Some of the most exclusive classic cars racing on a snowy surface? On a frozen lake even? What sounds impossible, is actually an annual event in Switzerland: The ICE St. Moritz! Let's join the IWC Racing Team and their 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL “Gullwing” for an unforgettable weekend.

The ICE St. Moritz

The ICE St. Moritz has been created to enjoy driving, showing and watching some of the world’s most exciting motor cars in the unlikely environment of the frozen lake. The idea first came in mind in the mid-Eighties and it took many years to make it true.

It is a very different event, a refreshing concours. A completely magical environment where drivers, collectors, and just plain car enthusiasts enjoy a late winter day in the sunshine, surrounded by the landscape and atmosphere that only St. Moritz, at the top of the world, is able to offer.

For more than a century, St. Moritz has developed its unique formula that has drawn generations of enthusiastic tourists: a cosmopolitan mix of nature, exclusiveness, sports, and luxury. One of the pillars of this philosophy is the Cresta Run. Here, people from all over the world come together with the goal of speeding down an icy track.

In January 1985, a group of British Cresta Run Members, led by Scotsman Keith Schellenberg, drove to St. Moritz to enjoy the run. To make things more interesting, they decided to drive their vintage open Bentleys. When in St. Moritz, they saw the frozen lake and decided to do some laps on the horse racing track in their glorious sixty-year-old chariots. In that moment, the idea of The ICE was born. It then took some 34 years, until the first edition could take place.

IWC Schaffhausen

One of the key partners of The ICE St. Moritz is its official timekeeper IWC Schaffhausen. The innovative company is deeply rooted in American pioneering spirit and entrepreneurship. Florentine Ariosto Jones, a watchmaker from Boston, founds the International Watch Company in 1868. He draws on the help of eminently qualified Swiss watchmakers, modern technology, and hydro-power sourced from the nearby River Rhine to manufacture pocket watch movements of the highest possible quality.

IWC launches the first “Special Pilot’s Watch” in 1936. In 1939, the Portuguese watch is born: two importers from Portugal order a series of large wristwatches with high-precision pocket watch calibers. In response to demand, IWC develops in 1940 the Big Pilot’s Watch 52 T.S.C. with a central seconds hand. It features a rotating bezel with an arrowhead index that can be used to register take-off times. It is also fitted with an anti-magnetic escapement.

For racing, the IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 is the perfect choice. It comes in a robust stainless steel case and is equipped with the reliable self-winding 69385 Calibre. This IWC-manufactured movement offers up to 46 hours of power reserve.

IWC Racing

In 2018, the brand founded a motorsport team, becoming the first watch brand to compete in classic car races with its own team and car. Since then, the IWC Racing Team has contested select historic racing events in its chosen car: The 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL “Gullwing”.

One of the most iconic sports cars ever built, the “Gullwing” dates back to the time when IWC’s watchmakers designed the first Ingenieur. With its characteristic doors reminiscent of a seagull’s wings, it was manufactured by Daimler-Benz between 1954 and 1957 as a road ready version of the 300 SL racing car. Motor racing enthusiasts are very passionate about the “Gullwing”, and it perfectly embodies IWC’s core values of style, quality, originality and outstanding craftsmanship.

Born in Salzburg in 1991, Laura Kraihamer joined the IWC racing family in 2021. She made her debut for the IWC Racing Team at the occasion of the 78th Goodwood Members’ Meeting. At the wheel of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL “Gullwing”, Kraihamer raced in the Stirling Moss Trophy. We're excited to see her race at The ICE St Moritz this year!

Kulm Country Club

A special highlight of The ICE St. Moritz is the exclusive dinner hosted for collectors by IWC Schaffhausen. It is held at the Kulm Country Club. At this spot on 11 February 1928, top athletes and celebrities gathered, including film legend Charlie Chaplin and US President Calvin Coolidge. They followed the action on the ice rink in front of the pavilion from the finely carved arched windows. These beautifully carved windows are still as attractive today following the recent renovations to this architectural gem. The original Art Deco and wood was preserved.

