Partners in Time

By IWC SchaffhausenSociety & Culture Business

Partners in Time episodes

September 30 Ahead of Time: Gérald Genta and the IWC Ingenieur
In 1976, Gérald Genta created the Ingenieur SL, Reference 1832 – one of the legendary designer’s era-defining stainless-steel luxury sports watches. A design that, 50 years later, has lost none of its progressive edge.
For 32 years, Evelyne Genta shared a “wonderful, wonderful life” with the most celebrated watch designer of all time, Gérald Genta. Their daughter, Alexia, grew up between what she describes as a “wild artist” on one side and a sharp businesswoman on the other. In 2019, mother and daughter founded the Gérald Genta Heritage Association to inspire future generations.
To mark the 50th anniversary of the Ingenieur SL, Ref 1832, one of the so-called “Genta Trinity” icons, Evelyne and Alexia sat down with the IWC Journal to share some of their most memorable moments with the man they knew as husband and father.
23 min
April 14 Watches and Wonders Special – The Next Space Age
IWC Schaffhausen celebrates over 90 years of Pilot’s Watch legacy – by venturing far beyond the stratosphere into the future of timekeeping.
Joined by Chief Design Officer Christian Knoop, the conversation explores two defining innovations: the Pilot’s Venturer Vertical Drive, a space-ready timepiece created for Vast, and the next generation of perpetual calendar watchmaking with the Perpetual Calendar ProSet.
Discover how IWC is pushing the boundaries of design and engineering—from Earth to Orbit—and what these breakthroughs mean for the future of watchmaking.
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33 min
July 07, 2025 IWC & FORMULA 1: THE PODCAST - EPISODE 4
All good things must come to an end, and so it is with this short, sharp podcast series that has taken Andrew McUtchen and Chris Granger-Herr, IWC CEO, on a journey through the brand's history in F1, what goes into designing a watch for those at the very top of the sport, and the massive partnership that IWC struck with the new F1 movie starring Brad Pitt. And in this final episode, we get more depth, detail, and anecdotes about the making of that film and IWC's involvement.
We start this episode off in typical Andrew fashion with him in a full race suit and getting a dressing down from 'team principal' Chris. And while it turns out that the suit Andrew has donned wasn't worn on screen, it leads them nicely into a discussion about how certain watches ended up on screen. A favourite moment for many in this episode will be Chris recounting the tale of how Brad Pitt sent him an email asking for a very specific watch to wear in the film, but with some modifications to it so it fit his exacting standards. As we all know by now, that watch was his original Ingenieur, which was made thinner and given a green dial to match his character.
We also hear more about the expansion of the Ingenieur collection, from the blue dial we saw last year, to the many new iterations that joined the catalogue at this year's Watches and Wonders. And of course, we can't talk about new Ingenieur's without mentioning the limited edition that was based on the one made for Brad Pitt with its green dial and gold markers. A gem of the collection that is as close as you'll get to owning the same watch on Brad's wrist in the film.
It wasn't all about watches though this episode, Chris and Andrew also talk about how Chris managed to get his own cameo in the movie, given his pivotal role in this longstanding partnership. There are some illuminated details that Chris shares about this rather unique movie making process and something you will have to hear from the man himself to believe it. But him featuring in the film feels realistic, given that it was him who placed the very first IWC decals on the Mercedes F1 front wing when the partnership was first signed. Tearing the decal out of the poor intern's hands who was tasked with the job.
Unfortunately, this episode does conclude our mini-series with these two going back and forth over their love for all this watches and motorsport. But all four episodes will continue to live on our YouTube channel, and so you can go back and catch up on them any time, and share with those in your life the love F1 and watches. Thank you for watching along with us and we'll see you on the podium.
26 min
July 01, 2025 IWC & FORMULA 1: THE PODCAST - EPISODE 3
