The Portofino Chronograph.
The Portofino Chronograph.
Image: Supplied/IWC

Ego and deep pockets have men jetting around in outer space these days, while women of power clearly have their feet firmly on the ground, working towards making our world a better place. In celebration of Women’s Month, IWC hosted a power luncheon for a group of female entrepreneurs at the Quoin Rock Gåte restaurant — a heavenly treat for any foodie, with award-winning wines accompanying the finest fare. 

The Quoin Rock wine estate lies at the end of a picturesque drive along a winding, tree-lined road in the Knorhoek Valley. Under the custodianship of the Gaiduk family, the old Stellenbosch vineyards and wine estate have been lovingly transformed into an inspiring destination promising captivating experiences, from wine tasting to picnics, weddings, culinary adventures, and tranquil mountain escapes.

Carol Bouwer and Yuliya Gaiduk at Quoin Wine Estate.
Carol Bouwer and Yuliya Gaiduk at Quoin Wine Estate.
Image: Nina Zimolong

One of the many aspects that make Gåte — pronounced “gah-tey”, a Norwegian word meaning “the entrance of a labyrinth” — the menu is sustainably and locally sourced. All dishes include at least one ingredient grown on estate, and all other ingredients are locally sourced to ensure maximum freshness and to support the local communities. With its prominent notes of green apple, honey oats, biscuit, and lime, and tiny, persistently rising bubbles, the Quoin Rock Black Series MCC (2014), along with mouthfuls of the chef’s twist on a pumpkin pie, makes the visit even more worth the while.

Among the invited guests joining Yuliya Gaiduk, architect of the magnificent contemporary facilities, were producer and business owner Carol Bouwer, IWC country head Este Potgieter, new IWC ambassador, fashion and beauty blogger Kamo Mafokwane, Philippa Schoeman marketing head Quoin Rock Wine Estate and Yvonne Shaff, GM luxury at Arena Holdings.

Guests at Quoin Rock Wine Estate.
Guests at Quoin Rock Wine Estate.
Image: Nina Zimolong
Guests at Quoin Wine Estate.
Guests at Quoin Wine Estate.
Image: Nina Zimolong
Fashion and beauty blogger Kamo Mafokwane.
Fashion and beauty blogger Kamo Mafokwane.
Image: Nina Zimolong

Many watch lovers around the world may view IWC as a male-oriented brand, but the Schaffhausen-based manufacturer has been producing beautiful watches for women throughout its history. In line with vintage trends and a celebration of its brand icons, IWC is once again making smaller case sizes, thus enabling watches to be more unisex.

The big focus this year for IWC is its 85-year legacy of aviation watches. And while even the traditional men’s Pilot’s are downsizing, there’s also a new 41mm Pilot’s Chronograph, a 40mm Pilot MK XVIII and Pilot’s Automatic 36mm, which are very popular among women who are not scared to stand out in the crowd.

Guests at Quoin Wine Estate.
Guests at Quoin Wine Estate.
Image: Nina Zimolong
Guests at Quoin Wine Estate.
Guests at Quoin Wine Estate.
Image: Nina Zimolong

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adding to the incredible offering this month from the manufacture that has been creating masterpieces for over 150 years, the Portofino Chronograph is now also available in a 39mm case size, with a cleaner profile. It is an even more elegant interpretation of one of its most dressy chronographs. Three stainless steel references are available in either a black, green or silver-plated dial, with subdials at 6 and 12 o’clock for a balanced layout. Inside beats the Calibre 79350 mechanical chronograph movement ensuring reliability and practicality with the added benefit of its 44-hour power reserve. 

Demonstrating its commitment to a better world, IWC’s new HQ in Schaffhausen is powered by 100% renewable energy. The company also has a Sustainability committee to manage its social and environmental impacts and set its sustainability targets and activities. The committee provides a detailed review of its work in IWC’s Sustainability report, with a traceable, measurable roadmap of action over two-year cycles. 

Sustainability is a buzzword just now, so greenwashing monitors have to help consumers cut through marketing nonsense. IWC is, however, among the few watch brands to receive the Positive Luxury company’s Butterfly Mark, the ethical equivalent of a royal seal, as a “Luxury Brand to Trust” for successfully managing its “triple bottom line” involving profit, people, and planet. 

So charge your flutes with Black Series MCC and drink a toast to the women piloting the way to a better planet.  

* This article was paid for by IWC and Quoin Rock Wine Estate.

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