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Tag: IWC Schaffhausen

  • Swiss Craftsmanship Meets Hollywood: IWC Schaffhausen Stars In F1 The Movie 2025

    Swiss Craftsmanship Meets Hollywood: IWC Schaffhausen Stars In F1 The Movie 2025

    Swiss Timepieces Take the Spotlight in Cinematic Showcase

    As the lights dimmed and excitement filled the air, the Arthouse Le Paris cinema in Zurich played host to the premiere of F1 The Movie 2025. The event was not merely a celebration of film but a showcase for IWC Schaffhausen, the prestigious watchmaker, proudly standing as the official partner of the fictional racing team APXGP. This film, steeped in racing drama, brings Swiss craftsmanship to the forefront, and the atmosphere crackled with anticipation.

    Directed by the talented Joseph Kosinski, known for his work on the blockbuster Top Gun: Maverick, filming began in 2023. IWC has a well-established connection to Kosinski; after all, Tom Cruise donned an IWC timepiece in his previous high-flying adventure.

    What sets this production apart is its groundbreaking technique of in-camera filming, where cameras are mounted directly in the race cars, presenting viewers with an authentic cockpit experience that blurs the lines between cinema and real-life racing action.

    Star Power Behind the Wheel

    The ensemble cast features heavyweights like Brad Pitt in the role of Sonny Hayes, and Damson Idris as Joshua Pearce. Their performances go beyond mere acting; many scenes were shot during actual driving maneuvers, lending an exhilarating authenticity to the film. The result is a visual spectacle that often convinces viewers they are trackside at a live Grand Prix rather than seated comfortably in a cinema.

    In a twist of fate worthy of a Hollywood script, these two characters embody contrasting philosophies and generations in the fast-paced world of racing—an ideal backdrop for the IWC watches they wear.

    Watches that Tell a Story

    Representing the old guard, Pitt’s character wears the Ingenieur SL, distinguished by its green dial and designed by the legendary Gérard Genta. Initially overlooked and later discontinued, this watch has rebounded into the hearts of collectors—a testament to resilience and underrated talent.

    In an unexpectedly poetic turn, Sonny Hayes, after an ill-fated career marred by a serious accident, finds an unexpected shot at redemption with the help of his beloved watch. Both Hayes and the Ingenieur SL share the narrative of undervalued potential and the struggle for recognition, a resonant theme that echoes throughout the film.

    A Modern Marvel for a New Generation

    In contrast, Joshua Pearce, played by Idris, is a young, ambitious risk-taker representing the new generation of racers. He sports the Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41, an exclusive model developed just for the film, released in two limited stainless steel editions. Its design mirrors the APXGP race car’s aesthetics, perfectly encapsulating themes of innovation, speed, and modernity.

    A Prelude to a Timeless Tale

    The audience’s experience was further enriched by a YouTube short titled The Most Brilliant Failure, which set an emotional context for the story. This narrative intertwined the journeys of both Sonny Hayes and Gérard Genta. Both men, visionaries in their fields, faced early challenges in gaining recognition—Hayes as an exceptional driver and Genta as an artistic watchmaker.

    Genta’s humility, poignantly expressed in the short when he says, “I am an artist, a painter. What do I know about watches?”, resonates deeply with Hayes’ quiet resilience in the film’s final moments. Their stories remind us that greatness often lies not in boastful declarations but in quiet determination and unyielding creativity.

    Questions & Answers

    What unique filming technique was used in F1 The Movie 2025?
    The film utilized in-camera technology, embedding cameras directly into the race cars to create authentic cockpit perspectives for viewers.

    How do the watches worn by the characters symbolize their journeys?
    The Ingenieur SL worn by Sonny Hayes represents undervalued talent and resilience, while the Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 worn by Joshua Pearce embodies ambition and dynamism in modern racing.

    What emotional context did the YouTube short provide for the film?
    The short, titled The Most Brilliant Failure, highlights the parallel journeys of Sonny Hayes and Gérard Genta, emphasizing themes of unrecognized brilliance and eventual redemption.

  • Richemont Group sales soars after YNAP acquisitions

    Richemont Group sales soars after YNAP acquisitions

    Richemont Group sales soared 24 per cent in December quarter, to €3.915 billion. It was largely down to the inclusion of online acquisitions Yoox-Net-A-Porter (YNAP) and Watchfinder, which were consolidated into the group’s accounts on May 1 and June 1, respectively. But even excluding that, the sales growth was still strong at 5 per cent by constant exchange rates.

    By region, European sales accelerated at twice the rate of Asia, up 35 per cent at constant exchange rates, with Asia Pacific – still the company’s largest single geographic market – up by 17 per cent.

    Sales in Europe reached €1.147 billion in the quarter, and in Asia €1.389 billion. Sales in the Americas surged 41 per cent to €801 million and in Japan by 14 per cent to €344 million.

    The only market where Richemont failed to perform was the Middle East and Africa, where sales slipped 3 per cent to €234 million.

    The company’s largest category, jewellery maisons, recorded 8 per cent growth to €1.985 billion, while Richemont said YNAP posted double-digit growth across all regions and solid performances across all its categories. Watchfinder’s sales expanded “more moderately”.

    Excluding the new online business unit, Richemont Group sales grew in all regions, with the exception of the Middle East and Europe. During the latter part of the quarter, sales in Europe were affected by social unrest in France which impacted tourism and led to store closures for six consecutive Saturdays. The disposal of Lancel in June also impacted the year-on-year comparison.

    A 10 per cent increase in sales in Asia Pacific reflected double-digit sales growth in Mainland China and good increases in other main markets. Sales growth in Hong Kong slowed, primarily due to the strength of the Hong Kong dollar versus the renminbi that resulted in lower tourist spending.

