Think a ski pass is expensive? Check out these all-white, luminescent, luxury skis and their matching chronograph watch.
One brand was founded in Switzerland in 1868. The other was founded in Switzerland in 2006. Today, they join forces. Swiss watchmaker IWC Schaffhausen and ski brand Faction partnered to launch co-branded skis this year: “The Faction Studio 1 IWC Collab Ltd.”
Sure, IWC has done collabs before, partnering with high-end footwear brands and Euro streetwear labels. IWC has also partnered with military programs to make its Pilot Collection and Squadron Watches, with its nod to the British Royal Air Force or the U.S. Navy Blue Angels Flight Squadron.
But this is by far a first for IWC: watches and skis.
This is also a first for Faction: the first time it gives its skis a luminescent design. “FACTION” printed the Collective’s logo in white on the black bottom of the skis, and (in tone-in-tone luminescent paint) “IWC” and “Lake Tahoe” are printed on the white topsheet.
The design is clean, crisp, and reminiscent of fresh snowfall.
And nothing says high fashion like the sun setting over the mountain at dusk, while your skis give off a warm green luminous glow. (Think the guiding green light in the Great Gatsby, or the Green Lantern’s ring and you’re almost there.)
“Graphic design with a clear and recognizable expression is an important tool for us at IWC. Designing a pair of skis with Faction was a great challenge”, said Nicholas Schmidt, Head of Brand Creation and Corporate Design at IWC Schaffhausen. “As an enthusiastic snowboarder and skier, I thoroughly enjoyed this project and am very proud of the result.”
Pair with a Lake Tahoe-inspired whiteout wristwatch and you will be one of the flashiest equipped skiers on the slope.
Super Limited Edition: IWC x Faction Collab Ski Details
Each pair of the IWC x Faction Studio 1 skis also comes with an option to purchase IWC’s Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Top Gun Edition “Lake Tahoe” Watch to match.
The IWC Pilot Top Gun Edition Watch has a white ceramic design with a jet-black dial. And, it will run you $10K. (IWC’s Pilot Top Gun Edition watch is also a limited edition, with only 1,000 available for purchase.)
“In our collaborations, we always look for partners who can contribute new and surprising aspects and inspire our work,” explained Olivier Gouby, Faction’s Chief Brand Officer. “IWC Schaffhausen not only has a unique engineering approach, but their design and visual expression also perfectly match what we do at Faction.”
Sustainably harvested poplar and ash with a carbon weave make up the ski’s core. They also have a carbon-rubber reinforcement under the binding area to add stability. An extra-large 7.5mm sidewall provides maximum protection for the core.
The IWC x Faction skis were handmade in Austria in a 100% renewable energy factory. They come in two lengths: 171 cm and 178 cm.
But you should note: these shiny white, luxe skis are limited to just 55 pairs.
