Andrew races IWC CEO Chris Grainger-Herr through the Schaffhausen manufacture

Zach Blass

Watches are all about the details, details so minute they are measured in microns. But, with CEO Chris Grainger-Herr once an architect in his former life, this same attention to detail has been paid to not only the watches built inside the IWC Schaffhausen manufacture, but also the manufacture itself. With IWC both firmly cemented in the world of motorsport and as an expert in the field of chronographs, Andrew proposes to Chris that they set 15 minutes on the clock and run through the IWC manufacture for a fast-paced tour. In the video below they do just that, and Chris even takes Andrew into areas the public normally do not get access to.

I have had the privilege of visiting IWC’s Schaffhausen manufacture myself, but I did not have the luxury Andrew had of being with the big boss. Sure, much of what  was shown I was able to experience. But Andrew got to peek into plenty of places that I never did thanks to CEO privilege. I am not jealous (yes I totally am).

During my visit it was clear without any doubt that a greater level of consideration had been afforded to the design of the space, and I was well aware that Chris Grainger-Herr was once an architect. Watching this video, however, and hearing from the man himself, it is fascinating to see the parallels between the design of IWC watches and the manufacture. The strategic warmth in communal areas, a serene sterileness to workspaces. The aesthetic and layout of the space shares the emphasis of a clean and crisp sensibility that is also such a strong emphasis and design ethos within IWC watchmaking. And this design sense is not only meant to elevate the experience of those who work within the manufacture, but those who visit and tour the facility as well.

Over 10,000 visitors tour the IWC Schaffhausen manufacture each year, a tour you can book on IWC’s website. But, in the meantime, definitely watch the video above as it will provide so much behind-the-scenes into how the space operates and comes together so that when you do have a chance to visit yourself it will simply hit that much harder.