One floor down, on the ground floor, is the heart of the Kulm Country Club. During the 1928 Olympic Winter Games, guests, locals, and athletes stomped through the large circular arch in the entrance area. These Games were the first official Olympic Winter Games. Visitors were proud to arrive in in St. Moritz driving their new Bugatti Royale or Mercedes-Benz Type S: the superlative hand-built vehicles of the 1920s. The ice rink of the Kulm Country Club soon became a landmark meeting point both for guests and locals in St. Moritz. Those who did not dare to put on ice skates watched the figure skaters – the social highlight at the winter sports resort in 1928.

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After a break last year, we are back in St. Moritz for White Turf 2022! The thrilling horse race on the frozen Lake St. Moritz is a major event. But not just one with Champagne on ice for the rich and beautiful. It is an annual event where race-horse owners, trainers and jockeys from all over the world meet up as well as being an unmissable fixture on the calendar for local people. Let's dive into this fascinating world - together with Longines!

White Turf 2022

Thanks to perfect weather, as well as impeccable snow and ice conditions on Lake St. Moritz, 9'000 spectators made their way to the lake on this beautiful Sunday. After the first flat race, one of the first highlights takes place: The Credit Suisse skijoring. Praetorius, one of the favorites, loses his rider right at the start. Vienna Woods takes advantage and wins easily against Sociopath.

Up next is the GP Longines. Here, the horses compete in a flat race over 1'800 metres. Jockey Sibylle Vogt immediately takes the lead with Mordred and never relinquishes it. The Hungarian guest Arktisz comes in second ahead of Nimrod, a former winner of the Grand Prix of St. Moritz.

Exciting Novelties from Longines

The evening before the White Turf, Longines CEO Matthias Breschan gives us an overview of Longines novelties to be released in 2022. Among them will be new Legend Diver models. We are really excited to share more with you soon. We can already tell you that the brand will continue to build on its rich history and release some amazing timepieces that are inspired by Longines' past. Stay tuned for more!

Exploring St. Moritz

Once again we are lucky enough to spend a few days at the wonderful Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski St. Moritz while attending the White Turf. Set in an iconic 1864 building, this five-star hotel combines European luxury, excellent service and world-class events in the Swiss Alps. In a breathtaking mountain setting, we can recharge and relax while being close to nature and the frozen lake.

While we are here, we explore the Swiss winter wonderland with the Range Rover Velar. There are so many wonderful things to discover around St. Moritz. From snow-covered mountains to rivers with clear water and historic buildings.

Do you want to discover exclusive Longines timepieces? Then we recommend you to visit their new flagship boutique in Geneva!

The Swiss watch brand OMEGA is updating its iconic Speedmaster family with seven new timepieces that are part of the Speedmaster Chronoscope collection. The timepieces take inspiration from OMEGA’s chronograph wristwatches from the 1940s. Let's discover these novelties together!

Hands-on with the Omega Speedmaster Chronoscope

With the Speedmaster Chronoscope, OMEGA is returning its vintage roots and rich history. The leaf-shaped hands and three “snail” timing scales on the dial give these watches a clear link to 1940s watchmaking. There’s also an elegant addition of a “spiral” track pattern that runs beneath the Arabic numerals. We love how the style is very similar to the spiralling subdials one finds on most Speedmaster models.

Attached to each 43 mm case, the watches can either be worn on leather straps or the new Speedmaster steel bracelets. These polished-brushed stainless steel bracelets have already won our hearts. We love OMEGA’s patented comfort release adjustment system.

Surprisingly, a new calibre has been developed for this collection of Speedmaster watches. Through the sapphire crystal on the caseback, owners can view the manual-winding OMEGA Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 9908. Now let's get to the functionalities of the watch. Printed in a 1940s “snail” design, each dial reveals a three different scales for measuring. But what exactly?

What to measure with the Speedmaster Chronoscope

Tachymeter - The Chronoscope can tell how fast you are going, based on how far you have travelled. As the scale measures the average travel time between two specific points, it makes no difference whether the journey is in miles of kilometers.

Telemeter - With a simple two-step process, OMEGA's precision tool can tell you exactly how far you are from something that is visible and audible, such as a lightning storm.

Pulsometer - Too slow, too fast, or just right? Thanks to this 30-pulse-per-minute scale, you can measure your own or someone else's heartbeat.

The Artworth Favorites

Among the seven watches of the new OMEGA Speedmaster Chronoscope collection, we love two models in particular. Let's have a closer look at them!

