IWC Schaffhausen and Eileen Gu Auction Exclusive Watches
IWC Schaffhausen and freestyle skier Eileen Gu have teamed up to auction unique watches at the 2023 Laureus Charity Night in Zurich, Switzerland. Two watches are up for auction, each having been worn by the Olympic champion and IWC brand ambassador during significant moments in her life. Each model is engraved with Eileen’s signature, making them unique and exclusive timepieces. During the Charity Night, IWC provides guests with the chance to design their personalized version of the Portugieser Chronograph. For every watch ordered, IWC donates to the Laureus Foundation Switzerland.
Eileen Gu’s Multifaceted Career
Not only on the slopes is freestyle skier and IWC brand ambassador Eileen Gu breaking all the records, but she is also enrolled as a student at the prestigious Stanford University and working as an internationally successful model. At the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, she won two gold medals and one silver medal, which also marked her first Olympic games. In May of this year, she also added the title of “Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year” to her accolades on her already impressive CV. Eileen tirelessly advocates for diversity and equal opportunities in sports. As an elite athlete, she aims to inspire young women by encouraging them to pursue their dreams.
Special IWC Watches Up for Auction
At the 2023 Laureus Charity Night, which takes place on 11th November at the Zurich Convention Center, Eileen Gu and IWC Schaffhausen are auctioning one-of-a-kind watches. Obtainable for the highest bidders are two of Eileen Gu’s IWC watches that feature a unique engraving and have a special connection to the 20-year-old sporting star.
The Pilot’s Watch Chronograph TOP GUN Edition “Lake Tahoe”
The Pilot’s Watch Chronograph TOP GUN Edition “Lake Tahoe” turns heads with its 44-millimetre case made from hard and scratch-resistant white ceramic. This was the watch Eileen Gu wore for her first IWC photoshoot after she was made a brand ambassador for the Schaffhausen-based watch manufacturer in 2021. The design is inspired by the wintry landscape around the freshwater Lake Tahoe, which is where Eileen first took to her skis as a little girl.
The Portofino Automatic Day & Night 34
The second watch is the Portofino Automatic Day & Night 34. This classically elegant Portofino in stainless steel with a deep blue dial is studded with 66 diamonds. This is the watch that Eileen wore when she was named “World Action Sportsperson of the Year” at the 2023 Laureus World Sports Awards Gala in Paris this May. There, she also met Laureus Chairman Edwin Moses and had the opportunity to speak with him about the foundation.
Eileen Gu’s Reflections
“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. The Portofino Automatic Day & Night 34 was on my wrist when I received one of the most important awards of my career – Laureus’ Action Sportsperson of the Year. I hope that by auctioning off these pieces, we can make a contribution to the Laureus Foundation’s impactful philanthropic mission of supporting underserved young people through the power of sport,” explains Eileen Gu.
Additional Auction Items
The back of both the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph TOP GUN Edition “Lake Tahoe” and the Portofino Automatic Day & Night 34 feature Eileen’s signature, enhancing their exclusivity and uniqueness. In addition to the watches, IWC and Eileen are auctioning a pair of freestyle skis with a “Lake Tahoe” design by Swiss ski brand Faction Collective and a skiing weekend for two in Laax, Grisons, Switzerland.
Design Your Own Watch and Support Charity
A first for Switzerland, IWC is also bringing its personalisation service for the Portugieser to the Zurich Convention Center. Guests will have the opportunity to visit a special stand in the foyer, where they can put together their version of the Portugieser Chronograph. As well as cases made from stainless steel or 18-carat 5N gold, there is a choice of 16 dial colours specially developed for this service. Every watch ordered will have “LCN 2023” printed on the see-through case back as a reminder of the special event. IWC will donate 3000 Swiss francs to the Laureus Foundation Switzerland for each stainless steel watch sold and 5000 Swiss francs for every 18-carat 5N gold watch sold.
YOU ASKED…
What makes the auctioned watches unique?
The watches have been worn by Eileen Gu at special moments and are engraved with her signature, making them exclusive and unique.
When and where is the 2023 Laureus Charity Night?
The event takes place on 11th November at the Zurich Convention Center.
What other items are being auctioned?
A pair of freestyle skis in “Lake Tahoe” design and a skiing weekend for two in Laax, Switzerland.
How does IWC support the Laureus Foundation?
IWC donates 3000 Swiss francs for each stainless steel Portugieser Chronograph sold and 5000 Swiss francs for each 18-carat 5N gold watch sold.
Editor’s Note: All listed prices were correct at the time of publication. This article contains editorial selections and paid partnerships. Please note that this article may contain some affiliate links to products and we may receive a commission for selected purchases.
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