5 posts tagged Geneva

It was a fair to remember. SIHH (Salon International d’Haute Horlogerie) 2012 saw IWC’s full release of the brand new Pilot’s Collection, a show booth built like an aircraft carrier, celebrities and global watch aficiandos. For those of you who couldn’t be there, we wanted to share a few of the kind words bloggers, journalists, and editors from around the world had to say about IWC’s presence at this historic show.

Even before SIHH, Gear Patrol commended the new Top Gun Miramar as a highlight of our aviation theme for the year. Picking up on this early, Michael Williams of A Continuous Lean kicked off his coverage of SIHH by sharing that the first “serious” watch he ever bought was an IWC Portuguese Automatic, and he went on to divulge that the Top Gun Miramar has been added to his list of desired timepieces. Mr Porter chimed in on their Journal about the Miramar, calling in their “pick of the bunch” amongst our new releases.

The Top Gun also received accolades from Classic Driver, which named it one of the best at SIHH. Esquire Magazine reported their excitement on the fighter jet and military drumline IWC used to launch the High Flyers theme, and they found the Top Gun Chronograph to be their favored timepiece of the show. Other watches were commended. For example, to our delight, Monochrome captured the Marc XVII, Hypebeast touted the whole pilot’s range overall, and Ariel Adams’ A Blog To Read and captured all major novelties in a spectacular post.

Another new release at SIHH was the Pilot’s Watch Worldtime, which Por Homme noted offers a display of 24 time zones simultaneously and a 42 hour power reserve. Impressive credentials from another member of the Pilot’s collection! Sharing SIHH updates with watch enthusiasts across the globe, Philippine Watch Club captured some great photos of the IWC Big Pilot and Pilot’s Chronograph.

Big Pilot and Pilot Chronograph courtesy Philippine Watch Club

Ben Clymer of renowned watch site Hodinkee was also in attendance and described the show’s ability to “distort your horological reality”. This was said as he held two IWC Portuguese Siderale’s in his hand; watches of such exquisite craftmanship, that the photo must have induced jealousy in many of his readers.

Ben Clymer holding two IWC Portuguese Siderale’s

As mentioned above, the watches weren’t the only highlight of the show. The setting they were displayed in got some top billing as well. Breitling Source Blog’s description of it as an “incredible looking display” was backed up with images and video of the booth’s construction (no easy feat). Creating a miniature aircraft carrier in Geneva was only the first part — an air control tower and a military drumline (as tweeted by Eugene Tong of Details Magazine) were also on hand to round out the Top Gun setting. The settings were appreciated by blogger Fashion Estasi in Italy, and our star-studded Top Gun gala event blogged about in popular European blog Sandra’s Closet.

The making of the IWC booth at SIHH 2012

We were thrilled to launch this exciting new collection in IWC’s storied stable of timepieces, and even more excited to play host to so many brand fans from far and wide. But even though SIHH 2012 has closed, there are many more exciting events coming… be sure to stay tuned here.

Best wishes from Schaffhausen.

In honor of SIHH 2012, we are packing up the office here in Eastern Switzerland, and migrating south and west, to Geneva, for the week. If you, like us here at IWC, are planning to travel to Geneva soon (for SIHH, or any other reason), we thought you would like to know where to go, and what to see.

Spectacular Geneva (Image: hostellingperu.com.pe)

What to see:
Geneva is a very beautiful city, with a gorgeous lake around which you can have a lovely jog. Since the city center is almost adjacent to the lake, it is impossible to miss.  The old quarter of the city is well worth a visit, with elegant buildings, narrow streets, impressive wooden doors and windows. The Old Town includes some interesting landmarks, which are situated within walking distance from each other. Don’t miss:

•  St Pierre’s Cathedral: Visiting this magnificent cathedral is free of charge, unless you would like to go up the tower, accessing wonderful panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountains.

•  Place du Bourg-de-Four: Located in the center the Old Town, the Place du Bourg-de-Four is a favorite meeting point – including a pretty 18th century flowered fountain, and an enchanting bistro - for Geneva inhabitants. Sit down, and enjoy one of its cafes.

Where to have a drink:
In the heart of town, a mainstay is the bar at the Four Seasons Hotel, which is as grand and festive as its champagne offering. To see and be seen, we suggest the perfect rendez-vous spot: the restaurant at Hotel La Reserve. Their lounge area is always populated with some of the best-dressed and adorned people in the world. And they even serve pretty decent Sushi.

Where to eat:
We love the rolled pizza and buzzing ambience at Quirinale, and afterwards, can suggest having some drinks at the nearby Vino Olio Café. 

For those seeking something special Cafe Papon in Geneva’s Old Town should hit the spot. It includes one of the city’s prettiest terraces, and offers a delightful menu and warm and inviting atmosphere.

And for those with a continental flair, we recommend Brasserie Lipp - which is always a great staple.  If you are in town this week, and visiting SIHH, please stop by the IWC booth- it promises to dazzle.

Enjoy your visit, and check back in with us all week for live reports of what else we are up to in Geneva.