At IWC, we believe that your choice of watch is very telling. Likewise, it has also been said that a gentleman’s character can be assessed by reviewing the contents of his library. This week,  we share with you the story of a company which can ensure that your library always reflects your interests and pursuits, and does so in a sophisticated and well-crafted manner.

Since founding their namesake brand in 1994, Martine and Prosper Assouline have published over 1,000 books, created custom libraries, and executed incredible creative projects. Their tomes cover topics including art, design, gastronomy, and travel. So much so, that today one can be sure that if there is a refined endeavor for which there is a passionate follower, there will be an Assouline title dedicated to it.

The mark of a beautiful book

The Assoulines subscribe to the French term “savoir vivre”, which translates to “knowing how to live”- as the mantra behind their work. Knowing how to live could equally describe a main quality of the IWC man- whose interest and understanding in technical specificity, in standards of quality, and in design superiority sets this man apart.

In the vein of savoir vivre comes the latest Assouline offering, “South Pole: The British Antarctic Expedition 1910-1913”,  weaving the “epic story of life and boundless bravery unknown to many.”

The Waterproof edition of South Pole: The British Antarctic Expedition 1910-1913

Only 150 pieces of this book have been printed, with a foreword by Princess Anne and by Prince Albert of Monaco. The Ultimate Collection version  of this magnificent ouvre is handmade in a linen slipcase,  and has an edition of 725 pieces.  This last edition is completely handmade, with hand sewn binding and hand tipped-in images.

The stunning result speaks to those seeking adventure and accomplishment, both of which require the best equipment. Such equipment, one could argue, might include an IWC timepiece.  In fact,  when Sir Edmund Hilary led the Antarctic expedition in 1958, he did so wearing an IWC Mark 11.

The IWC Pilot’s Watch Mark 11

Should a venture to the South Pole not be in your immediate future, the story told in the book (offered in a special waterproof edition shown above) will virtually take you there, in what is sure to be a compelling tale.