2 posts tagged Howard Bingham

With the opening of the IWC Flagship Boutique in New York City last month, we at IWC wanted to be a part of the city: to learn about the community, its neighborhoods, and inhabitants. To get the insider’s view, we partnered with local Globetrotters: IWC men, who seek out the world’s most unique experiences and attractions. Before the boutique (our largest worldwide) even opened, we asked these Globetrotters about their favorite parts of the city, where they liked to go, and where they found inspiration.

The exterior of the NYC Flagship boutique

Their responses definitely provided a journey through the city, now housed proudly on iwc.com in a dedicated page called MY NEW YORK. Evan Orensten of Cool Hunting suggested we try burgers at Shake Shack.  We looked at the handmade razors at Min Apothecary after Hodinkee’s Ben Clymer recommendation. And we checked out some new specs with Warby Parker founder Neil Blumenthal. But one thing we know is that the IWC man never rests, and so that was only the beginning.

NYC Globetrotters Josh Spear, Evan Orensten, Neil Blumenthal

On June 13 our NYC Globetrotters and honored guests converged on the Madison Avenue boutique for an evening of conversation, story swapping, and more. Displayed in the store’s second floor was a visual tribute to the great boxer Muhammad Ali. Photos taken by his friend (and personal photographer) Howard Bingham were on display for the Globetrotters and guests to see. They showed an intimate portrait of a true sporting legend.

<!—[if !supportEmptyParas]—>Kevin Ryan (Gilt Groupe CEO) and Ben Clymer of Hodinkee, at the event

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IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Top Gun Miramar Timepieces on display in the NYC Flagship

Just as Muhammad Ali’s passion was boxing, and Howard Bingham’s was photography, we enjoy learning about the passions of IWC customers and fans around the world, and about how they feel about the Big Apple. As Surface Magazine Editor-In-Chief (and NYC Globetrotter) Dan Rubinstein put it: “People move here (New York City) from all over the country—and the world—to follow their dreams. It sounds cliché, I know, but it’s really true.”

NYC Globetrotter Dan Rubinstein at the Globetrotter Event

We can’t wait to hear more from our men about town (and the world), as we take the IWC Globetrotter series to new IWC cities to come.

Last night was quite a night. Here, we are pleased to bring you an exclusive behind the scenes update from last night’s grand opening of the IWC Flagship Boutique on Madison Avenue, in New York City.

A festive evening with many fans of the brand in attendance, including Matthew Fox, Channing Tatum, Joe Manganiello, Evander Holyfield, Chris Hemsworth, Adriana Lima, Karolina Kurkova, Pedro Andrade - IWc’s opening was the toast of the Big Apple.

Actors Chris Hemsworth, Channing Tatum and Joe Manganiello

As IWC was founded by an American, Florentine Ariosto Jones, the event marks a return to the United States with this beautiful flagship.

The store is segmented by collection, with each area decorated thematically. A favorite of guests was the Top Gun series (inspired by the U.S. Navy Flight School) — with lockers, flight suits, and a flight simulator. It was also possible to purchase watches during the evening, with some attendees- among them esteemed IWC Collectors and friends - sitting down to review novelties.

A special highlight was the tribute to legendary boxer Muhammad Ali, recognized as the greatest athlelet of all time, through the special edition Big Pilot’s Watch Edition Muhammad Ali, produced in honor of his 70th birthday this year. In Ali’s honor, many of Ali’s friends and peers such as his Biographer- Thomas Hauser, his daughter- Miya Ali, and legendary boxers: Larry Holmes and Evander Holyfield were in attendance.  The entire event surrounded this tribute, at its zenith with a showcase of photographs taken of Ali by his longtime best friend and photographer Howard Bingham.

We had the chance to speak with Mr. Bingham about these photos and his relationship with Ali. In our conversation, he described how he first met Ali at a press conference in 1962, and later in the day bumped into him once more, offering him a ride. They struck a friendship, and the next year Ali invited Bingham to travel with him for two weeks, a trip which ended up lasting two months. 

The photos on display at the IWC store exhibit great moments in his life, casting light on the depth of the champion: in one image, Ali is photographed visiting impoverished Zaire. In another, 5 champs are immortalized again as great comrades— Frazier, Ali, Norton, Foreman, and Holmes (more on him in a minute). This group photo is Bingham’s favorite. With the exhibition on display at IWC Schaffhausen on 535 Madison Avenue through late May 2012, those of you in or visiting New York will have ample opportunity to see these first-hand. 

When asked for his shooting methods, Ali he responded two-fold: “I know what I like, as long as it’s focus.”, followed with a description of how he would let Ali walk ahead and capture the reactions of the people around him. In Bingham’s words: “Everyone loved him.”.

The aforementioned Larry Holmes was also at the event, and he discussed having a “unique relationship” with Ali. They were sparring partners for four years, and after Holmes went on to win the heavyweight championship the two kept in touch. Holmes, the only heavyweight to stop Ali (during their challenge match in 1980) offered that they remained friends “because of our personalities. We separated work and friendship.” Holmes then pulled out his phone and showed us photos of the bout between himself and Ali — never at dull moment.

Howard Bingham, Larry Holmes and Chris Hemswort

It was great to see the brotherhood and connection that had been forged between these men and Muhammad Ali, bonds that have lasted over 40 years. At IWC we are committed to delivering a quality and lasting relationship with you, as you join our brotherhood of the fine precision and craftmanship of a timepiece.

We look forward to sharing more stories and photos from the store opening, and to welcoming you at IWC on 535 Madison Avenue.