Introduction to IWC Schaffhausen
In 1868, American watchmaker Florentine Ariosto Jones established the International Watch Company (IWC) brand with a distinctive vision. He wanted to combine advanced American manufacturing techniques with the skilled craftsmanship of Swiss watchmakers. This foundational uniqueness has made the IWC company an innovator from its inception.
For over 150 years, IWC has maintained engineering excellence in its timepieces. Ardent fans of the brand appreciate the unwavering commitment of any IWC Schaffhausen watch to balance technical innovation with timeless design. Unlike its contemporaries, IWC has historically emphasized functional excellence over decoration, making their watches robust and practical innovation.
IWC Watch Collections Overview
Given the diversity of the models, IWC timepieces are categorized into several distinct collections. Each collection has its own signature design identity and heritage – from professional tool watches to sophisticated dress pieces. IWC watches demonstrate remarkable versatility while maintaining consistent quality and technical excellence.
IWC Pilot's Collection
The most recognized of all collections, IWC's Pilot's watches have a heritage dating back to the 1930s. The brand's first special watch was designed for aviators, and the timepieces are known for their high legibility, accuracy, and durability, which professional pilots need. The most iconic model of the collection is the Big Pilot's watch, which is characterized by its distinctive oversized crown and is designed for easy manipulation while wearing gloves. Today, IWC watches in the Pilot's collection include chronographs, perpetual calendars, and special editions (commemorating famous squadrons and aviation pioneers). Mark 11 is one of the most notable references in this collection designed for the British Royal Air Force. If you are interested in modern iterations of the classic Mark model, Mark XVIII & Mark XX are superior models.
IWC Portugieser Collection
The Portugieser is considered one of the most prestigious and elegant collections for IWC. Introduced in the 1930s, these watches were commissioned by Portuguese merchants who wanted large wristwatches with the precision of marine chronometers. Present-day Portugieser models maintain the distinctive clean dial design in a generously large case. Featuring a thin bezel, railway-track minute scales, and applied Arabic numerals, Portugieser watches exemplify refined elegance. The collection includes sophisticated complications such as chronographs, perpetual calendars, tourbillons, and minute repeaters.
The Automatic (Ref. IW500705), Chronograph (Ref. IW371606), Perpetual Calendar (Ref. IW503302), and Tourbillon Mystère Rétrograde (Ref. IW504602) are some of the most popular models in this collection.
IWC Portofino Collection
The Portofino is a classic dress watch collection inspired by the elegant lifestyle of the Italian Riviera. The collection was introduced in the 1980s, featuring clean lines, minimal dials, and slender profiles. The pricing of these IWC watches makes them one of the more accessible entry points, offering elegant simplicity without compromising quality. Portofino collection has both men's and women's watches, also offering complex variants with moonphases, chronographs, and other complications.
Some notable Portofino models include the Automatic (Ref. IW356501), the Chronograph (Ref. IW391027), and the Hand-Wound Moon Phase (Ref. IW516401).
Da Vinci Collection
The Da Vinci collection presents the innovative spirit of the legendary Italian polymath and their willingness to experiment with unconventional designs. The collection has undergone several dramatic reinventions since its introduction in 1969. The contemporary 40mm Da Vinci Automatic (Ref. IW356601) is one of the most sold models in this collection. You can explore the Da Vinci Chronograph (Ref. IW392101), a 43mm chronograph with a flyback function for a more sophisticated model. The flagship Da Vinci Perpetual Calendar Chronograph (Ref. IW392103) features a perpetual calendar.
Ingenieur Collection
When IWC introduced the Ingenieur, the aim was to meet the demand for antimagnetic watches in an increasingly electronic world. The collection name is adapted from the French word for "engineer," reflecting its technical focus and practical approach to luxury watchmaking challenges. Legendary watch designer Gérald Genta designed these watches to have integrated bracelets and porthole-inspired bezel screws. Some of the earliest models were designed to withstand magnetic fields up to 80,000 A/m, a remarkable achievement that underscores IWC's engineering prowess. The Ingenieur Automatic (Ref. IW357001), Ingenieur Chronograph (Ref. IW380801), and the Ingenieur Constant-Force Tourbillon (Ref. IW590001) are some of the most popular models.
