We sat down with IWC’s Design Director, Christian Knoop, to discuss the brand’s Watches and Wonders 2026 novelties from the Pilot’s Watch Venturer Vertical Drive created for Vast’s manned spaceflight mission to models inspired by The Little Prince.
This year, IWC Schaffhausen’s exhibition stand at Watches and Wonders Geneva 2026 proved every bit as captivating as the watches themselves. On one side stood an immersive installation dedicated to The Little Prince, the timeless literary masterpiece by French aviator and writer Antoine de Saint-Exupéry; on the other, a striking digital display depicting a spacecraft drifting through the depths of space. From the very moment visitors stepped into the stand, they were transported into the universe of IWC’s latest creations.
Naturally, this distinctive design language extended far beyond the booth itself. Seamlessly blending high horology with engineering, IWC presented its new timepieces through a compelling aesthetic vision where functionality and form existed in perfect harmony. To explore these novelties in greater depth, we met with Christian Knoop to discuss both his personal connection to watchmaking and the design philosophy behind IWC’s timepieces.
Before discussing novelties, I would like to ask how your journey with watchmaking first began?
My background is industrial design. Before joining IWC Schaffhausen, I have worked on various products like consumer electronics, furniture, industrial products or even aircraft interiors. What fascinates me about the watch industry is that mechanical watches are highly emotional products. As soon as I start talking to customers, collectors, or friends about mechanical timepieces, they all share their personal and often touching stories about the watches they own. No other product I have worked with has anywhere near the same emotional power. Working with a product that has such an impact and meaning for the lives of our customers, is satisfying and fascinating at the same time.
Can you tell us the key steps while creating a timepiece?
Every development project starts with an idea, followed by the first sketch, a drawing, or a rendering. Watch design, in general, has changed fundamentally in recent years. Some decades ago, a designer and a watchmaker were the only people involved. Nowadays, there are many more disciplines: designers, movement and case engineers, material scientists, product management, marketing and sales, after-sales, and purchasing. The fact that you have all these people around the table not only makes the process more complicated but also contributes to a far better product. The process then goes from prototyping to serial production, followed by extensive testing and quality control.
