IWC Schaffhausen Steals the Spotlight at the European Premiere of F1: The Movie

While the world is gearing up for F1: The Movie to hit screens with high-octane drama and speed-fueled storytelling, one brand quietly clocked the win before the engines even roared — IWC Schaffhausen.

Known for fusing technical innovation with timeless aesthetics, the Swiss luxury watchmaker brought precision and polish to London’s Cineworld Leicester Square during the European premiere of F1: The Movie — and yes, all eyes were on the wrists.

Leading man Damson Idris, who plays the film’s central role, arrived in nothing short of cinematic gold — quite literally. He wore the IWC Ingenieur Automatic 35 (Ref. IW324903), a watch crafted entirely from 18-carat 5N gold. A bold yet elegant nod to motorsport heritage, the piece perfectly mirrored his role as the charismatic face of the film and the next-generation style icon.

Equally scene-stealing was legendary composer Hans Zimmer, who chose the IWC Portugieser Eternal Calendar (Ref. IW505701) — a timepiece that doesn’t just keep up with time, it outsmarts it. As IWC’s first secular perpetual calendar, it speaks to Zimmer’s mastery of timeless sound and complex layering.

Completing the stylish trio, Bridgerton star Simone Ashley also wore the Ingenieur Automatic 35, proving that precision engineering and contemporary glamour can absolutely share the same wrist. Her choice echoed a rising movement: women embracing pieces once considered traditionally masculine, redefined through intention and elegance.

As F1: The Movie brings motorsport mythology into the pop culture mainstream, IWC’s presence at the premiere cements its position not just in watchmaking, but in the broader conversation around heritage, engineering, and contemporary luxury. IWC’s longstanding relationship with Formula 1™ and Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One™ Team has already aligned the brand with speed, innovation, and performance. But moments like this remind us it's just as comfortable on a red carpet as it is in the pit lane.

And it’s not just about style. With a legacy that dates back to 1868, IWC continues to lead in sustainable luxury, pioneering materials like Ceratanium®, colored ceramics, and titanium aluminide, while championing transparency and circularity in its production.

At JDEED, we’re always watching who wears what, but more importantly, we ask why. And in this case, the message was crystal clear: IWC doesn’t just measure time. It owns its moment.

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