IWC & FORMULA 1: THE PODCAST - EPISODE 3

This episode delves into the fascinating intersection between luxury watchmaking and high-octane motorsport filmmaking, focusing on IWC’s unique partnership with the fictional APXGP Formula 1 team featured in the recent “F1 The Movie.” The discussion explores how IWC became the official watch brand for this virtual team embedded within the real-world Formula 1 ecosystem, the watches designed for the movie, and the boundary-pushing approach to filming motorsport action. Additionally, the episode shares behind-the-scenes anecdotes from the filming of “F1 The Movie” and references the creative and technical parallels with “Top Gun: Maverick,” drawing on insider experiences from Chris, who was present during both productions. Time+Tide founder Andrew McUtchen and IWC CEO Chris Grainger-Herr begin with a lighthearted chat about driving styles and personal anecdotes, before transitioning into the technical aspects of the watches featured in the film. Chris describes the APXGP team watch collection, highlighting its availability and design cues that mirror the fictional team’s aesthetics. The conversation then shifts to the production’s ambitious efforts to capture authentic racing scenes, where actors Damson Idris and Brad Pitt underwent months of training to drive Formula 2 cars modified to resemble Formula 1 vehicles, delivering a level of realism unprecedented in racing films. Chris shares parallels with “Top Gun: Maverick,” emphasising the commitment to real stunts and practical effects, including Tom Cruise’s insistence on performing his own flying scenes. This dedication to authenticity extends to “F1 The Movie,” where racing sequences were shot during actual Grand Prix events in front of live audiences, leaving no room for retakes or CGI shortcuts. The filming process was intensely public, presenting unique production challenges and requiring the actors to perform flawlessly under pressure. The episode also explores the genesis of the partnership between IWC and the movie production, tracing it back to connections made during “Top Gun: Maverick” and the brand’s existing ties to aviation and motorsport. The collaboration was not just a marketing exercise but a storytelling device that aligned perfectly with IWC’s identity. Chris recounts the emotional journey from initial discussions to seeing over 90 watches, including bespoke pieces, integrated into the film’s narrative and wardrobe. Finally, the episode teases future content with promises of deeper dives into character watches and insider stories, including a cliffhanger about whether Chris himself appears in the movie. Overall, the episode offers an illuminating look at how luxury watchmaking, film production, and motorsport can converge to create an immersive and authentic cinematic experience.