IWC Schaffhausen, more commonly known as IWC, is a luxury Swiss watch manufacturer located in Schaffhausen, Switzerland. The company was founded in 1868 by American watchmaker Florentine Ariosto Jones and has specialized in pilot's watches since the 1930s. The IWC watches are well known among watch enthusiasts and aviators for their high-quality, precise timepieces.
History
The International Watch Company, as it was originally known, was founded with the goal of combining advanced American production methods with Swiss craftsmanship to produce premium pocket watches. In the 1930s, IWC began making wristwatches and started developing watches specifically for pilots, as the cockpits of aircraft grew increasingly more sophisticated.
One of the most iconic IWC pilot watch families is the Mark XI, which was produced from 1948-1984 and supplied to the British government for use by the Royal Air Force. It established the standard for high-accuracy, anti-magnetic, and waterproof pilot watches. In the early 2000s, IWC revived the Mark XI design in the IWC Pilot’s Watch collection, which remains one of their most popular lines.
IWC Iconic Collections
IWC Pilot's Watches. These watches feature aviator-style designs with features like chronographs, anti-magnetic protection, and high legibility, including models like the Top Gun, Spitfire, and Le Petit Prince.
IWC Portuguese. The IWC Portuguese watch line was launched in the 1930s, and now it is known for its elegant, minimalist aesthetic and Arabic numeral dials inspired by marine chronometers.
IWC Aquatimer. As the name suggests, the watches have water resistance up to 30 bar and features like internal/external rotating bezels, titanium cases, and bracelet quick-change systems. The Aquatimer Chronograph watch is one of the most popular models from that collection.
IWC Ingenieur. This collection focuses on scientific and technical innovation with integrated bracelets, complex materials like ceramic and titanium, and complications including chronographs and perpetual calendars.
IWC Big Pilot Watches. Extra-large pilot's watches measure up to 46.2mm in diameter. They feature IWC's largest watch movements with 7-day power reserves. The Big Pilot's Watch Perpetual Calendar is an iconic example.
With its fine Swiss craftsmanship and long aviation history, IWC remains a top choice among watch collectors and pilots looking for a precise, high-performing timepiece. From elegant dress watches to rugged pilot's watches, IWC's collections offer classic style and technological innovation.
Visit the IWC Watch Brand page on our website to choose and buy the one you adore!