Gisele Bündchen Explores the Art of Fine Watchmaking at IWC Schaffhausen’s Manufakturzentrum
Schaffhausen, Switzerland – Following her captivating presence at Watches and Wonders in Geneva, Gisele Bündchen, the renowned philanthropist, New York Times bestselling author, and supermodel, delved deeper into the world of horology with a visit to the heart of Swiss luxury watchmaking. Making her way to the picturesque German part of Switzerland, Gisele embarked on an immersive journey through the engineering marvels of IWC Schaffhausen’s Manufakturzentrum.
The purpose of her visit was to intimately acquaint herself with the meticulous craftsmanship behind the new Portugieser collection, freshly unveiled at Watches and Wonders. With an eye for detail and a passion for precision, Gisele met the skilled artisans shaping the future of timekeeping at IWC.
“It was fascinating for me to see the level of detail and complex processes that go into making the watches,” remarked Gisele. “The Portugieser collection has amazing new colors, and I am impressed by the finishings and visual depth of the colored dials. They are beautiful, and visiting where they are made and seeing the precision of the craftsmanship firsthand has given me a whole new appreciation for my watches.”
One of the highlights of her visit was donning the exquisite Portugieser Chronograph (ref. IW371624) adorned with a Dune-colored dial. The fusion of stainless steel, gold-plated accents, and a black strap encapsulated the essence of an early evening’s golden glow, a testament to IWC’s mastery of both form and function.
Behind the allure of the timepiece lies an intricate process involving 60 individual steps, including the application of 15 layers of transparent lacquer, meticulously fine-ground and polished to a high-gloss finish. Powered by the IWC-manufactured 69355 calibre, a robust mechanical chronograph movement in classic column-wheel design, the Portugieser Chronograph stands as a symbol of timeless elegance and technical prowess.
During her tour of the Manufakturzentrum, Gisele gained insights into every facet of watchmaking, from component production to movement assembly. The state-of-the-art facility, inaugurated in 2018 to commemorate IWC Schaffhausen’s 150th anniversary, embodies the brand’s commitment to innovation and excellence.
Gisele’s association with IWC as a brand ambassador since 2022 is a testament to the shared values and aspirations between the iconic brand and the multifaceted personality. Beyond her illustrious career in modeling and literature, Gisele’s unwavering dedication to environmental causes has earned her global recognition, including being appointed as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Environmental Program.
In her recent role on the board of the Lotus House, the largest shelter for women and children in the US, Gisele continues to champion initiatives aimed at creating positive social and environmental impact. With her second New York Times bestseller under her belt, Gisele exemplifies the essence of beauty, intelligence, and philanthropy, resonating deeply with IWC’s ethos of timeless elegance and responsible luxury.
For more information, please visit IWC.com.