    In Japan, a 7 per cent expansion in sales was fuelled by continued domestic and tourist spending as well as the impact of newly opened directly operated boutiques.

    Sales in the Americas rose by 9 per cent, primarily driven by the jewellery maisons.

    Of Richemont’s many brands, Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels led the way, increasing sales by 8 per cent, driven by jewellery and watches.

    Richemont operates in four business areas: jewellery maisons, being Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels; specialist watchmakers, being A. Lange & Sohne, Baume & Mercier, IWC Schaffhausen, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Officine Panerai, Piaget, Roger Dubuis and Vacheron Constantin; online distributors, being YNAP and Watchfinder; and other businesses, including Alfred Dunhill, Azzedine Alaïa, Chloe, Montblanc and Peter Millar.

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  • MR PORTER Launched “The Luxury Watch Guide” A Global Destination For Luxury Watches

    MR PORTER Launched “The Luxury Watch Guide” A Global Destination For Luxury Watches

    MR PORTER launched The Luxury Watch Guide, a new online destination for its ever-expanding selection of the world’s leading watch brands, including IWC Schaffhausen, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Breitling, TAG Heuer, Officine Panerai, Ressence and more. The Luxury Watch Guide will showcase curated content, educational features, and style advice, alongside details on how best to select and maintain your luxury timepiece through MR PORTER.

    The Luxury Watch Guide establishes MR PORTER as the leading global online retailer for customers to shop luxury timepieces alongside MR PORTER’s vast offering of menswear and lifestyle items, further bolstering its commitment to providing the best in product, content and service across all of its categories.

    The Luxury Watch Guide features:

    • Dedicated pages for customers and readers to gain insight into each brand’s story, alongside each of their current product offerings onsite.
    • Shoppable content aimed to inspire, educate and advise customers during their purchase experience, including: “The Knowledge”, covering topics such as “how to choose the right watch” and “how to take care of your watch”; MR PORTER’s Tick Talk video series, which dives deep into a brand’s heritage; specific product focused stories on discovering a particular novelty; and lifestyle features of inspiring men highlighting the relationship they have with their own timepieces.
    • Direct access to MR PORTER’s team of dedicated Personal Shoppers and first-class service propositions, including: same-day delivery in London and New York; “Try Before You Buy”, a service allowing customers to try product before purchasing; 24/7 customer service; and, secure hand delivery available for all luxury watches.

    “We are thrilled to launch our new Luxury Watch Guide – a dedicated online home for all things watches at MR PORTER. This was a natural next step in our continued growth of the category and not only delivers an engaging platform for both novice and enthusiast watch customers, but also allows us to better serve and inspire them.”, said Mr Toby Bateman, Managing Director, MR PORTER

    For each luxury watch purchase online, MR PORTER has also established a unique aftercare programme, which includes a five-year warranty for all working parts and manufacturing faults. (More than twice as long as the industry’s standard two-year warranty.)

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  • Richemont Asia stores set for cull

    Richemont Asia stores set for cull

    Feeling the pinch from a tough trading environment, luxury goods retailer Richemont has announced restructuring measures, including the closure of stores.

    Richemont Asia sales have declined despite a 26 per cent increase in sales in Mainland China.

    Global sales fell 18 per cent in April, and the company reported a 23 per cent drop in full-year profit.

    Richemont says it is cutting costs in its watch sector and plans to consolidate its global retail presence, particularly in Mainland China, while investing further in jewellery.

    Richemont owns brands including Baume & Mercier, Cartier, Chloe, Dunhill, IWC Schaffhausen, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Lancel, Montblanc, Piaget, Roger Dubuis, Shanghai Tang, Vacheron Constantin and Van Cleef & Arpels.

    “In the near term, we are doubtful that any meaningful improvement in the trading environment is to be expected,” said chairman Johann Rupert, revealing plans for Richemont store closures across its brands.

    Richemont’s operating profit in the year ended March was $2.06 billion, down from $2.67 billion because of the cost of restructuring measures initiated to counter the Asia Pacific downturn. Full-year revenue edged up 6 per cent to $11.08 billion, helped by favourable exchange rates.

    “Our concerns over geopolitical risks and the impact on the behaviour of our clients proved justified,” said the company.

    “Trading conditions in Hong Kong and Macau remained difficult. Only mainland China showed good growth.”

    Richemont’s final quarter was hit by slower tourist spending in Europe after terrorist attacks, while its Hong Kong business continued to bear the brunt of a strong currency which, combined with a slowdown in Chinese growth, deterred mainland tourists.

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  • Asia weighs on Richemont

    Asia weighs on Richemont

    Luxury goods retailer Richemont has reported its first drop in Christmas retail sales in seven years, citing a downturn in Asia and fallout from the Paris terror attacks.

    And worse may be in store in the fourth quarter for the Geneva-based owner of luxury brands including Montblanc, Cartier, IWC Schaffhausen, Net-a-Porter and Alfred Dunhill – especially in the watches category.

    According to data from the Swiss watch industry, stock shipments to Hong Kong, Richemont’s single largest market, are down 28 per cent.

    The company said demand for luxury watches and fashion was significantly down in Hong Kong and Macau in the three months to December 31. Sales in the territories fell by 9 per cent, but that rate was less than the 15 per cent decline for the first nine months of the year, suggesting the decline was levelling out.

    In contrast, Richemont said sales growth in Mainland China “continued to improve”.

    In Europe, sales fell 3 per cent in the quarter after Europeans were spooked by the Paris terror attacks in November, reducing the ranks of tourists to the French capital. That followed “very strong sales growth” in the first half of the financial year, which ends next March 31.

    Richemont’s global sales rose 3 per cent to 2.93 billion euros (US$3.2 billion), but on a constant currency basis fell 4 per cent, one per cent further than analysts were forecasting.