In-Depth

IWC Schaffhausen: Full speed to the future

By Watches of Switzerland Group | 2 minute read

IWC Schaffhausen joins forces with Airspeeder, the world's first electric flying-car race series, in a future-facing engineering and timekeeping partnership.

It's no secret that IWC, led by their charismatic CEO Christoph GraingerHerr, have an infectious, child-like curiosity when it comes to head-turning aviation projects. Not comfortable relying on their aeronautical heritage (specialist pilot's watches have been a significant part of the brand's offering since the mid-1930s), IWC recently sponsored the Silver Spitfire's recordbreaking circumnavigation of the world. And now they've identified another pioneering endeavour to support.

Brainchild of founder Matt Pearson, Airspeeder takes inspiration from the role that has traditionally been played by sport and competition in the advancement of technology. Pearson's vision is to 'create a new kind of motorsport, accelerating the advanced air mobility revolution for passenger, logistical and medical transportation'.

The latest vehicle, Airspeeder Mk3, is aesthetically reminiscent of classic 1950s sportscars, while its octocopter layout, airfoil-profiled rotor arms, cutting-edge carbon-fibre composites and EV battery technology place it firmly in the modern age.

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The global race series will see a full grid of these eVTOL (electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing) craft operated by elite pilots, who will compete at speeds up to 200km/h and at altitudes of up to 40m above some of the most visually arresting scenery in the world.

It's a partnership that provides IWC with a link to its proud aeronautical past, while propelling it into a bright future that is focused on technological progress and sustainability, as well as human endeavour.

Shop IWC's Big Pilot pieces here.

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IWC Schaffhausen: Full speed to the future

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