"(to add insult to injury, I received a message from a friend who also saw it
to ask me if my $30,000 IWC is the "Hot Wheels Edition" :)"
You could answer him that he maybe missed these collaborations...
IWC Schaffhausen and its partner Solaris Yachts have jointly worked on a
very special customised sailing yacht. A 55-foot Solaris 55 from the Italian
boatbuilder was designed to perfectly reflect the spirit and visual codes of
the new Portugieser watch collection. The yacht 's name "DOUBLE MOON" refers
to the iconic moon-phase indication of IWC's legendary perpetual calendar
complication.
The hull, mast, boom and deck superstructure of the "DOUBLE MOON" are mostly
dark blue and white. Inside, the main bulkhead, the bulkhead at the stairway
and the window area are clad in black. The rudder and the handrails at the
stairs are covered with braided blue leather, inspired by the unique calf
leather used for the Boutique Edition watch straps. Cleats, winches and other
details in polished chrome make for a noble appearance and link to the
finished metal cases of the Portugieser watches. The British designer fashion
label Orlebar Brown, likewise a partner of IWC, has furnished the cabin with
colour-coordinated textiles such as seat cushions and towels. The saloon table
features an integrated glass display watch box. The navigation area under deck
prominently features the IWC Portugieser style clock and weather station,
consisting of four luxury-finished instruments: a clock, a barometer, a
hygrometer and a thermometer. These instruments have been available as an
accessory to Solaris yachts since the announcement of the partnership earlier
this year.
And some more info about the Orlebar Brown partnership :
IWC Schaffhausen and Orlebar Brown have picked the perfect month of July to
announce their new partnership. Marking the start of their collaboration, the
Swiss luxury watch manufacturer has unveiled the Portugieser Yacht Club
Chronograph Edition "Orlebar Brown", alongside the clothing brand's new nine-
piece collection of resort wear. In stainless steel with a marine-blue dial,
elegantly-proportioned case and a co-branded side-fastener deployment strap,
the nautical chronograph, which is water-resistant up to 6 bar, is the perfect
timepiece for sailing yachts and relaxing on the beach.
Hope this helps.