Bronze Gold on Leather

The first model has been crafted in OMEGA’s exclusive Bronze Gold. Not only does this one-of-a-kind material deliver a beautiful pink hue, but it also offers incomparable corrosion-resistance. The classic look is completed with a brown leather strap, a polished brown ceramic bezel with a “vintage” enamel tachymeter scale, and an oxidized bronze dial with a special patina and opaline finish. This Reference 329.92.43.51.10.001 is beautiful, right?

Blue Dial on Steel

The other one is crafted in stainless steel with a blue dial with silvery subdials. Along with a blue anodized aluminium bezel ring with its tachymeter scale, the leaf-shaped hands and Arabic numerals are rhodium-plated. Finally, the new Speedmaster bracelet rounds off this Reference 329.30.43.51.03.001 wonderfully!

Do you want to learn more about OMEGA? Then read this article about their museum in Biel/Bienne, Switzerland.

Longines has just opened their new flagship boutique on the iconic Rue du Rhône in Geneva. For the first time, there is a space dedicated to professionally restored and certified vintage Longines timepieces. Let’s explore it together!

A fresh Start in Genève

We walk from the train station down to the beautiful Rhône River and cross it. Soon we arrive at the corner of Rue du Rhône and Place de Fusterie. Here, the new flagship boutique of the brand with the winged hourglass is located. A carefully curated selection of Longines timepieces can already be admired through the large windows of the boutique. Its different displays honor the brand’s different collections. When entering, we dive into the universe of the brand. A refined and sophisticated interior design awaits us. The mix of materials and colors is very well executed. It ranges from wood to elegant marble.

In terms of watch models, the boutique offers a great selection of many timepieces from all the current collections. They are beautifully presented between accessories and decorations linked to Longines’ rich history. Shopping here is a true experience!

The Longines Collector’s Corner

Since we are very fond of the history of the brand, we love to discover the new “Collector’s Corner”. It is the first time that Longines has dedicated space in boutique to vintage timepieces. The ones on display are carefully curated. Most are from the collectible eras of the 1950s and 1960s. They come with in-house manufacture movements and were serviced by the brand’s skilled watchmakers in St Imier.

We are very pleased to see Longines embracing its rich history with their involvement in aviation, adventure, and equestrian sports. Since there are many Longines enthusiasts and collectors, the new boutique is bound to be the place for like-minded people to meet and share their passion about the watches from the brand with the winged hourglass.

We leave the boutique with the desire to get a new timepiece. But should it be one of the new models like The Longines Spirit or a beautifully restored vintage timepiece? There is still time to decide. In the meantime, have a look at this article if you want to learn more about Longines.

Great watches have stories that never end, they just get better with time. That’s why we decided to invite some of our Instagram followers to spend an unforgettable evening at the newly opened Bucherer Gallery in Bern. Here, like-minded ladies and gentlemen discovered the fascinating world of certified pre-owned watches and many more. For the event we check in at the Hotel Schweizerhof Bern. Let us give you a glimpse behind the scences!

Staying at the Hotel Schweizerhof Bern

We arrive in Bern a day before the event to handle all the preparations. Hence, we check in at the Schweizerhof Bern Hotel & Spa. Rich in tradition, this iconic hotel has been welcoming guests from all over the world since 1859. Ever since, they made sure that guests experience an unforgettable stay in the heart of Switzerland’s charming capital city. One of the premier hotels in Bern, the Schweizerhof Bern offers five-star luxury and comfort, as well as the most exclusive spa in town.

The Schweizerhof Bern offers 99 charming rooms & suites, that are all elegantly furnished. It is truly a luxurious, five-star accommodation that strikes the perfect balance between flawless & functional. For us this is the ideal home-base for our event preparations.

Enjoying Culinary Delights

From signature cocktails to fine dining, there is much to enjoy at the Schweizerhof Bern Hotel & Spa. The iconic Jack's Brasserie with 14 Gault Millau points is a particularly nice place. It is well-known in Bern and is said to offer the very best Wienerschnitzel in town. People looking for a fine dining experience won't be disappointed either. The in-house brasserie-style restaurant offers a classic menu featuring seasonal and modern interpreted Brasserie dishes using regional ingredients. Dining here is a real treat for us!

