TopGear India sat down with Christoph Grainger-Herr, CEO of IWC Schaffhausen, to delve into the world of luxury timepieces, the brand’s enduring legacy, its aspirations for the future and their involvement in Formula 1. Not to mention the F1 movie that they are a part of, set to release in 2025.
AKAASH: Christoph, thank you for joining us. What was the defining moment that ignited your passion for the watch industry?
CHRISTOPH GRAINGER-HERR: It was a gradual journey. Growing up in Switzerland, I was exposed to the world of watches from a young age. My father’s Patek Philippe Nautilus fascinated me, and later, I was drawn to the clarity and understated design of IWC watches. My involvement in designing an IWC museum in 2000 solidified my love for the brand and the industry.
AKAASH: How does IWC differentiate itself in a market saturated with luxury timepieces?
CHRISTOPH GRAINGER-HERR: IWC is more than just a status symbol. We’re a brand that embodies a certain mindset - one of passion, innovation, and adventure. Our watches are not just timekeepers; they’re companions on life’s journey. We tell stories, connect people to memories, and celebrate milestones.
AKAASH: Is there a cricket involvement?
CHRISTOPH GRAINGER-HERR: You heard it here first.
Esta historia es de la edición September 2024 de BBC TopGear India.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición September 2024 de BBC TopGear India.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Does It Fly?
2024 TVS APACHE RR 310 ₹2.75 Lakh - ₹2.97 Lakh (ex-showroom)
Is It A Scooter? Is It A Bike? No! It Is The BMW CE 02
It is rare when you come across a moment where a company brings out a vehicle into the market without knowing who exactly they want to sell it to.
Aston Martin Valkyrie
The Aston Martin Valkyrie still looks like nothing else on four wheels. Probably because it isn’t.
ONE-MAN BAND
We are a cynical bunch of people as we try our best to narrow down our vision and focus on the things that are lacking.
CRISIS AVERTED! THE EXISTENTIAL KIND
Finally, the Yezdi Adventure won’t be suffering from an existential crisis anymore.
ROYAL ENFIELD HIMALAYAN
ALTHOUGH IT IS A PERENNIAL ORDEAL FOR ANY MOTORCYCLIST to feel sad while parting ways with a motorcycle, it became even sadder for me this time around.
TVS APACHE RTR 310
THE FIRST THING I WANT TO SAY IS - “IT IS A MENACE ON WHEELS”.
ACE OF BASE
What happens when you take Porsche's old school entry level model and give it a very not entry level upgrade? This is a 914 as you've never seen it before
MOMS KNOW BEST
Volvo's XC90 was the stereotypical Soccer Mom car. So how will the all-electric EX90 be received among the soccer pitches of Orange County?
THE THEORYOF EVOLUTION
Ridged bladder seats, an inflating steering wheel and an AI track day coach... has Lotus hit on the supercar’s future, or gone mad’?
