IWC Schaffhausen

IWC Schaffhausen, formally known as the International Watch Company, is a renowned Swiss watch manufacturer with a rich history dating back to 1868. It was founded by American engineer Florentine Ariosto Jones, who aimed to merge advanced American manufacturing techniques with traditional Swiss craftsmanship. The company is located in Schaffhausen, a small town in the northeastern part of Switzerland.

IWC is notable for its early adoption of industrial production techniques, which greatly enhanced the consistency and quality of its timepieces. One of the key historical moments came in the late 19th century when IWC introduced the Pallweber pocket watches, which featured a digital hours and minutes display. This was an innovative leap in watch design during that period.

Throughout the 20th century, IWC developed a reputation for producing robust and precise pilot watches. During World War II, the brand supplied the British Royal Air Force with the legendary Mark XI, a watch praised for its accuracy and reliability. This association with aviation continued to flourish, cementing IWC’s place among esteemed watchmakers.

The 1950s marked another significant chapter with the introduction of the Ingenieur line. The Ingenieur was engineered to resist magnetic fields, an essential feature for scientists and engineers working in environments where magnetic interference could affect timekeeping accuracy. This era also saw the creation of the iconic Aquatimer, IWC's first professional diving watch, capable of withstanding the rigors of underwater exploration.

In 1985, IWC released the Da Vinci Perpetual Calendar, an innovative piece featuring a mechanical calendar that required adjustment only once every 500 years. This commendable feat showcased the brand’s commitment to horological excellence.

Acquired by the Richemont Group in 2000, IWC has continued expanding its legacy with groundbreaking timepieces like the Big Pilot's Watch, the Portugieser, and the Portofino. Blending technical ingenuity, cultural significance, and an enduring tradition of quality, IWC Schaffhausen remains a distinguished name in luxury watchmaking.