Once the event preparations are done, we settle down at the Lobby-Lounge-Bar. Here, signature cocktails & light meals are awaiting us. We once again realize that The Schweizerhof Bern is an unrivaled destination for food & drink in Switzerland's capital city. That's also true for cigars. Their Cigar Lounge offers a wide, carefully curated selected range of cigars. An outstanding variety of selected spirits is also on available with helpful staff ready to recommend the ideal pairing to enjoy in a stylish atmosphere.

The Artworth at Bucherer Event

Inspired by the spirit of a concept store, Bucherer has launched the new Bucherer Gallery concept. At selected Bucherer boutiques, entire floors are dedicated to the creation of an exclusive environment filled with inspiring events for design and watch aficionados. The latest opening of a Bucherer Gallery took place here in Bern. The ideal place to host our second ARTWORTH AT BUCHERER event.

The evening is dedicated to certified pre-owned watches. These are timepieces that already have an exciting history and are looking to be worn and enjoyed further. Bucherer has an excellent offering in that category. Aficionados can find sought-after models like the Rolex GMT-Master II, Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso or Omega Speedmaster. All in different variations!

While talking about watches, our guests get spoiled with an outstanding catering by the talented team of the Hotel Schweizerhof Bern. They treat us to salmon tartar with caviar, foie gras parfait and much more. With it, we enjoy excellent champagne by Veuve Clicquot. Wine enthusiast Sandro Sarbach from the Maison even lets us taste the rare cuvée La Grande Dame 2008. What a delight!

There is also an "Italian Corner" at the event. Here, our tailor Monogramme is presenting some of the latest trends in men's fashion. Next to him, guests can enjoy a Negroncino. Cheers!

The next morning, we enjoy a rich breakfast at Jack's Brasserie. Time to reflect on the past night. It was amazing to have met so many like-minded people. We can't wait to host another ARTWORTH AT BUCHERER event soon. Where should we come next after Zurich and Bern. Let us know here!

The success of Geneva Watch Days 2020 has encouraged its founding and associated brands to organise the event again in 2021 with a very similar format. Reason enough for us to travel to Geneva and identify some notable novelties for you. Here are three watches which caught our attention this year. Enjoy!

Greubel Forsey's GMT Earth Final Edition

Greubel Forsey has unveiled the third and final interpretation of their magnificent GMT Earth at this year's Geneva Watch Days. This unique and now even more modern creation features a new titanium case with an intense black finish on the movement. It is a limited edition of only 11 pieces. How do you like it?

ORIS introduces Upcycling to its Aquis Date

Independent watchmaker ORIS has presented an interesting novelty in Geneva this year. Their popular Aquis Date comes now with a special dial made from recycled PET plastic. They deliberately opted for random patterns, meaning no two dials are the same. This new Aquis Date Upcycle comes in a 41.5mm case and is part of the brand's "Change for the better" initiative. Additionally, ORIS also announced a partnership with the Swiss cleantech startup #tide ocean SA to battle the world’s ocean plastic crisis. Way to go!

Bianchet launches with the Tourbillon B1.618

Switzerland-based Bianchet is one of the new kids on the block. Four years ago, they started their endeavor to create a tourbillon inside a tonneau-shaped sports watch. Their design is inspired by the Italian mathematician Fibonacci and its iconic golden number 1.618 which can be recognized in the shape of the watches.

The Tourbillon B1.618 Openwork is crafted from a unique blend of carbon, rubber and titanium. It is powered by a tourbillon movement manufactured in the Swiss Jura. Limited to only 21 pieces, this is definitely one of the more interesting new releases at this year's Geneva Watch Days.

About the Geneva Watch Days

The Geneva Watch Days is an annual "phygital" event that is global, decentralised, self-managed and open to the public. It brings together a group of some 20 brands representing the art of horology in various hotels, manufactures and boutiques in the world’s watchmaking capital. Originally, it was launched by a pool of Founding Benefactor Brands including Bvlgari, Breitling, Greubel Forsey, H. Moser & Cie., MB&F, and others.

Did you miss this year's Watches & Wonders? Then read this article about some of the most fascinating new releases of the 2021 edition.

