How Well Do You Know IWC Watches?
It’s not rare anymore for luxury watchmakers to lay claim to the fact that they’ve mastered both innovation and technical excellence. If there’s one brand, however, that stays true to this claim even after all these years, it’s IWC watches.
For the Schaffhausen-based manufacture, it’s this true passion for creativity and penchant for technical inventiveness that have made it one of haute horlogerie’s most enduring brands. Having these very qualities has allowed IWC to ingeniously search for ways to bring together exclusive design and precision engineering in the masterpieces it makes.
Whether a newbie or long-time fan of the brand, get to know IWC Schaffhausen in greater detail – from its humble beginnings to the iconic timepieces that have made renowned all over the world.
Mention luxury watches and the Swiss always comes to mind. Swiss watchmakers have always been at the forefront of churning out horological masterpieces that the world came to love. But as fate would have it, an American would penetrate this very exclusive core of traditional watchmakers and put a spin to the way they make luxury watches.
Boston-bred watchmaker Florentine Ariosto Jones knew that if he combined his knowledge of state-of-the-art watch production techniques with the unparalleled skills and craftsmanship of traditional Swiss watchmakers, he would have a winning formula in his hands. So in 1868, he left Boston for Schaffhausen in Switzerland to put up his very own watch manufacturing firm which he called “International Watch Co.”
Even in its early years, IWC had proven itself to be a promising contender in the world of haute horlogerie. Backed not only by his pioneering spirit and the Swiss’s skilled craftsmanship, the company established itself quickly in the industry also through an ideal business landscape offered by his chosen location: modern facilities powered by a hydropower plant just a few steps away from his factory. From this lair, the company would produce timepieces that immediately cemented its reputation as an exceptional watchmaker.
From the Jones calibre to revolutionary pocket watches called the Pallweber and its very first wristwatches with a 64-calibre movement, there was no stopping IWC from bringing even more complicated movements and even better-looking timepieces.
Following its inception, IWC would go on to produce some of the world’s most coveted timepieces. Each collection tells a story and dares to take to a whole new level the way men wear their watches.
IWC’s love affair with flying produced what would probably be its most iconic watch: the IWC Big Pilot’s Watch. Dabbling in pilot’s watches started in 1936 and four years later, the company came out with the most popular pilot’s watch in horological history: the 52-calibre T.S.C. Big Pilot’s Watch, with an eye-catching case diameter of 55 millimetres. This would become the blueprint for all classic pilot’s watches to follow.
There are watch lovers who find beauty in the technical aspects. The IWC Da Vinci caters to this breed of men who want a timepiece’s design to be distinctively technical yet exudes outstanding aesthetic appeal. This easily became its selling points when it was launched at the 1969 Basel Watch Show, thanks to its gold bracelet and elongated hour markers that combine beautifully with its hexagonal gold case. Today, the Da Vinci boasts a collection that includes complicated movements like the chronograph and perpetual calendar.
IWC’s legacy in producing professional watches continued with the IWC Aquatimer, which was introduced in 1967 to answer the clamor of those who wanted an IWC diver’s watch. From this line came the world’s first titanium diver’s watch, the Ocean 2000, released in 1982. A worthy successor, the IWC Aquatimer Automatic 2000 was a big hit as well when it was released to cater to the needs of amateur and professional divers for a topnotch diving instrument.
From time it was conceived in the late 1930s, it was apparent that the Portugieser – then known as the Portuguese – was anything but ordinary. With its large case (which was used to house the larger balance of the pocket watch movement inside), it didn’t registered well as a true contender for contemporary watches at the time. Despite this setback, it would set the trend for oversize wristwatches that would become popular decades later. Apart from its cutting-edge design, the Portugieser is well known for redefining precision in wristwatches and for putting IWC on the map as a globally recognised luxury watch brand.
