MAKING AN ECO EFFORT
Franziska Gsell believes that there’s always more to be done when it comes to sustainability.
The watch she wears every day
I like the new Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41. It’s compact, so it’s super easy to wear when I’m running around. Mine has the blue dial, so it works well with most of my outfits, but it also features the new EasX-Change system that allows me to choose between different straps.
Her favourite watch and jewellery
I was born and raised in Schaffhausen, and the first watch I was gifted was an IWC. My godmother gave it to me when I turned 18. I particularly like jewellery with bees, flowers and plenty of colour. They remind me about how precious life is. For my first Mother’s Day, my baby son ‘gave’ me a ring with a tiny flower on it. When I wear it, I always think of that day.
Celebrating milestones with a watch
We have watches, made over 150 years ago, that are still keeping time. That longevity is something extraordinary that can’t be replicated. Nowadays, much of what we buy can be transient and temporary, so a luxury watch represents something entirely different.
Men’s vs women’s watches
IWC founder F.A. Jones started constructing prototypes for women’s pocket watches as early as the mid-1870s. We have always created reduced case diameter watches, but nowadays, we don’t like to classify our collections or styles as being made for one particular gender. We much prefer to think in terms of our design categories.
On IWC and sustainability
All mechanical watches are inherently sustainable – as long as they’re made responsibly. They are designed and carefully crafted to
last forever, with no built-in obsolescence. IWC strives to honour that by championing sustainability in how we make our watches. IWC – and I personally – care and want to go above and beyond the mainstream to impact and add value to society positively. We are constantly exploring opportunities to adopt innovative, environmentally friendly materials for items such as watch straps.
Being a mother and a woman in leadership The balance between being a parent and a leader in business is a tricky one. At IWC, we are very proactive in ensuring that the company is working for the employees as effectively as they work for us. We want to optimise their experience, providing an environment that respects their work-life balance, and support flexible/parttime work for all staff.
Favourite sustainable fashion brand Comme Moi is one of my favourite places for clothes. I feel every piece that fashion entrepreneur (and former supermodel, who is also an IWC brand ambassador) Lu Yan designs reflects her own pure and uncomplicated style. Her clothes empower you to manage those multifaceted roles with ease.