This episode delves into the fascinating intersection between luxury watchmaking and high-octane motorsport filmmaking, focusing on IWC’s unique partnership with the fictional APXGP Formula 1 team featured in the recent “F1 The Movie.” The discussion explores how IWC became the official watch brand for this virtual team embedded within the real-world Formula 1 ecosystem, the watches designed for the movie, and the boundary-pushing approach to filming motorsport action. Additionally, the episode shares behind-the-scenes anecdotes from the filming of “F1 The Movie” and references the creative and technical parallels with “Top Gun: Maverick,” drawing on insider experiences from Chris, who was present during both productions.
Time+Tide founder Andrew McUtchen and IWC CEO Chris Grainger-Herr begin with a lighthearted chat about driving styles and personal anecdotes, before transitioning into the technical aspects of the watches featured in the film. Chris describes the APXGP team watch collection, highlighting its availability and design cues that mirror the fictional team’s aesthetics. The conversation then shifts to the production’s ambitious efforts to capture authentic racing scenes, where actors Damson Idris and Brad Pitt underwent months of training to drive Formula 2 cars modified to resemble Formula 1 vehicles, delivering a level of realism unprecedented in racing films.
Chris shares parallels with “Top Gun: Maverick,” emphasising the commitment to real stunts and practical effects, including Tom Cruise’s insistence on performing his own flying scenes. This dedication to authenticity extends to “F1 The Movie,” where racing sequences were shot during actual Grand Prix events in front of live audiences, leaving no room for retakes or CGI shortcuts. The filming process was intensely public, presenting unique production challenges and requiring the actors to perform flawlessly under pressure.
The episode also explores the genesis of the partnership between IWC and the movie production, tracing it back to connections made during “Top Gun: Maverick” and the brand’s existing ties to aviation and motorsport. The collaboration was not just a marketing exercise but a storytelling device that aligned perfectly with IWC’s identity. Chris recounts the emotional journey from initial discussions to seeing over 90 watches, including bespoke pieces, integrated into the film’s narrative and wardrobe.
Finally, the episode teases future content with promises of deeper dives into character watches and insider stories, including a cliffhanger about whether Chris himself appears in the movie. Overall, the episode offers an illuminating look at how luxury watchmaking, film production, and motorsport can converge to create an immersive and authentic cinematic experience.
31 min
June 26, 2025 IWC & FORMULA 1: THE PODCAST - EPISODE 2
Episode 2 of IWC & FORMULA 1: THE PODCAST offers a deep dive into the relationship between IWC Schaffhausen and Formula 1, highlighting how the luxury Swiss watchmaker has embedded itself into the sport through partnerships, specially designed watches, and unique collaborations with drivers and teams. Hosted by Andrew McUtchen, the conversation features Chris Grainger-Herr, CEO of IWC, who shares insider stories about the brand’s history in F1, their pioneering watches like team chronographs and driver-specific timepieces, and the cultural shifts in Formula 1 that have influenced watch design.
The episode explores the transformation of F1 into a lifestyle and entertainment phenomenon, boosting IWC’s active role and visibility. It also details technical innovations, such as the luminescent Ceratanium watch and the Shock Absorber watch, designed to withstand extreme forces, reflecting the brand’s commitment to marrying functionality with heritage and style.
Chris and Andrew discuss the different categories of F1 fans’ access to timepieces — from driver-exclusive watches to team watches worn by mechanics and garage staff — describing how the partnership has evolved since 2013, starting with Mercedes-AMG Petronas. They reveal the influence of drivers like Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, and bespoke collaborations with custom dial maker George Bamford, emphasising how driver personalities shape watch aesthetics.
The episode also highlights the unique pressures on F1 drivers — balancing intense physical and mental demands with public relations duties — and how IWC watches symbolise performance, precision, and emotional significance for these athletes. Grainger-Herr gives insights into IWC’s involvement in branding innovation, such as putting the watch logo on race gloves, and shares personal favourites among the F1-related watches. The conversation closes with anticipation of future content centred around IWC’s Hollywood projects, especially the upcoming Formula 1 movie tie-in.
