• Master
    20 Feb 2012, 4:23 p.m.

    The 1881 Flatship Boutique contacted me a while ago, and asked if I am interested in a private viewing of the Sidérale Scafusia. All I was expecting is some private time with this magnificent timepiece; until today when I walked to The Peninsula Hotel with Gary of 1881 Flagship, and learnt from him that this 1-to-1 private viewing is presented by Mr Pantli (Member of the Board of Directors, Spokesman for the Management Board)!
    i124.photobucket.com/albums/p7/etchu/IMG_2136.jpg

    The Sidérale Scafusia presented today is a platinum one with black dial
    i124.photobucket.com/albums/p7/etchu/IMG_2135.jpg

    I am not going to dig any deeper into how good this watch is, a lot have been covered on this topic. I'd like to show you another magnificent item that comes with the watch today, also designed by IWC, the showcase of the Sidérale Scafusia. Yes, the showcase itself!

    It has a rigid stainless steel structure, with carbon surface.
    i124.photobucket.com/albums/p7/etchu/IMG_2132.jpg

    Sorry I didn't take photo of the inside. Apart from a lighted compartment where the watch is placed and room for the manual winder, it has several compartments that hold straps in various design, cases in different material, dials in different colours, gloves, etc. It also has a platform where one can assemble the case and dial together like playing lego, so the buyer can visualize how the combination of their choices look like.

    The showcase has a hidden handle and when you pull it, Ta da!
    i124.photobucket.com/albums/p7/etchu/IMG_2133.jpg

    Two stylish wheels appears and you can pull it like a travel briefcase. This thing is so heavy, it's nearly impossible to hand carry it in a comfortable manner. This wheels is a very nice touch of design.

    Here's a link of the video with Mr Pantli handling the breifcase, can have a quick glimpse of the inside too.
    Sidérale Scafusia, the showcase...

    Mr Pantli knows everything about the company. Apart from the Sidérale Scafusia, we had a good chat on a few other topics about IWC, which I am uncertain if the information are sensitive or not. Better play safe.

    Thanks so much to Mr. Pantli for his time spent with me, and a big thanks to The 1881 Flagship Boutique for getting me into this event. Cheers.

  • Master
    20 Feb 2012, 4:57 p.m.

    Thanks for the report Erwin. It's great to speak to Herr Pantli in confidence. Hope you enjoyed the experience.

  • Master
    20 Feb 2012, 6:02 p.m.

    No doubt you pushed him about the next Collectors Forum watch? Haha kidding.
    Thanks for the report!

  • Master
    20 Feb 2012, 6:46 p.m.

    Erwin excellent thanks for posting.
    Kevin

  • 20 Feb 2012, 9:36 p.m.

    Thank you Erwin, must be a special feeling to admire this one on the wrist.

  • Master
    21 Feb 2012, 12:11 a.m.

    Erwin, when we had the privilege of trying on the Siderale during the mini showcase at SIHH 2012 where there were 3 watches to view.

    You clearly got to see the best of the pack - as I found the platinum with black dial to be the most handsome of the 3 watches present (although I would believe it would look real good too, in Platinum with a Blue dial).

    Question:Did you notice how heavy that watch was/is? I was amazed when picking it up, how much "heftier" it felt in comparison to the other 2 Siderale's in Gold.

    What was even more amazing, is when strapping it to my wrist - it very soon lost it's weight - and left me simply feeling like a million bucks!

    Thank you so much for sharing this visit with us - and let me share another thing about Mr. Pantli - that man knows a thing or two too about wheels! Wether it's the great looking wheels on his mobile showcase, or his "wheels" back home in Europe - he never fails to impress.

    Best regards
    Mark

  • Master
    21 Feb 2012, 3:24 a.m.

    Thanks for the kind words guys, it's certainly is some good fun. Just overwhelmed by the presence of Mr Pantli, and the fact that IWC got the whole Peninsula seaview suite for this private viewing. As comparison, Audemars Piguet hosted a seminar and banquet for 24ppl and Zenith hosted a outdoor cocktail+banquet for 36ppl in the same suite. The Sidérale Scafusia is really showing some class!

  • Master
    21 Feb 2012, 3:32 a.m.

    Mark,

    I handled the Gold one with black dial before SIHH and yes, platinum is a lot heftier and feel more substantial. For gentlemen who prefer less weight on wrist, they have a titanium case sample in the showcase, it's amazing to hold the titanium case in one hand and a platinum one in the order, huge weight difference there.

    We asked about if the buyer can order the Sidérale Scafusia in ceramic case, Mr Pantli did not rule this option out, but he needs to check with the factory first.

    Yes Mr Pantli loves nice cars, and we had a chat comparing watch and car industry and the dynamics between product, distribution channels, brand image and price point among these two industries as well. BTW, the wheels on the showcase is just a piece of art. I suggested them to sell the showcase with the watch!

    Erwin

  • Master
    21 Feb 2012, 3:36 a.m.

    sorry to have missed u - catch u next Friday Erwin.