There are only few watch brands with a rich history, countless technical innovations and a wide range of products suitable for literally every occasion. Longines is definitely one of them. Let us show you three watches by the brand from St.-Imier for every occasion. Let's go!

The Longines Legend Diver Watch

Longines has been a name long associated with sport. Hence, it is only fitting that it brings its expertise to diving. It all began in 1937, when water-resistance became a quality criterion in watchmaking. Back then, Longines developed a watch case with water-resistant push-pieces for its renowned 13ZN caliber.

Some of these flagship pieces have since been re-issued as part of an “immersion in heritage”. This includes The Longines Legend Diver Watch, released in 2007. It is based on the iconic Longines Reference 7042. It gained recognition as a refined timepiece offering a perfect balance between design and functionality. We love how the latest versions of The Longines Legend Diver Watch conserve this spirit. They offer the same pure lines of the original timepiece. On top, they also feature up-to-date technical characteristics, such as a box-shaped sapphire glass, two screw-in crowns and a screw-down case back. The decent water-resistance of 300 meters is complemented by an automatic movement with a silicon spring-balance.

The Longines Legend Diver Watch is now also available in beautifully coloured versions. The blue or brown shaded dial features luminous hands, hour markers interspersed with luminescent squares and Arab numerals enhanced with Super-LumiNova® rectangles for optimum visibility. A reminder of the codes of the sport for which this watch was originally intended. And just like on the original model, the 42 mm case back is decorated with an embossed emblem of a diver. A structured blue or brown leather strap matches the colour of the dial. For us, these are the perfect timepieces for a day on the lake - of course spent in style!

The Longines Spirit

Longines watches and devices have contributed to a number of pioneering achievements thanks to their reliability, precision, strength and innovation. Not only in diving. They have accompanied exploratory expeditions to unknown shores, confronted extreme weather conditions, sailed across the seas, and took part in the opening of new air routes and the setting of aviation records. Longines Spirit timepieces breathe new life into this rich heritage. Linking history with innovation, they take traditional features from pilot’s watches and combine them with contemporary lines and codes for a decisively contemporary and exacting look.

The collection’s newest addition features an elegant green dial. Being a three-hand model, it also comes with a calendar complication. We love how it comes in both 40mm and 42 mm to fit different tastes. The new colour combines with the Super-LumiNova® beige and lends the model a vintage touch. With the dial’s sandblasted finish creating a fashionable metallic sheen. Contemporary in character but rich in history, it sustains the pioneering spirit that has driven Longines since its very beginnings.

Powered by the exclusive automatic calibres (L888.4) with silicon balance-spring, the Longines Spirit watches are equipped with cutting-edge technology. Each has been chronometer-certified by the COSC (the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute). What we love in particular about these watches is their versatility. They will look good on the wrist from dusk till dawn. From going for a coffee to driving with your favorite car or going on a date a night: The Longines Spirit will always be on point!

One man that embodied Longines' pioneer spirit was Howard Hughes. You can read his story here.

The Longines Master Collection

As a traditional watchmaking company, Longines has been producing exceptional timepieces since the very beginning. Today, the Longines Master Collection is the perfect illustration of this corporate ethos. All watches from this collection are fitted with self-winding movements. Within this family, many special features are offered. One of them is the moon-phase complication. It embodies the classic elegance, excellent quality and savoir-faire of the brand.

On this particular model, the signature silver "barleycorn" dial is complemented wonderfully by a set of blued steel hands. Right above 6 o'clock, the beautifully-made moon-phase complication is set. It also features an integrated calendar function. Coming with a 42mm steel case, it also features a transparent case with sapphire crystal. This addition to the Longines Master Collection comes on both an elegant brown alligator strap and on a sporty steel bracelet. Which model do you prefer?

No matter which one you choose, it will look great on the wrist while having dinner at an upscale restaurant or enjoying a glass of champagne like at The Dolder Grand in Zurich. Cheers!

Whether stories from the moon, precision records, deep-sea adventures or cinema spectacles with well-dressed agents, there is much to discover at the OMEGA Museum. Let us give you a tour!

