IWC Watchmaking Class at Ellerman House: A Luxury Cape Town Experience


As a Cape Town photographer specialising in corporate and luxury events, I had the privilege of documenting a unique and exclusive experience on 10 October 2023. In collaboration with IWC (International Watch Company), Your Luxury Africa hosted an intimate watchmaking class at the prestigious Ellerman House, offering participants a rare glimpse into the intricate world of luxury timepieces.


Setting the Scene


Ellerman House, known for its breathtaking views and impeccable service, provided the perfect backdrop for this high-end event. As an event photographer, I've captured numerous functions in Cape Town, but the ambience at Ellerman House always adds a special touch to any occasion.


The event took place in Ellerman House's prestigious wine gallery, an exquisite space that seamlessly blended the world of fine wines with the precision of luxury watchmaking. This unique setting, surrounded by some of the finest vintages South Africa has to offer, created an atmosphere of refined indulgence that perfectly complemented the IWC brand.


The organisers transformed this already impressive space into a temporary watchmaker's workshop, with each place setting meticulously arranged with specialised tools and watch components. The attention to detail mirrored the precision found in IWC's timepieces, creating an atmosphere of anticipation and excitement among the attendees.

Luxury event photography: IWC class in Ellerman House wine gallery, Cape Town

A Day of Horological Discovery


The event was structured into two sessions, each accommodating 10 participants, allowing for an intimate and hands-on experience. The morning session concluded with lunch, while the afternoon group enjoyed their class followed by dinner.

The culinary experience was as meticulously crafted as an IWC timepiece, perfectly complementing the watchmaking class. The menu, a fusion of international flavours and local South African ingredients, included:


Canapés:

  • Piet Braket
  • Corn Taco with Guacamole Chipotle and Pico de Gallo
  • Vietnamese Spring Rolls (Cabbage, Coriander, Mint, Basil, Vermicelli)


First Course:

  • Aged "Huguenot" Twice Baked Cheese Soufflé, served with Tomato Chutney and Barrel Aged Grappa Sauce

Main Course:

  • 48 Hour Shoulder of Laingsburg Lamb, accompanied by Herbed Goat's Yoghurt, Spring Peas, Edamame, Baby Carrots, and 'A Work of Time' Jus


Dessert:

  • "Tree of Time" - featuring Falooda Ice Cream, Manjari Chocolate Crumb, with Popping Candy and Cotton Candy


This carefully curated menu not only satisfied the palates of the participants but also reflected the precision and creativity mirrored in IWC's watchmaking. The "Tree of Time" dessert, in particular, was a clever nod to the theme of the event.


Hands-On with Horology


Participants had the unique opportunity to view exquisite timepieces from IWC's renowned Portugieser and Portofino collections, which were on display throughout the event. However, the hands-on portion of the class focused on specially designed movements created for training purposes. Under the guidance of expert watchmakers, attendees learned to disassemble and reassemble specific elements of these training watches. This hands-on approach provided invaluable insights into the complexity and precision required in luxury watchmaking, without risking damage to the high-end timepieces.


As the event photographer, I was fascinated by the juxtaposition of Cape Town's relaxed luxury atmosphere with the intense focus required for watchmaking. It was a unique challenge to capture both the intricate details of the training movements and the expressions of concentration and joy on the participants' faces, while also showcasing the beautiful IWC Portugieser and Portofino watches on display.

Cape Town corporate photographer's close-up of IWC training watch movement

More Than Just a Class


While the primary focus was on watchmaking, the event served a broader purpose. It brought IWC customers together, fostering a sense of community among luxury watch enthusiasts in Cape Town. The shared experience of disassembling and reassembling watch components created a bond among participants, sparking conversations and connections that continued over the meals.


From a photographer's perspective, these moments of interaction provided excellent opportunities for candid shots that truly captured the spirit of the event. The genuine smiles and animated discussions showcased the success of the event in creating a memorable experience for all involved.

Luxury brand photography: IWC Portugieser and Portofino watches on display in Cape Town

Showcasing Cape Town's Luxury Experience


Events like this IWC watchmaking class highlight Cape Town's growing reputation as a destination for luxury experiences. As a Cape Town-based event photographer, I've witnessed firsthand the city's ability to host world-class functions that blend local hospitality with international standards of luxury.


The choice of Ellerman House as the venue further underscored this point. Its stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and reputation for excellence provided the perfect setting for an event centred around precision and luxury.

Luxury venue photography: Atlantic Ocean view from Ellerman House, Cape Town

Capturing the Moment


As an event photographer in Cape Town, my role was to document not just the activities but the emotions and connections formed during this unique experience. From close-up shots of intricate watch mechanisms to wide-angle captures of the stunning Ellerman House setting, each image aimed to tell a part of the day's story.


The challenge in photographing such an event lies in balancing the technical aspects of capturing small, detailed objects like watch components with the broader narrative of the event itself. It requires a keen eye for detail and an understanding of the story the client wants to tell through the images.

Cape Town event photographer captures gourmet lamb dish at IWC watchmaking class, Ellerman House

48 Hour Shoulder of Laingsburg Lamb, accompanied by Herbed Goat's Yoghurt, Spring Peas, Edamame, Baby Carrots, and 'A Work of Time' Jus

Conclusion


The IWC watchmaking class at Ellerman House was more than just a luxury experience; it was an educational journey that deepened participants' appreciation for the art of watchmaking. As a Cape Town photographer specialising in corporate and luxury events, it was a privilege to document this unique intersection of skill, passion, and luxury.


Events like these not only showcase the capabilities of brands like IWC but also highlight Cape Town's position as a destination for unique, high-end experiences. They bring together enthusiasts, create lasting memories, and provide invaluable insights into the world of luxury craftsmanship.


For those looking to host or document similar luxury events in Cape Town, this IWC watchmaking class serves as an excellent example of how to create an engaging, educational, and memorable experience that aligns perfectly with a brand's values and customer interests.