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A new exhibition in Singapore traces the origins of IWC’s Pilot’s Watch and more

And it’s not just for the men – a set of beautifully decorated ladies’ pocket watches from the early 20th century are on show for the first time outside Switzerland.

A new exhibition in Singapore traces the origins of IWC’s Pilot’s Watch and more

The Inside IWC History exhibition is on from October 14 to 27. Details below. (Photo: IWC)

Watch buffs have had so much to look forward to this year and there’s still more to come this month. After Zenith and Patek Philippe brought their world-famous exhibitions to town, Swiss watchmaker IWC Schaffhausen will be the next to put up a showcase of rare timepieces here.

From October 14 to 27, the Inside IWC History exhibition will take place at Takashimaya Shopping Centre, offering the public a peek into its history and evolution. Jointly presented with watch retailer Sincere Fine Watches, the event is said to be IWC’s broadest retrospective exhibition yet and promises to be a journey that will give its fans a better understanding of the brand.

Specially curated by the IWC Museum team from Schaffhausen, Switzerland, and set up inside a booth that is conceptualised by IWC’s in-house architects, this showcase will feature close to 20 historical timepieces that tell the stories of IWC’s three most successful lines – Pilot’s Watches, Portugieser and Portofino – right from their start.

You can expect to see highlights including the Pilot’s Watch Mark 11 from 1948, famous for introducing an anti-magnetic, soft-iron inner case; the Portugieser Ref. 325 from 1942, sought after by Portuguese ship captains who desired large wristwatches with the precision of pocket watches; and the Portofino Hand Wound Moonphase Ref. 5251, which was unveiled in 1984 and developed from a simple pocket watch by IWC’s former design head Hanno Burtscher and master watchmaker Kurt Klaus.

“The beauty of IWC is in the unique spirit of its watch families. For instance, our Pilot’s Watches bring to life the dream of flying; the Portugieser carries our most sophisticated complications; and the Portofino captures the classic elegance that we, as a luxury brand, do exceedingly well,” said managing director of IWC South East Asia, Stanislas Rambaud.

You might be surprised to learn that it’s not just men’s watches that IWC made in the past – at the exhibition, visitors will also have the rare opportunity to see a set of beautifully decorated ladies’ timepieces. Some of them, such as the Savonette Lady’s Pocket Watch “Jones” from 1909, are making their way out of Switzerland for the very first time.

The Inside IWC History exhibition is open to the public from 10am to 9.30pm daily, October 14 to 27 at the Level 1 Main Atrium of Takashimaya Shopping Centre. Admission is free.

READ> The best ultra-thin timepieces that fit discreetly under your shirt cuff

Source: CNA/ds

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