Discovering the OMEGA Museum

Situated on the river Suze is the CITÉ DU TEMPS. Designed by world-renowned architect Shigeru Ban, this building combines the exclusive and luxurious character of OMEGA with the playful style of SWATCH. The CITÉ DU TEMPS is also home to the OMEGA Museum, which builds a bridge between the past, present and future of the watch manufacture in Biel/Bienne. From stories of space travel to precision records, deep-sea adventures and cinematic spectacles to charming agents, there is much to discover in the OMEGA Museum. Through the interactive design of the exhibition, both visual and audio, visitors will experience OMEGA's philosophy and dedication to detail first hand.

Diving into the World of OMEGA

At the museum, OMEGA leaves no aspect of the company's exciting history unexplored and invites visitors to immerse themselves in the OMEGA universe. Have you ever felt like a top athlete at the Olympic Games? No? Then it's high time you took to the tartan track in the museum and prepared for the start. Or have you ever sat in a moon rover, rescued the NASA team or operated an oversized clockwork? This and much more awaits you at the OMEGA Museum.

If you want to take a look at OMEGA's new watches and experience the new store concept, you can do so afterwards in the new OMEGA Boutique next door.

Do you want to learn more about OMEGA? Then read this article about our visit at their manufacture in Biel/Bienne.

We have exciting news for the watch enthusiasts among our readership. For the first time, we are now offering watch rolls on our webshop - ideal for your next holidays. Read on to learn more!

AW Leather Duo Watch Roll

For our first-ever watch roll, we wanted a design that looks classy but is also practical. Hence, our team opted for a roll that can hold two timepieces with an exterior made from matte textured deer grain leather in marbled navy blue color. Meanwhile, the interior is lined with finest suede-like Alcantara. This material offers maximum protection against scratches and is very pleasant to touch as well. The AW Watch Roll is equipped with oval cushions on which the two watches are placed securely. To make the handling easier, they snap in and out of the case. Like this, you can easily fasten a watch’s bracelet around the cushions. On the outside, the case is secured via an external snap closure. The Artworth branding is stamped in the middle of the external flap adding some extra elegance.

Handmade in Italy

To ensure a very high-quality, we have teamed up with sourcing specialists. They have contracted highly skilled artisans from the Piedmont region in Northern Italy to handcraft our AW Watch Rolls. The traditional manufacturing processes involving unique savoir-faire makes them truly special. Because each AW Watch Roll is handmade, we only offer a limited quantity of 30 pieces. Make sure to get yours here before they are sold out!

A digital safe for luxury watches? Adresta has just launched an app in the Android and iOS app stores which allows one to securely store and manage watches, using blockchain technology. But how does it work?

All relevant Data at your Fingertips

With the new Adresta app, watch owners can easily record their timepieces, create wish- and waiting lists and receive the latest news from the world of watches. Pictures and documents, such as the receipt and certificate of authenticity, can be attached to the created digital watch twin. Recurring events such as services can be added as well and reminders can be set. Should one want to sell its watch, the authenticity, condition and complete ownership history can be looked up and handed over to the new owner.

Adresta, a spin-off of ETH Zurich and Helvetia Insurance, uses the latest technologies to document the life cycle of a watch. In the future, watch owners will be able to book a service or repair in their vicinity with a certified partner. During this process they will be kept up to date on the progress in real time. Next, the startup will integrate the already launched watch insurance, which can be signed up for digitally, into the app. This will allow users to insure their watch in just a few clicks. In the event of a service, theft or loss, the user always has all the relevant documents safely at hand in their Adresta watch safe.

But what about privacy? Users on the Adresta app have sovereignty over their data. It is only shared with the respective brands or service providers at the request of the watch owner. However, watch owners can still make their collection public using a handle similar to Instagram. What we love about the app is, that it was developed in close exchange with the company's own watch community. At Artworth, we even got to test the beta version.

More Security and Transparency for Watch Purchases

When a new watch is purchased from an Adresta partner, all information is also transmitted digitally to the Adresta app. This means that user manuals, receipts or catalogues no longer have to be printed. While the buyer gets insight into the history of the watch, brands can communicate directly with the owners and relevant documents are safely stored encrypted on the blockchain. Since a watch can also be digitally recorded during a service or a sale, Adresta also allows owners to get a certification of their watch directly in the app. Cool, right?

If you are interested in buying one of our vintage OMEGA watches on our store. We are happy to offer you a certificate of authenticity by Adresta for free!