Café Leather becomes IWC Schaffhausen Official Partner
When two brands follow the same philosophy and the same values, the resulting product from the union of both brands, are usually very special. That is one of the main reasons why IWC Schaffhausen and Café Leather come together to create unique and authentic pieces. Pieces that represent our passion for craftsmanship, for the finest and respectful raw materials, and our focus on details.
In 1868, Boston watchmaker Florentine Ariosto Jones founded the “International Watch Co.” in Schaffhausen, far from the watchmaking center of French-speaking Switzerland. His plan was to bring together progressive American production techniques with the skilled craftsmanship for which Swiss watchmakers were renowned.
And it was in Schaffhausen that he found ideal conditions: modern factory premises, a hydropower plant driven by the Rhine to run his machines and, not least, a centuries-old horological tradition. The company’s excellent reputation was established right from the start with the very first Jones caliber named after his founder.
In 2017, IWC Schaffhausen founded its own motorsport team. Since then, the IWC Racing Team has been competing at selected historic racing events. The team’s car is the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL “Gullwing”, one of the most iconic sports cars ever built. The car with its characteristic doors reminiscent of the wings of a seagull was manufactured by Daimler-Benz between 1954 and 1957 as a road-ready version of the 300 SL racing car.
Until now, racing legends such as David Coulthard, Karl Wendlinger and Bernd Schneider have taken turns in the cockpit of the “Gullwing”. The IWC Racing Team has appeared several times at the Goodwood Members’ Meeting and competed in various races on the renowned Goodwood Motor Circuit. In 2019, David Coulthard took first place in the Tony Gaze Trophy. The team also participated in the Arosa ClassicCar, a famous mountain race in the breathtaking landscape of the Swiss Alps.
In 2020, the IWC Racing Team moved into its new home, the all-new flagship boutique on the “home straight” of Zurich’s Bahnhofstrasse. The new boutique has been furnished in the style of “IWC Racing Works”. Using a rich blend of motorsport memorabilia, engineering artifacts, and unique timepieces, it tells the story of the long-standing connection between IWC and the world of motorsport.
IWC Schaffhausen has opened the doors to its all-new flagship boutique in Zurich. Taking the concept of retail to a new dimension, IWC provides an interactive journey into its world, bringing to life the connection between engineering excellence in watchmaking and motorsport through a focus on the IWC Racing Team. The immersive experience includes memorabilia, virtual reality, and even a live link to IWC’s Manufacturing Center in Schaffhausen for clients to enjoy as they browse the brand’s finely crafted timepieces.
Located on the ‘home straight’ of Zurich’s Bahnhofstrasse, the expanded and remodeled boutique has been styled as ‘IWC Racing Works’ – the global home of the brand’s classic racing team. Space invites clients to enter the world of a bustling motor-racing workshop, appointed with a rich blend of motorsport memorabilia, engineering artifacts, and unique timepieces that tell the story of the long-standing connection between IWC and motor racing. The motoring centerpiece is the IWC Racing Mercedes 300 SL “Gullwing” – the official car of the IWC Racing Team, driven by racing legends such as David Coulthard, Bernd Mayländer, and Mercedes-AMG ambassador Bernd Schneider. Visitors can not only marvel at the sculptural beauty of the Gullwing, but they are also invited to buckle up in the cockpit and put their racing skills to the test in a bespoke VR driving experience.
“With this boutique, we wanted to create a story our clients can walk into and become a part of a permanent event bringing the world of IWC Racing to life. The Racing Works store offers a complete in-depth brand and service experience, as well as a center of excellence for watchmaking.”
“Christoph Grainger-Herr, CEO of IWC Schaffhausen”
Driving gloves “Triton” IWCxCafé
The IWC Racing Works version of our famous “Triton” driving gloves. Inspired by the IWC tradition on motorsports and our automotive passion, we’ve selected the best pieces of our Specialty leather for this collaboration. These driving gloves are incredibly pleasant to the touch and resistant. It’s Cobrax Original closure and the elastic zone by the wrist provides security and increase comfort. The perforated leather allows also greater perspiration. The perfect complement for driving. #FeelTheRoad
Pilot’s Bag IWCxCafé
Exclusive travel bag handmade in Spain by master craftsmen. Manufactured with the best 100% Premium Vegetable-Tanned Leather carefully selected. This Pilot’s Bag is designed in conjunction with IWC and is inspired by aviation as is the Swiss brand’s Pilot watch collection. The bag offers a very simple opening that allows you to insert and remove the garments without them being wrinkled.
Luggage Tag IWCxCafé
This Luggage Tag is the perfect companion for every travel bag. Handcrafted by artisans in Spain using 100% Vegetable-Tanned Leather, it is perfect to identify your suitcase in style.
iPhone Case IWCxCafé
This iPhone 11 Pro Leather Case fits snugly over the curves of your iPhone without adding bulk. It is handcrafted with premium vegetable-tanned leather. The outside feels naturally smooth to the touch. It will age beautifully and develops a natural patina over time. The aluminum buttons match the finish of the leather case, while a suede lining inside with the Mercedes 300SL logo helps to protect your iPhone.
Leather Keychain IWCxCafé
The IWC keychain is part of the collaboration between both brands. The keychain is handcrafted with the finest leather. It comes with an “Original Cobrax” closure that allows it to be attached providing greater versatility. It is perfect for the car, motorcycle, or home keys. This leather key chain, with the passage of time, will create a very special patina.
We are proud and grateful to collaborate with some of the most inspiring brands. Each collaboration brings something unique to our journey, and we’re excited to share these stories with you.
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