Over at barrons.com, the improbably-named writer Fang Block has a little chin wag with IWC CEO Christoph Grainger-Herr (above). The topic: sustainable luxury watch-making. You know, “100% renewable electricity from grid and rooftop solar panels,” “fully transparent and responsible” materials sourcing and smaller packaging made from recycled plastic. IWC is in it for log haul. To wit . . .
What we make is quite unique, in terms of product sustainability. We design and make timeless products in the heart of Switzerland in a very responsible way, with responsibly-sourced materials, and making them last forever.
Our perpetual watch needs first adjustment in 2499. After that, we’ll be happy to service it for our clients for at least another thousand years.Â
Some might say that promising a thousand years of prosperity evokes a certain German’s pledge along the same lines, but I couldn’t possibly comment.
Except to say that the American-founded company makes timepieces which will outlast their owners. Maybe even their owner’s children’s children children, assuming they survive global warming.