It has been an incredibly busy September for IWC Schaffhausen in North America. Earlier in the month, the brand held the official opening gala of its first ever Toronto boutique. It did this on the eve of the Toronto International Film Festival, where it also had a major role as the sponsor of the event. Making the entire celebration even more important and special is the fact that the brand also unveiled its first Canada-only watch: the Portugieser Chronograph Rattrapante Limited Edition Boutique Canada. The watch not only celebrates the IWC store opening, but also honors the fact that this year marks the 150th anniversary of the official founding of Canada.
IWC Portugieser Chronograph Rattrapante Edition Boutique Canada Watch
A legend in the IWC line up, the Portugieser watch is a beloved timepiece that has been much coveted for decades. The new version – for sale only in Canada – is a smaller 40.9mm stainless steel piece. It features a silver dial with black numbers and red chronograph hands – a clean rendition worthy of Canada. On the reverse side of the watch, the Canadian maple leaf is engraved.
The mechanical chronograph movement, caliber 76240, which beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour and offers 44 hours of power reserve, powers the double chronograph watch. In addition to regular chronograph timing functions, this watch is equipped with a split-seconds mechanism so that the wearer can time two events with the same starting time but different ending times simultaneously. To operate, the wearer pushes the button at 2:00 to start both hands, which are layered one above the other. When the first event ends, a push at 10:00 stops the first hand, but the second hand continues timing the second event. When that event ends, the wearer pushes the button at 2:00. A final press at 10:00 resets the hands.
The watch is designed to pay tribute to the 150th anniversary of Canada’s foundation. In 1867, the dominion of Canada came together with the British colonies of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick and the Canadian nation was formed. As such, only 150 Boutique Canada watches will be produced, each retailing for 14,300 Canadian dollars.
IWC and Film
IWC has been involved in the world of film and the arts for quite some time, so this year's relationship with the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is no surprise. Earlier this year, IWC announced the partnership with TIFF – taking the title sponsor role. The brand is also the presenting sponsor of TIFF’s Short Cuts Award for Best Short Film. Throughout the festival, 59 short films from 30 different countries make their debut.
Together, IWC and TIFF sponsored an “In-Conversation” interview with India actor/producer, and IWC’s friend of the brand, Priyanka Chopra – who also joined IWC for the grand opening of its Toronto boutique
With a belief that both filmmaking and watchmaking call to the spirit of individuality, creativity, skill and long tradition, IWC continues its “For the Love of Cinema” theme globally. The brand works closely with and supports the Tribeca Film Festival in New York and the Tribeca Film Institute, as well as international film festivals in Beijing, Dubai, London and Zurich.
