IWC

Schaffhausen, Switzerland

Founded in 1868 by American watchmaker Florentine Ariosto Jones. Ending up in Schaffhausen as the only watch manufacturer in the north-east region of Switzerland. With the help of modern technology and hydropower, they run a factory producing pocket watch movements. After F.A. Jones returns to the US the Rausenbachs take over the company shortly followed by Homberger in 1905. Post-war helps the development of and increased demand for everyday watches and Albert Pellaton develops an anti-magnetic watch. During the quartz crisis, IWC focusses on masterpieces and experiments with materials. Later on, IWC became part of the Richemont group along with other brands like A. Lange & Söhne, Cartier, Panerai and Jaeger-LeCoultre to name a few.

Highlights

1868
Founding of the International Watch Company in Schaffhausen
1875
Construction of the new premises for 196 employees and still current HQ
1885
Introduction of the first digital display watches with pallieter system
1915
First calibers designed by IWC specifically for wristwatches
1936
Launch of IWC’s first Special Pilot’s Watch
1939
Introduction of the Portugese Watch
1940
IWC develops the first Big Pilot’s Watch
1944
IWC makes the first WWW military wristwatch with royal arrowhead
1967
Launch of the IWC Aquatimer which is waterproof up to 20 bar / 200 meter
1978
Cooperation with Porsche design results in the first wristwatch with compass
2000
IWC is now part of the Richemont Group. Also introducing their 5000-caliber
2001
Günter Blümlein (Chairman of the Board) passes away. He had a huge influence on IWC (and A. Lange & Söhne).
2008
Because of the 140th anniversary, IWC introduced 6 watches each commemorating a watch from an IWC collection.
2018
Opening of the new IWC Manufacture

Did you know?

400

Approximately 400 people work in the new IWC Manufacture

Genta

Gérald Genta designed the 1976 Ingenieur SL1832 for IWC

F1

You can see an IWC on the gloves of F1 Mercedes-AMG drivers Hamilton and Bottas?

100.000

Estimated production number of IWC is about 100.000 watches per year
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