With over 15 visits throughout Europe, the US, and Asia, IWC has hit the road with its latest touring exhibition. Now, for the first time in Australia, the roadshow is stopping in Melbourne’s cultural epicenter, Federation Square.
The roadshow, which is now on through February 20th, invites the public to experience the Swiss luxury watchmaker’s history while celebrating the newest additions in its iconic Big Pilot’s collection. Introduced into the luxury market in 2002, the Big Pilot was a rule breaker in its category from day one. Both bold and provocative, the Big Pilot’s size and shape were made for those wanting to make a statement, making the timepiece highly recognizable.
Taking after the Big Pilot’s Watch’s functional, yet modern design, the event is comprised of high-tech booths designed to resemble shipping containers. Here, visitors are invited to join watchmaking demonstrations and get an in-person look at some of the brand’s rarest pieces.
We hit the first day of the event to see what the Roadshow had in-store and even enjoyed some entertainment by a few Australian-based tastemakers. Snapping photos of the event’s best looks was the photographer and creative mind behind Men in This Town, Giuseppe Santamaria, who posted fashion shots of visitors to his 40k+ fan account @meninthistown. On the decks, we recognized the dance music of Milly Gattegno, also known as one-half of the DJ-duo The Faders. Before finishing with the day, we couldn’t help but indulge in one of Chef Mitch Orr’s desserts–his menu was custom-made just for the event.
If you can visit, here’s a pro-tip: While looking through the numerous legendary timepieces, be sure to keep your eye out for the historical Big Pilot watches flown in from the IWC Museum in Schaffhausen–not only will you see the Big Pilot’s Watch 43 and Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41, but there are also a few limited edition pieces that you won’t want to miss.
IWC’s Big Pilot Roadshow is now open to the public Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th from noon-8 PM. Be sure to stop by before they hit the road again and experience how the Big Pilot has evolved from a functional aviation watch into the cultural icon that it is today. Learn more from IWCs digital exhibition here.
