Once again IWC and the NYC IWC Flagship Boutique organization hosted a fantastic evening for members of the Collectors’ Forum. The occasion was the reveal of the 2013 Ingenieur Novelties introduced at SIHH in January. IWC, MF, Gianfranco D’Attis (President IWC North America), and the staff of the NYC Flagship closed the Boutique for a couple of hours for us to get our close up look at the new Ingenieurs. After the showing, we were elegantly treated to a special dinner at a nearby restaurant, Aquavit.
We not only were able to see the new introductions, but we also were able to interact with the IWC management and Staff at the NYC Flagship. Sitting a dinner with the President of IWC N.A., as it was my pleasure to do, is a special opportunity and thrill. Gianfranco is a firm proponent and supporter of the Collectors. That was a great thing to hear. Gianfranco not only is very knowledgeable about the direction the company is taking at retail, but he is also a key player within IWC for product development, which feeds our insatiable IWC uhren-virus. As MF pointed out at the dinner table, our USA President is both a keen analytical and people manager, but he also has a superior understanding for the history and tradition of the brand and how that couples with the wants, needs and desires of the IWC target audience. He understands the value of IWC Collectors and will continue to support us. As all of have noted in the past, the great thing about these GTG’s is the time we have to not only see the products, but also the ability to just plain have fun with each other in a relaxed, social environment.
Now for what you really want to see. Here are pictures of the evening. I focused mostly on the people with some watch shots thrown in where possible. Kevin and Alan have even more shots of the watches themselves that they will be sharing as part of this thread. By the way, on Saturday morning, we gathered together once again to do some watch shopping in the city and to have a private luncheon on our own. Unfortunately, I left my cameras’ CF card at home and could not take pictures of our day together. Others will have to come to the rescue. I have a couple of iPhone shots, but that’s all.
Friday in NYC was a nasty, snowy day. With collectors coming in from the UK, FL, OH, VA, PA, MA, NJ and NY, the god’s of weather did not cooperate. You can see the show as I traveled in by train from Philadelphia. It was nippy and wet most of the day.
Some of us arrived early and took over the Pilot’s watch section of the Boutique to have conversation as we awaited the unveiling.
Nelson’s fabulous Perpetual
Now that is a smily face.
Dreaming Ali or at least perusing GOAT:
Some colorful strap options and watches on display.
I had the pleasure to see the new Ingenieurs privately before the party began. Lucky me:
Some wrists shots of one’s I liked.
Back to the attendees and their watches.
Oh my!
There were three DFB’s. We hoped for four, but this isn’t bad.
Some IWC’s envy.
Very nice:
What’s Up RAVE?
The Show and Tell begins.
Gianfranco makes his appearance after a full day’s work at HQ:
A special announcement, I think?
Ardoise’s favorite:
Nelson and Braindoc asking Gianfranco, what’s up?
My one table shot at Saturday’s GTG.
In closing, I want to sincerely think IWC for their support of the Collectors. They really know how to treat their loyal customers. Thanks too to MF for inviting me and the rest of our merry band. Thanks to whichwatch for keeping us organized and planning our Saturday self directed GTG.
I don’t think any luxury watch manufacturer does what IWC does with their collectors. Hosting these events and supporting the Forum is an extraordinary thing. I am thankful. I just love getting to see many friends all over the globe at these GTGs. My next GTG will be April 1st in Amsterdam.
Kevin, Alan, et al. Add your photos and comments so the community gets a complete picture of our wonderful weekend together.