When a watch is designed by a legend like Gérald Genta, you know the style would be something out of the ordinary. The IWC Ingenieur is a testament of the genius of Genta in creating timepieces that are aesthetically beautiful. The Ingenieur, however, isn’t just a fine-looking watch: it is purposely designed to let men express their true sporty and rugged lifestyle.
Such an impressive collection of watches proves that IWC is a true expert in its field. Trust the brand to continue on with reinventing its range of watches not only to showcase its expertise but to pave the way as well for other brands to expand their knowledge and skills in innovation and technical excellence.
For the Schaffhausen-based manufacture, it’s this true passion for creativity and penchant for technical inventiveness that have made it one of haute horlogerie’s most enduring brands. Having these very qualities has allowed IWC to ingeniously search for ways to bring together exclusive design and precision engineering in the masterpieces it makes.
Whether a newbie or long-time fan of the brand, get to know IWC Schaffhausen in greater detail – from its humble beginnings to the iconic timepieces that have made renowned all over the world.
A Marriage Of American And Swiss Watchmaking Traditions
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| IWC Legend, Kurt Klaus |
Mention luxury watches and the Swiss always comes to mind. Swiss watchmakers have always been at the forefront of churning out horological masterpieces that the world came to love. But as fate would have it, an American would penetrate this very exclusive core of traditional watchmakers and put a spin to the way they make luxury watches.
Boston-bred watchmaker Florentine Ariosto Jones knew that if he combined his knowledge of state-of-the-art watch production techniques with the unparalleled skills and craftsmanship of traditional Swiss watchmakers, he would have a winning formula in his hands. So in 1868, he left Boston for Schaffhausen in Switzerland to put up his very own watch manufacturing firm which he called “International Watch Co.”
Even in its early years, IWC had proven itself to be a promising contender in the world of haute horlogerie. Backed not only by his pioneering spirit and the Swiss’s skilled craftsmanship, the company established itself quickly in the industry also through an ideal business landscape offered by his chosen location: modern facilities powered by a hydropower plant just a few steps away from his factory. From this lair, the company would produce timepieces that immediately cemented its reputation as an exceptional watchmaker.
From the Jones calibre to revolutionary pocket watches called the Pallweber and its very first wristwatches with a 64-calibre movement, there was no stopping IWC from bringing even more complicated movements and even better-looking timepieces.
IWC Watches: The Collections That Made It A Shining Beacon Of Engineering And Design Excellence
Following its inception, IWC would go on to produce some of the world’s most coveted timepieces. Each collection tells a story and dares to take to a whole new level the way men wear their watches.
Pilot’s Watches: For Those With A Need to Soar Higher
IWC’s love affair with flying produced what would probably be its most iconic watch: the IWC Big Pilot’s Watch. Dabbling in pilot’s watches started in 1936 and four years later, the company came out with the most popular pilot’s watch in horological history: the 52-calibre T.S.C. Big Pilot’s Watch, with an eye-catching case diameter of 55 millimetres. This would become the blueprint for all classic pilot’s watches to follow.
The Portofino: For Those Who Love The Good Life
One’s choice of timepiece says a lot about his lifestyle. For those with a penchant for classic elegance, IWC created the IWC Portofino, a timepiece that reflects the laidback Mediterranean lifestyle of Portofino in Italy, which has been a favourite amongst jetsetters. Conceived in the late 1970s, the Portofino boasts simplicity and timelessness in one elegant timepiece. It has become the watch of choice of those who want to express understated style.
Da Vinci: Designed With Technical Appeal In Mind
The Aquatimer: For Those Who Love Exploring The Depths
The Portugieser: The Timepiece For Those Who Want to Impress
The Ingenieur: For Those With A Hint Of Ruggedness
Such an impressive collection of watches proves that IWC is a true expert in its field. Trust the brand to continue on with reinventing its range of watches not only to showcase its expertise but to pave the way as well for other brands to expand their knowledge and skills in innovation and technical excellence.
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