As much as I try to pretend that winter isn’t here yet, the signs are everywhere to be seen. You can see it in the festive decorations in town centres, the inclement weather and the fact that watch brands are launching their winter collaborations. Earlier this month Zenith launched their Defy Classic x Fusalp and now it’s the turn of IWC who have collaborated with Faction on the Studio 1 IWC Collab Ltd. skis.
To be clear, unlike the Zenith, this launch is entirely about the skis – there’s no new timepiece. Instead, the limited edition freestyle skis come with an offer on the IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Lake Tahoe Edition which was launched earlier this year.
The Studio 1 IWC Collab Ltd. skis are built to the same specification as those used by double Olympic champion and IWC ambassador Eileen Gu. Which means they have a wooden core made from sustainably source poplar and ash with a carbon rubber reinforcement under the binding for protection from heavy landings.
IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Top Gun Edition “Lake Tahoe”
Aesthetically, they have a tone-on-tone white top sheet with a black base, matching the colourway of the Lake Tahoe. The logos of both Faction and IWC can be found across the skis with special attention paid to the IWC and Lake Tahoe insignias on the top sheet, which have been applied with luminescent paint, a first for Faction. It means they’ll glow green in the dark, looking awesome for a session of night skiing and paying homage to the watch’s lume.
The skis are limited to 55 pairs in two sizes, 25x171cm and 30x178cm, and when purchasing the skis, you’ll be offered the chance to purchase the limited availability IWC Lake Tahoe at the same time. The skis are priced at £609, which in addition to the watch makes the whole package near enough a round £10,000.
Studio 1 IWC Collab Ltd. skis available at Faction. IWC Pilots Watch Chronograph Top Gun Edition “Lake Tahoe” available at IWC.
