This week IWC was one of the sponsors of the WatchTime shows in San Francisco and Los Angeles. After seeing the watches for an hour, the collectors who attend had dinner while Jeff Kingston gave a 90 minute presentation of the new models introduced in Geneva and Basel.
The audience and sponsors for these events have really grown. From about six original sponsors, of which IWC was paramount, there's now about 10 or 12. The LA attendance was about 175, both shows were sold out.
It is a lot of fun showing IWC's novelties to collectors. There was, as to be expected, much interest and many good questions. The Yacht Clubs were the star of the show, and many people really liked the red gold model. The blue dial Portuguese Perpetual was also especially well received. There was more interest in the handwound models in SF than LA.
Jeff's presentation was excellent, with many film clips. I wish 42 models weren't covered --important brands, like IWC, got a little lost in the shuffle, even with short film of Jeff interviewing Hannes Pantli. Many of the brands were very small specialty producers, some of which only produce dozens, or perhaps 100s, of watches per year.
But, regardless, these were fun get-togethers, with so many collectors interested in watches. Introducing IWC's special new models was a pleasure for me, and the event was well-done. If it is in a US city near you, I would urge you to attend.
And it's a shame the show doesn't travel to Asia or Europe, let alone Down Under or South America.
Regards,
Michael
Me again, at the IWC Table in San Francisco
Quite a crowd in San Francisco! That is Larry Seiden in the striped shirt, and Errol Phippen, the IWC West Coast rep, at right
And here are the stars --the 2010 new models at the show
The other IWC models at the show, mostly 2009 novelties
Now I am in Los Angeles...a more casual place, and no need for a tie...
The IWC Table in LA. Hoa from the boutique is to my left. George from the boutique is on my right.
