Event: When fine timepieces meet fine straps – IWC x Santoni collaboration

Kuala Lumpur, 29 May 2012 – It was an evening of elegance as Swiss watchmaking company IWC Schaffhausen and its retail partner in Malaysia, Sincere Fine Watches hosted an exclusive event, showcasing the partnership of IWC Schaffhausen with the Italian luxury shoe manufacturer, Santoni.

Master of their respective crafts, the IWC Schaffhausen and Santoni stand for unique products of the highest quality. IWC and Santoni have signed a 5-year partnership and the Portofino Hand-Wound Eight Days is the first of more projects to come, yielding a selection of watch straps manufactured by hand exclusively for IWC Schaffhausen.

Held at the Sincere Fine Watches flagship store at Starhill Gallery, watch connoisseurs and IWC enthusiasts were invited to a private showcase of the classic elegance of the Portofino Hand-wound 8 Days and the bespoke beauty of the Santoni watch straps.

Throughout the night, a Santoni craftsman was on hand to demonstrate the intricate application of anticatura-coloured dye onto the leather, all done by hand, this technique requires a consistency of strength and stroke, resulting in a beautiful and subtle layering of colours. It takes an experienced craftsman a few hours to a few days to complete a pair of shoes, and for the Portofino watchstrap, more than a week to paint and allow the colours to layer and stay fast into a beautiful vintage effect. The underside of the strap is in the distinguishable Santoni orange.

Guests were treated to classic Italian canapés through the night, including pasta, risotto and bruschetta. The night would not be complete without refreshments such as mocktails and champagne paired with decadent desserts such as lemon meringue, mini tiramisu and berry trifle.

More Resources

Full Press Release: IWC Schaffhausen and Sincere Fine Watches Presents an Exclusive Santoni Showcase in Malaysia featuring the Portofino Hand-Wound Eight Days timepiece

Facebook Album: IWC Schaffhausen special event featuring Santoni 

Past Event:  PR+Events: Timeless Memories of Portofino with IWC in Malaysia