It's late in the year - last few months of the year and many of the Collectors are nervous!
But back in Schaffhausen, the nervousness is long passed. The frantic late night sessions, numerous design and pre-production reviews are done. The deadlines met, the prototypes built. But it's not gone all quiet - the excitement is growing in the marketing corridors, and now the late night sessions are happening there. The concept and designs for the SIHH IWC stand and display area need to be approved. The Team are not happy, and last minute changes are made. After all - the new watches need to be presented just right!
On the Forum, the first inquisitive posts begin to appear. The collectors and fans want to know. Has anyone been invited to SIHH? Has anyone had access to sneaked pictures of the NEW WATCHES? Can MF share any advance info...surely he knows!
And then an email arrives (for the lucky few - slots are limited!) "IWC cordially invites....SIHH...Geneva". The clock begins to tick. The countdown of the days to SIHH has begun. Slowly the collectors become aware of the lucky other few. Old friends and new friends - all known from the Forum, and all regular contributors here.
And then finally the SIHH arrives. Geneva is a alive, the hotels are overbooked. It's show time! And what a show it is. The IWC Community Team have done a superb job - all the invitees are at the right place at the right time. The reveal begins! And no matter if the Collector has been to SIHH before, or if they are first timers or not - the Ooh's & Ahh's are equal all round. THE NEW COLLECTION DOES NOT DISAPPOINT! They are all piece for piece, fantastic watches. Each Collector has his favorite..."Can I try that one on please?"..."That watch looks fantastic on your wrist my friend"..."I prefer the rose gold model"..."that dial is memorizing!"
It's hard to leave the collection viewing - but as the IWC Team shuffle you along to the next venue/meeting, you realize that it's not everyday that one gets to see and speak to IWC's CEO, as Mr. Kern makes and takes the time to meet and speak to the Collectors. He promises access to the other Execs, and does not disappoint.
The hours pass quickly - more watches to see and some "for your eyes only" previews of coming novelties. You are so absorbed in the watches, that you almost did not notice the quiet presence of The Master himself. Herr Kurt Klaus is standing next to you ready to answer any questions one might have. MF is there too - as always, standing by and always the perfect chaperone.
Of course, there is time for informal get togethers and dinners as well. Friends among each other. Lots of watch talk, and plans for up and coming CTG's.
It's been a fantastic event. Absolutely great to have been among friends and to have been privileged to have seen and been part of the launch of the new collection. Thank you IWC.
Best regards
Mark
ps: The above, some of my personal memories of SIHH - I'm sure that other Collectors have similar memories and too have experienced the wonders of SIHH.
