IWC Watches

IWC watches: An overview

As one of the best-known Swiss watch brands, IWC Schaffhausen stands for watches of the highest precision and quality. Unique design and proven watchmaking tradition meet technical innovation and advanced materials such as stainless steel or gold. The result: handcrafted masterpieces that are appreciated not only in this country, but worldwide. IWC Schaffhausen sets the bar high with famous models such as the legendary Portugieser, the Ingenieur in stainless steel and the Pilot’s Watch range and can truly be regarded as a company that has left a lasting mark on the world of luxury watches – with every single watch.

What is behind IWC

Three letters, one global brand: behind this well-known abbreviation is the International Watch Company, which is based in Schaffhausen, Switzerland, and was founded in 1868 by American watchmaker Florentine Ariosto Jones. Then as now, exclusivity, exceptional design and advanced technology, such as the unique automatic movements, go hand in hand at the International Watch Company. But how exactly did IWC’s success come about? And why did the company choose the city on the Upper Rhine as its headquarters? Find out more about the history of the Schaffhausen-based manufacturer.

IWC: The success story

It all began more than 150 years ago, when the American watchmaker and deputy managing director of the E. Howard Watch and Clock Co. Florentine Ariosto Jones traveled from Boston to Switzerland to combine advanced American technology with the famous Swiss craftsmanship in Schaffhausen, situated on the Rhine, in order to produce high-quality watches for the US market. Following the transformation of IWC into a public limited company in 1874, the American resigned from his position as Managing Director in 1875. His successor, Frederick F. Seeland, also only managed the company for a few years and left IWC in 1879. After two Americans had steered the fortunes of IWC Schaffhausen, the industrialist family Rauschenbach took over the management of the manufactory and achieved a commercial breakthrough in the coming years with pocket watches with a digital Pallweber display and various IWC watches for men and women. In 1905, Ernst Jakob Homberger takes over the management of the company and also launches the first pilot’s watch and the first Portugieser on the market during this phase. In the post-war years, IWC Schaffhausen shone under the technical direction of Albert Pellaton with inventions such as the Caliber 89, the soft iron inner case and the Pellaton winding system, the first automatic winding mechanism of the traditional company. As the last private owner, Hans Ernst Homberger took over IWC Schaffhausen in 1955. He not only developed the first automatic movement for ladies (caliber 44), but also introduced the first Ingenieur and Aquatimer. The 1980s and 1990s are characterized by further highlights such as the perpetual calendar, which is now part of the Da Vinci series, and the Grande Complication, which is part of the Haute Horlogerie range. In 2000, IWC was taken over by Richemont and the product lines, whether automatic or chronograph, were increasingly expanded and numerous other precision models were created, all of which stood out for their technology and unmistakable design.

Portugieser - collection of technical masterpieces

The Portugieser series is undoubtedly one of IWC Schaffhausen’s oldest and best-known watches. Whether Portugieser Chronograph, Perpetual Calendar 44, Eternal Calendar, Hand-Wound Tourbillon Day & Night or Portugieser Automatic such as the Portugieser Automatic 42: the watch family is considered a true icon and embodies timeless, striking design and technical sophistication.

Pilot watches - a pilot watch for the highest demands

Initially reserved for civil aviation in the 1930s, a pilot’s watch from IWC is extremely popular today – internationally. The collection of timepieces, which impresses with its special instrument look, is characterized by its particular robustness without compromising on technology. Well-known watches in the collection are the Big Pilot models such as the Big Pilot Watch 43, which is characterized by a large conical crown. There are also watches such as the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph, the Edition Top Gun, the Mark XX and the Pilot Automatic models to discover. Sophisticated products, perfectly tailored to Pilot’s needs.

Aquatimer - the right model for diving

The IWC diver’s watches are not only waterproof, but also highly customizable. Thanks to their robust construction in stainless steel or titanium, they cut a fine figure not only under water, but also on all adventures on land – whether as a perpetual, automatic or chronograph version. Thanks to the patented quick-change system, the bracelet can be changed from stainless steel to rubber in next to no time, making every model in the IWC Schaffhausen range an accessory that shines with versatility.

Engineer - robust, sporty and striking in design

A striking design characterizes this product line, which has been a symbol of sportiness, robustness and technical sophistication since 1955. What began with the reference 666 and its reliable protection against water and magnetic fields has continued to develop over the years, so that today the watches have a contemporary look without forgetting the typical design element of the edition: the round bezel. The automatic watches with stainless steel or titanium cases are equipped with a date display and are among the top models from IWC Schaffhausen.

Special models and limited editions

IWC Schaffhausen has also produced numerous special models and limited editions over the years. These include the Porsche models and the Heritage pilot’s watch, which combines an automatic movement and watch chronograph, the Woodland series and the Pilot Chronograph Top Gun Ceratanium, a chronograph with a completely black look thanks to the Ceratanium® material specially developed by IWC, without any additional coating.

Discover and buy IWC watches - new or pre-owned

Whether you want to call a Portugieser Chronograph or a Portugieser Automatic 42 your own, dream of a pilot’s watch like the Pilot Watch Chronograph 41 or want to enrich your home collection with a Portofino with automatic movement or Moon Phase: SG Watches is your experienced expert when it comes to high-quality watches from IWC Schaffhausen. Timepieces such as the Portugieser, Portofino, Da Vinci or Mark XX are not only available new, but also pre-owned from us. Don’t make a hasty decision on the offer at your nearest jeweler, but make a personal appointment with us and visit us at our branch in Oldenburg. We will be happy to offer you the opportunity to discover and try on your favorite IWC watch on site so that you can see the look and quality of the new Portofino, the Chronograph Top Gun and numerous other models for yourself. You don’t live nearby, so you can’t discover Chronograph and Co. in Oldenburg? Then take a look at what our online store has to offer, which not only has numerous high-quality watches from IWC for you, but also impresses with the best service and insured shipping.