No plans have yet been officially made for collectors at SIHH, but I have every reason to believe that, like in prior years, about 20 IWC collectors will be invited. It is probable that there will be a Collectors’ Day on either Wednesday or Thursday, January 22 or 23.
The events traditionally involve a one-day pass to SIHH in Geneva, Switzerland. During the day, collectors get to see and try on the 2014 novelties, get to meet one another and IWC key executives, and have meetings where technical issues and other interesting topics are exclusively discussed. For the past several years there’s even been an “off-the-record” Q and A session with Georges Kern. And in the evening there’s been a private dinner for invitees with key IWC executives.
Collectors pay their own transportation to Geneva, and also need to reserve and pay for their own hotel rooms. Even with the expense, trust me –the trip is worth it. It can be a life-changing experience: you will have new friendships and new insights.
Invitations are very exclusive, and there’s a desire to have a broad base of attendees. Some will be forum regulars and experts, but others will be relative newbies who are still learning. Representatives from a variety of countries are always desired. The most important criteria for attending are (a) active participation on this forum and (b) a real desire to attend.
A few people have already written me, asking to be considered for next year’s SIHH. If you would be interested in attending in January, feel free to drop me an e-mail now. I can’t promise everyone interested can receive an invite, since space will be limited, but knowing of your interest always helps.
I suspect over the next several weeks I’ll be discussing plans with IWC execs in Schaffhausen, and having this information is always helpful.
