This weekend, IWC brings its Big Pilot Roadshow to Sydney. And if you love watches, then it’s an activation and experience you should check out.
We were privileged to attend the opening party of IWC’s Big Pilot Roadshow on Thursday night and the full Big Pilot Roadshow experience yesterday, Friday. Sydney Harbour is the backdrop for the Roadshow and provides the perfect place for the Schaffhausen brand to show off their Pilot’s collection.
IWC sure know how to throw an event, and the opening of the Big Pilot Roadshow was no different. Australian actor Dan MacPherson, perhaps best known for his role as Joel in Neighbours, was the guest speaker on the night. Australian artist Illy had guests dancing to several of his hit songs. It was a fantastic night!
Dan MacPherson and Quentin Chalier 
Illy performing some of his hit songs
We were also given a great experience the next day with a tour of Sydney Harbour on the IWC Pardo 43, IWC’s chauffeur service for event guests. On a beautiful sunny day, it’s the only way to see the harbour! And what better partner on the wrist than the IWC Pilot’s Chronograph Ceratanium!
The Details
The IWC Big Pilot Roadshow is on until the 27th of August, located at the Overseas Passenger Terminal at Circular Quay. It allows watch enthusiasts to get intimate with the pilot’s collection from IWC. You’ll get to understand what’s gone into making the timepieces and try on some great pieces. Guests can expect an interactive experience with an immersion into the world of IWC history, hospitality, and culture.
The high-tech booth is designed to resemble industrial shipping containers and brings IWC to life. It tells the story of the Big Pilot Watch, evolving from a functional aviation timepiece to a cultural icon today, inspiring creators across the arts, fashion, photography and design. Each experience goes for 30 minutes and is limited to two people per spot. Whilst it’s open to the public, it’s best if you register via their registration portal HERE. There are spots left, but they’re filling up fast, so register quickly!
What You Can Expect
On arrival, you’re greeted by the concierge at the entrance, ensuring everything runs smoothly for the guests. If you get there early, you can grab a coffee from the IWC Café and enjoy the stunning Sydney Harbour Views from the waiting lounge.
Greeted by the concierge 
Take a seat and relax before the experience starts
Once the experience commences, you’re taken on a one-on-one experience with IWC, where you’re able to get a better understanding of the materials that go into their watches, specifically the Big Pilot, Pilot’s Chronographs and the Colours Of Top Gun range, such as the Mohave Desert, Lake Tahoe and Woodland models. There’s even a cool slider to see which strap or bracelet will go with your IWC timepiece – something every boutique needs!
Guest enjoying the experience 
Not sure on what strap to choose? IWC has you ccovered!
You’ll also get a brief history of the brand’s partnership with Mercedes AMG, including the newest Mercedes-AMG SL-Class 2023 model, which, as you can see, is a very cool car!
In addition, there is a showcase of the #IWCRACING collaboration timepieces across the IWC x Mercedes-AMG Pilot’s chronograph collection, such as the online exclusive IWC Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One™ Team Edition Chronograph in the Mercedes F1 Turquoise colour.
And before you leave, you’ll be able to try your hand at assembling and disassembling an IWC movement with one of their watchmakers. If you’ve not done something like this before, we recommend you try this, as you’ll undoubtedly gain a deeper appreciation for the art and skill of watchmaking!
“We are delighted to offer guests a private and personalised tour through our IWC Big Pilot Roadshow in Sydney this year. It is an exciting showcase of the IWC spirit and allows us to provide an interactive experience, highlighting our Pilot’s collection, with some of the most desired and distinguished timepieces in the world”
Quentin Chalier, IWC Schaffhausen Brand Manager Australia and New Zealand.
Movement display 
Case Engineering display
After you’re done with the experience, you can sit and relax back at the lounge area and enjoy another coffee or cool drink, not to mention the harbour views, should you have nowhere else to be. If you’re interested in seeing and trying on more IWC timepieces, then head back up to the city to the IWC Boutique located at Shop 2, 84 King Street, where the staff can assist you with the full range of watches in the collections.
The IWC Big Pilot Roadshow is now on in Sydney, located at the Overseas Passenger Terminal at Circular Quay. It runs from the 24th to the 27th of August and is open daily to the public. However, appointments are recommended to avoid disappointment.
To register for the IWC Big Pilot Roadshow, click here.
