IWC Night Shooting at the SIHH
During the SIHH in Geneva last January, I was invited by IWC for their IWC Night Shooting event. Together with a few colleague journalists we had full access to the IWC booth, all accessories and a hand full of IWC watches. Around 7pm, (when most guests are leaving the venue) we are welcomed by the people of IWC. The decorated booth breathes aviation with a Spitfire mounted on the ceiling and lots of other aviation props. As if you walk into a filmset! After a drink and a quick introduction tour, we kick off in the boardroom that was modelled like the interior of a private plane.
After our look-around and quick analysis of the things I could use, I had enough inspiration for the shoot. First, I took some shots of the IWC Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar Digital Date-Month Spitfire, and pictured it on top of, or better said in-between the big cylinder heads of the Merlin V1650 Rolls-Royce Spitfire engine that was on display. The engine is huge and it’s hard to imagine that this thing fits inside an airplane like the Spitfire.
Moving along to the center of the stand; a beautifully decorated and comfortable lounge area. Grabbing some of the Davidoff cigars with IWC strap to mix with some carafes on the table. Time for the IWC Pilot’s Double Chronograph Antoine de Saint Exupéry Edition to pose: the tobacco brown dial and matching calfskin strap by Santoni, mix perfectly well with the Davidoff cigars. This watch is a limited edition of 1.000 pieces only.
For the next shoot we find our way to the presentation room. Here, a large wall with cabinets, displays several aviation costumes and pilots hats. Perfect spot for the Big Pilot’s Heritage Watch. We’ve already posted this photo on Instagram before. Make sure you follow us there for your dose of daily watch photos! The heritage watch is available in a massive 55mm and a somewhat smaller 48mm version. Both available as limited edition only, with 250 pieces of the 55mm version and 1000 pieces of the 48mm version.
Back to the boardroom for some more pictures. Inside the airplane-like boardroom, we used the original leather jacket from Top Gun for some last shots. The IWC Pilot’s Watch Timezoner Chronograph is easily set to a different time zone. Just push the bezel and rotate it left (or right) and the time will automatically change while rotating. This way you can easily see the time in another city somewhere across the globe.
In the end we had a great time and want to thank the nice people at IWC who were involved in organizing this great event. It was a great way to have the opportunity to shoot pictures without time limitations and in a relaxed atmosphere. We’re looking forward to next years event!
