The CEO shares how his distinctive architectural perspective is shaping the trajectory of the watchmaker and an anecdote about a cherished timepiece from his wife
Before helming IWC Schaffhausen, Christoph Grainger-Herr was already familiar with the brand's inner workings—quite literally. As an architect, Grainger-Herr played a pivotal role in refurbishing the company’s manufacture, laying the foundations for the future while preserving the brand’s rich heritage.
In a candid conversation with Tatler, Grainger-Herr provides insights into the watchmaking industry including the role of culture in crafting their design strategy, the inspiration behind the new Ingenieur watch, and the enduring influence of legendary designers like Gerald Genta and Dieter Rams.
Read more: IWC Schaffhausen’s Christian Knoop talks design and appealing to women watch-lovers with Tatler GMT
How important is culture when planning IWC’s design strategy? And how does it affect decision-making when launching a new watch?
I think anything that is a nonessential, emotional product that our customers buy for joy, for self-expression, is ultimately very closely rooted in culture. And for us, this is always the starting point. To feel where the global market is at, to feel where the trends are at, you really have to travel, you have to be curious and explore what makes people tick.
That’s why a lot of these cross influences are coming in our watch design. Today, people are reconnecting with the analogue even though they are surrounded by digital, AI and the metaverse. And that really formed the context for the Ingenieur watch created by Gérald Genta back in the day [1974]. It’s a combination of product design, technical
content and a story that you can experience and immerse yourself in. That makes the experience of a product like this so much richer than it just being a watch that tells the time.