44 min
June 21, 2025 IWC & FORMULA 1: THE PODCAST - EPISODE 1
This is the first part of a four episode mini series coming from all angles on IWC Schaffhausen and Formula 1. In this first in-depth podcast episode, Chris Grainger-Herr, CEO of IWC, and Andrew dive into the multifaceted relationship between IWC and Formula 1, exploring the brand’s history in the sport, its evolution, and the intricate behind-the-scenes dynamics that define IWC’s presence in Formula 1.
Chris shares his personal journey from being a Formula 1 novice to becoming deeply immersed in the sport, alongside the growth of IWC’s partnership with the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 team since 2013.
The episode weaves together stories about IWC watches inspired by racing and aviation themes, such as the Mojave Desert pilot chronograph, with fascinating insights into the escalating spectacle of Formula 1 racing — from intimate racing circuits to sprawling entertainment complexes like the futuristic Qiddya racetrack. Chris also reflects on leadership and teamwork lessons learned from witnessing Mercedes’ Formula 1 dominance and how these lessons apply more broadly.
The discussion further touches on how companies and teams collaborate at an engineering and storytelling level, highlighting the synergy between watchmaking precision and high-performance motorsport.
The episode closes with a preview of future discussions focusing heavily on watches and their intersection with Formula 1 culture.
43 min
April 05, 2024 The Mysteries of Time with Prof. Brian Cox
Particle physicist and professor at the University of Manchester Brian Cox explores the mind-bending science and philosophy of time with IWC's CEO Chris Grainger-Herr. Together, they discuss the concepts of eternity and space-time, hinting at IWC's new launch at Watches and Wonders 2024. Join a fascinating conversation as they dive deep into the mysteries of an ever-expanding universe.
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52 min
November 03, 2023 Skating up the ramp with Jagger Eaton
Two-time world champion and Olympic medalist in skateboarding, Jagger Eaton, known for his raw talent, perseverance, and determination came to visit Schaffhausen. The 22-year old athlete shares with our host Maurice Moitroux not only insights about his youth, career and future plans but also gives a glimpse into a life absolutely dedicated to his passion. Don't miss this joyful and inspiring conversation!
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32 min
September 29, 2023 Discussing Design with Vitra
Vitra is home to some of the most influential furniture designs, such as the Eames Lounge Chair or the Panton Chair, and has shaped its legacy as one of the most iconic names in design. In this episode of Partners in Time, IWC CEO Chris Grainger-Herr invited Heiko Stahl, General Manager of Vitra Switzerland and Austria, to talk about the legacy of Vitra, the importance of well-designed environments, and the challenges of balancing upcoming trends with timeless designs.
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PartnersInTime #IWCONAIR @IWCWatches
35 min
September 15, 2023 Lauren Isabel on the new wave of Creative Direction
With a background in Photography, Graphic Design, Marketing and Styling, Lauren Isabel has established herself as a Creative Director in Switzerland’s creative scene. Together with her collective “Studio Synq”, she merges art with fashion to showcase Switzerland’s distinctive artistic voice while creating a new space for the next generation. In this episode, host Paul Ripke talks with Lauren about her life – from her education and career to her inspiration and, of course, the collective and what it means to her.
Don’t forget to check us out on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iwcjournal/
https://www.instagram.com/iwcwatches/
PartnersInTime #IWCONAIR @IWCWatches
35 min

About Partners in Time

From the publisher's feed

In our podcast Partners in Time, presented by IWC, we are meeting inspiring people, watch enthusiasts and friends of the brand from all over the world. People who stepped out of their comfort zone and challenged themselves. They all have something in common and have a clear vision – a dream. We are going to meet people who are responsible for the creation of new icons to discover the secret behind the beauty of IWC is. Moreover, representatives of IWC will be heard, allowing us to understand the secret of the brand, its heritage and its watches. The story from IWC started over 150 years ago and is still being written today. Time is precious, so let’s make it count.