Disappointed!

I attended WatchTime's "Inside Basel/Geneva" this week, which takes place in different US cities and brings to the local watch community a glimpse of the annual Swiss Watch shows. Among the brands presenting their novelties and collections were major houses like Audemars, Piaget, Lange, Panerai, Vacheron, Parmigiani, Omega, Blancpain, Zenith, and Montblanc. Smaller houses like Maison du Temps, RGM, Urban Jurgenson, along with independents like Martin Braun and Kari Voutileanin were on hand to talk to horological enthusiasts. The evening concluded with an outstanding multi-media presentation on the state of watchmaking by Jeff Kingston.

I know many of the Americans on this Forum have attended previous years of the program as it is presented in major cities. This year the San Francisco event was held in the majestic Ritz-Carlton, a grande dame of a venue. Every previous year, IWC participated in this event and was one of the marquis brands that people came to see. Our distinguished moderator was usually present along with several dozen IWC timepieces for people to see.

This year IWC was conspicuous by their absence.

Several people at the show, who know my love for the brand asked me if I knew why IWC was not present. I had no answer, certainly no knowledge of why IWC chose not to participate.

I too was disappointed. I was looking forward to seeing the new Pilot's line once again and maybe some of the recent limited editions.

I certainly hope that if the show is presented again next year, that this year's absence of IWC will be just a one year aberration.

Best,
Larry

Larry,
I attended the Philadelphia show a few weeks ago. It was very disappointing that IWC chose not to attend. Several collectors were asking about IWC's absence. All I could tell them was that it was a conscious decision not to attend.
Since each city draws watch enthusiasts and new collectors looking for some guidance in getting their collections started I believe that IWC is missing out on an important opportunity in the US market.
I know for certain of one person who was looking forward to seeing the Pilot line but found and later purchased another brand. Too bad...

I agree it was a disappointment, Larry. Although I had just returned from Kavala when the Philadelphia show was held, part of my decision to sit this one out was because there was no IWC presence at the event. It is always worthwhile to visit Bill, Alan, Kevin, et.al, but I think we would all agree that having not IWC as a participant dissipates the occasion.

Agree 100% with what Jim said. I had a business trip to Houston that interfered, but had IWC been there I would have found a way to reschedule the trip to make the Philadelphia session again, as it was such a good time last year.

I realize IWC doesn't attend those sessions to entertain us. However, in each city many many watch afficiandos not familiar with the brand or the actual hardware have a chance to experience it first hand. That seems like a good opportunity for any brand. I hope IWC might reconsider the decision for next year.

Well, I'm certainly glad to see that I'm not the only person who missed IWC at Inside Basel this year (they weren't at TimeCrafters, either, BTW). Seeing MF at the booth last year was a highlight for me, so it goes without saying that I was sorely disappointed not to be able to have the same experience this year. Also, given that I was rolling deep with my posse, it would've been nice to show off "my" brand a bit, ya know?

Doubtless they had their reasons, but seeing all the other Richemont brands front and center (JLC, VC, Panerai, etc) didn't sit too well with me.

Regards,
Adam

Not too sure, but I think that I read somewhere (here?) that IWC wanted to concentrate their efforts around the boutiques. If so, it makes sense not to participate at events where no boutique is to be found. At a certain point over exposure, generating demand you cannnot meet (watches, movements don't grow on trees, as Michael once pointed out) is pointless, certainly if business is booming.

Kind regards,
Paul

For the London posse - IWC are likely not to be at the Salon QP event later this year either.

www.salonqp.com/2012-exhibitors/

I know, guys, that many collectors in the U.S. are disappointed. But I can assure you that the head of IWC in North America, Gianfranco d'Attis, is solidly behind collectors. IWC simply decided not to take part in the exhibitions this year.