Jubilee Collection
The most exclusive and limited collection, Jubilee watches were created to commemorate significant milestones in the company's history. These special edition IWC watches feature unique complications, materials, or design elements not found in the standard collections.
Notable Jubilee references include Portugieser Constant-Force Tourbillon Edition "150 Years" (Ref. IW590202), Big Pilot's Watch Annual Calendar Edition "150 Years" (Ref. IW502708), Portugieser Chronograph Edition "150 Years" (Ref. IW371602), and Tribute to Pallweber Edition "150 Years" (Ref. IW505002).
IWC Aquatimer Collection
The Aquatimer represents IWC's professional dive watch lineage. The brand created this collection in 1967, featuring its SafeDive system that offers impressive water resistance of 200 meters. The SafeDive system prevents accidental bezel rotation, ensuring water resistance. Key models like the Aquatimer Automatic 2000 (Ref. IW358001) are professional-grade 46mm timepieces offering impressive 2000m water resistance.
IWC Price Guide
Understanding the IWC price spectrum will help you make informed decisions if you plan to buy one. Several factors influence the cost of an IWC timepiece, including the complexity of the movement, case materials, limited edition status, and the collection to which it belongs. The entry-level IWC watches usually cost around $4000, getting you models like the Portofino Automatic or Mark XVIII Pilot's Watch in stainless steel. In the mid-range segment, between $7,000 and $15,000, you have more variations such as the Portugieser Automatic, chronograph models from various collections, and special editions with interesting complications like annual calendars or digital data displays. A high-end IWC Schaffhausen watch may cost between $20,000 and over $250,000 for complicated models like perpetual calendars, tourbillons, and grand complications.
Master Luxury Collection
Master Luxury is not yet another eCommerce platform but a distinctively reliable dealer for new and preowned luxury watches. Explore our carefully curated selection of IWC watches across the brand's diverse collections. Our inventory includes both new and excellently maintained pre-owned timepieces. We ensure that each used IWC watch is rigorously tested for condition, authenticity, and collectability before listing.
Our team of watch specialists has extensive experience with IWC Schaffhausen watch models, which is why we are your ideal partner for your first IWC. You can avail of exclusive discounts on IWC timepieces every day. We regularly update our inventory with rare and limited IWC watches.
FAQs
Why are IWC watches so expensive?
IWC watches are expensive because they feature sophisticated in-house movements manufactured by master Swiss watchmaking skills. This skilled handwork drives their prices. Additionally, IWC produces only 1,20,000 watches annually, maintaining its exclusivity and limited supply. The brand's significant investment in research, development, and manufacturing facilities is all reflected in the final IWC price.
Where are IWC watches made?
Each IWC Schaffhausen watch is made at the company's facilities in Schaffhausen, Switzerland. The brand operates a state-of-the-art manufacturing center to develop movements, components, and final assembly. The Swiss production is central to the identity of the IWC company as a luxury watchmaker.
Who owns IWC watches?
Since 2000, the IWC company has been part of the Richemont Group. It is one of the world's leading luxury goods conglomerates and owns prestigious watch brands such as Jaeger-LeCoultre, Vacheron Constantin, and Panerai. However, corporate ownership doesn't affect IWC's autonomy and design decisions.
What does IWC stand for in watches?
IWC stands for International Watch Company, the original brand name established by founder Florentine Ariosto Jones. The full name "IWC Schaffhausen" is the brand identity that incorporates the Swiss town where the company has been headquartered since its founding in 1868.
How many watches does IWC make a year?
IWC produces approximately 120,000 watches annually. Maintaining a relatively modest production volume across all IWC collections allows the brand to maintain strict quality control standards and a high level of hand-finishing.
