF LIFE”
One of the most immersive experiences on the state of the art of global craftsmanship, Homo Faber will be held at the Fondazione Giorgio Cini on Venice’s San Giorgio Maggiore Island throughout the month of September. This year, film director Luca Guadagnino is contributing creative direction to showcase this third edition’s theme “The Journey of Life”.
As a key partner of the event, IWC Schaffhausen’s “Dialogues” exhibit will appear at the former Nautico School. Expressed through its Perpetual Studio, the theme explores how craftspeople and designers pass on their skills and collaborate with each other. The experience will allow visitors to witness expert watchmakers in action.
IWC’s display at Homo Faber goes beyond showing craftsmanship; it’s about honoring the deep collaboration between artisans, designers, and engineers. Rooted in the brand’s 150-year history, this synergy remains central to its philosophy of blending innovation and craftsmanship. We asked Christian Knoop, IWC’s Chief Design Officer, to guide us through his “Journey of Life” and the quintessential artisanship that enhances IWC’s ecosystem.
HUMAN EXPERTISE AND HANDS-ON PROCESSES
Why has Homo Faber become such a pivotal event?
Homo Faber is a renowned event that celebrates craftsmanship from all over the world, aiming to promote a more human, inclusive, and sustainable future in a unique location. Organized by the Michelangelo Foundation, the event showcases the skills of artisans and craftspeople, embodying the foundation’s belief in the power of human hands to create meaningful, lasting objects.
At IWC, we see Homo Faber as the perfect platform to showcase our craft. In our Perpetual Studio, we highlight our hands-on processes, which require years of dedication to preserving traditional watchmaking techniques.
We are here to demonstrate that when human expertise is applied, a watch becomes more than just a functional object: it transforms into a work of art. I have a background in craftsmanship since I trained as carpenter, and to come here and see such an impressive level of creativity and skills is truly fascinating. This is such an inspiring place.
— Chief Design Officer Christian Knoop wearing the Portugieser Perpetual Calendar 44 Ref. IW503703 in 18 ct white gold
Every watch is an experience for all the senses—seeing the intricate dials, feeling the weight of the case, smelling the leather straps, and even hearing the subtle sounds of the movement
— Wearing the IWC Cyberloupe®, watchmaker Thomas Zimmermann answered visitors’ questions about the art of watchmaking
RESPECT FOR CRAFTSMANSHIP AND INNOVATION
Which is the essence of the connection between IWC and the event?
Both IWC and Homo Faber share a deep respect for craftsmanship and innovation. We are united in our commitment to taking the time necessary to create something beautiful and lasting. Both of us value heritage, learning from the past to shape creations for the present and future.
Whether in watchmaking or other crafts, precision, skill, and artistry are the cornerstones, and they require time, expertise, and patience.
What role does a passion for craftsmanship play in your daily routine?
Passion for craftsmanship is at the heart of everything we do at IWC. Without this passion, you cannot create something truly special. In my role, I constantly witness the dedication that goes into every detail, from the design phase to the final product.
Every watch is an experience for all the senses—seeing the intricate dials, feeling the weight of the case, smelling the leather straps, and even hearing the subtle sounds of the movement.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is observing our watchmakers in their ateliers. Their focus and precision are inspiring, and when I hold the finished watch in my hands, I feel immense pride. It’s the result of tremendous teamwork and a shared passion for creating something that will stand the test of time.
A well-made mechanical watch is crafted to last for generations, outliving the very person who owns it. Our Eternal Calendar embodies this idea, designed to ‘live for eternity,’ much like the craftsmanship it represents
CREATING SOMETHING MEANINGFUL
How do you interpret this year’s Homo Faber motto “The Journey of Life?”
A mechanical watch, like the ones we make at IWC, experiences its own “Journey of Life.” It’s an exciting process, from the first sketches on paper to the final timepiece in hand. A well-made mechanical watch is crafted to last for generations, outliving the very person who owns it. Our Eternal Calendar embodies this idea, designed to “live for eternity,” much like the craftsmanship it represents. Many customers come to us with very emotional stories about their IWC watches, and this shows me how our creations in Schaffhausen are more than mere objects. Creating something meaningful is very motivating for me.
— Chief Design Officer Christian Knoop visiting the Fondazione Giorgio Cini on Venice’s San Giorgio Maggiore Island
— Christian’s Portugieser Perpetual Calendar 44 Ref. IW503703 comes with a 44.4 mm 18 ct white gold case, a Horizon blue dial and a light blue calfskin strap by Santoni
TIME AND FOCUS
What makes a craft or a design eternal?
Throughout history, humans have sought some form of immortality, often through creating lasting objects by hand. The act of crafting something provides us with a connection to eternity, offering a sense of permanence and lasting impact. At IWC, we believe that craftsmanship endures because it transcends the here and now.
Is this the epitome of a masterpiece?
Creating a masterpiece—whether it’s a watch or another crafted object—requires time and focus. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s challenging to devote such attention to a single task. However, our watchmakers exemplify this discipline. The time and precision they invest in each piece can almost feel like an eternity, but the results speak for themselves in the final product.
How does the island of San Giorgio Maggiore enhance this experience?
Walking through the historic monastery that was founded in 982 feels like stepping back in time. The timelessness of the place aligns beautifully with the artisanship on display. There’s a palpable sense of eternity within these ancient walls, which contrasts elegantly with the contemporary craftsmanship showcased at Homo Faber. This juxtaposition emphasizes that both the building and this art are built to last.
— Step Inside: The Design Exhibition Homo Faber is curated by Luca Guadagnino
— The historic buildings of the former monastery are located on San Giorgio Maggiore island in the heart of the Venice Lagoon
Our design, history, and R&D teams constantly collaborate to find new ways to innovate, yet remain faithful to the values that define IWC
— Precision in every stitch: The craftsmanship behind Santoni shoes is evident in every detail
INIMITABLE FINESSE OF HANDCRAFTED WORK
Can tradition and innovation coexist in craftsmanship?
At IWC, tradition and innovation go hand in hand. Our heritage is rooted in the pioneering spirit of our founder F.A. Jones, who used modern technology and hydropower to revolutionize Swiss watchmaking more than 150 years ago.
Today, we continue this legacy by combining cutting-edge materials and techniques with our timeless design and engineering tradition. Our design, history, and R&D teams constantly collaborate to find new ways to innovate, yet remain faithful to the values that define IWC. This balance between honoring the past and embracing the future is essential in everything we do.
What do you envision for the future of craftsmanship?
As we look ahead, craftsmanship will continue to evolve in tandem with technological advancements. However, the human touch will always be irreplaceable in the luxury sector. Consumers will increasingly value pieces that are both high-quality and tell a story of dedication, precision, and artistry.
IWC will continue to bridge the gap between heritage and innovation, ensuring that our timepieces remain relevant and revered for generations to come.
Welcome sign to Homo Faber’s Third Edition “The Journey of Life”
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The Portugieser Automatic 40 Ref. IW358402 with a Horizon blue 18 ct white gold case and light blue calfskin strap by Santoni
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The Birth Courtyard has a 3D-printed ribbon around the columns and tapestries of the Goose Game by Nigel Peake made by artisans from around the world
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Artifacts in the ‘Nature Room’, Homo Faber 2024
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‘Reef’ by Josh Glukstein and Artisan Alexandre Vazquez in the Nature room
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