Zurich, 8th November 2023: IWC Schaffhausen collaborates with freestyle skier Eileen Gu for a unique watch auction at the 2023 Laureus Charity Night in Zurich, Switzerland. The auction features two watches worn by the Olympic champion and IWC brand ambassador during significant moments in her life, both engraved with Eileen’s signature for exclusivity. Additionally, guests at the Charity Night can personalize a Portugieser Chronograph, with IWC making donations to the Laureus Foundation Switzerland for each watch ordered.
Eileen Gu, renowned for her accomplishments in freestyle skiing and a brand ambassador for IWC since 2022, is preparing for two Atlantic crossings this autumn. The watches being auctioned hold a special connection to the 20-year-old athlete, symbolizing key milestones in her career. The Pilot’s Watch Chronograph TOP GUN Edition “Lake Tahoe” with a 44-millimeter white ceramic case was worn during Eileen’s first IWC photoshoot as a brand ambassador in 2021. Inspired by the wintry landscape around Lake Tahoe, where Eileen first skied as a child, the design is visually striking.
The second watch, the Portofino Automatic Day & Night 34, is a stainless steel timepiece with a deep blue dial adorned with 66 diamonds. Eileen wore this watch when named “World Action Sportsperson of the Year” at the 2023 Laureus World Sports Awards Gala in Paris. Both watches feature engravings of Eileen’s signature on the back, enhancing their exclusivity.
Eileen Gu expresses her connection to the watches, stating, “The white ceramic Pilot’s Watch Chronograph represents more than just the start of my journey with IWC Schaffhausen. The Lake Tahoe Edition also reminds me of the place where I discovered and nurtured my love for skiing. Since then, sports have taught me so much and altered my life in profound ways: they have taught me confidence, resilience, sportsmanship, and creativity.”
In addition to the watches, a pair of freestyle skis in “Lake Tahoe” design from Swiss ski brand Faction Collective and a skiing weekend for two in Laax, Switzerland, are also auctioned.
Furthermore, IWC introduces its personalization service for the Portugieser at the Zurich Convention Center, where guests can design their version of the Portugieser Chronograph. For each watch sold, IWC will donate 3000 Swiss francs to the Laureus Foundation Switzerland for stainless steel watches and 5000 Swiss francs for 18-carat 5N gold watches.
The Laureus Foundation Switzerland, established by IWC Schaffhausen in collaboration with Mercedes Benz in 2006, aims to empower children and young people through sports, promoting integration, personal development, and well-being. The foundation supports over 23,000 children in Switzerland through seven charitable sports projects each year, with the dedication of Swiss ambassadors such as Fabian Cancellara, Mujinga Kambundji, Marco Odermatt, and Christian Stucki.