The renowned IWC watch company was founded by American F.A. Jones. A watchmaker and entrepreneur, Jones dreamed of creating his own manufacturing facility that would produce innovative, high-quality watch movements. Knowing that Switzerland was home to some of the best watchmakers, he decided to establish his factory there instead of in his native United States. His primary motivation was the relatively low cost of Swiss labor, despite the global reputation of Swiss-made watches. Jones believed that low labor costs would enable him to produce high-quality watches in Switzerland for the American market.
With a solid understanding of business and the ambition to establish large-scale production, Jones traveled to Switzerland to set up his factory. His vision was not for a small workshop but a cutting-edge operation equipped with the most advanced machinery of the time. However, Swiss watchmakers were skeptical of Jones’s ambitious plans. They were used to traditional artisanal methods and found the idea of factory-based production using unfamiliar machines unappealing. Moreover, much of Switzerland lacked electricity, further complicating the use of modern equipment.
Undeterred, Jones continued searching for a solution until he met Heinrich Moser, another visionary enthusiast. Moser already owned production facilities in Schaffhausen and had even built a hydroelectric power station. This collaboration led to the founding of the International Watch Company (IWC) in 1868, marking the start of a legacy that would cement its place in watchmaking history.
While the company thrived and expanded, Jones’s original plan to export watches to the U.S. fell through due to high customs tariffs, which made the venture financially unviable. Ultimately, Jones sold the company to J.R. Vogt. The Vogt family managed IWC for four generations, contributing to its prosperity and fostering innovation.
Key Milestones and Innovations
- New Movements: The company developed calibers 75 and 76 for wristwatches and created iconic models like the Special Pilot's Watch and the Portugieser. IWC also introduced its first diver’s watch, a model with a compass, and a chronograph with a perpetual calendar.
- Modernization: In the 21st century, IWC became part of the Richemont Group, a luxury goods conglomerate. Under Richemont, IWC has launched new collections and technical advancements, solidifying its status as a luxury brand. Today, IWC watches from the 19th and 20th centuries are highly sought after by collectors.
Notable IWC Models
Watches with the Pallweber Mechanism
In 1883, Austrian engineer Joseph Pallweber patented a movement that displayed time through jumping discs rather than traditional hands. Known as the "Jumping Hour," this mechanism was complex to manufacture but gained popularity. IWC embraced the innovation, producing pocket watches with the Pallweber system as early as 1885.
These watches featured two windows: one for hours and another for minutes, with distinctive designs to prevent confusion. A seconds hand operated conventionally. Between 1885 and 1900, IWC produced about 20,000 Pallweber watches, including models with windows on the case, allowing the time to be read without opening the cover.
Magique Model
During the late 19th century, IWC created the Magique, a pocket watch with a 24-hour dial—a response to the international adoption of time zones at the 1884 Washington Conference. The Magique featured a reversible case and a dial divided into 24 hours, catering to practicality and emerging global standards. The case cover was removable, offering versatility for users who preferred open-faced designs.
Early Wristwatches
IWC was among the pioneers in wristwatch production, releasing its first wristwatch models in the late 19th century. Early designs repurposed calibers 63 and 64 from women’s pocket watches, adding lugs for attaching straps. By the early 20th century, IWC developed calibers 75 (without seconds) and 76 (with small seconds), specifically for wristwatches. These early pieces included military models, notable for their radium-filled grooves for luminescence, making them ideal for aviators and cavalry officers.
Pilot’s Watches
The aviation boom of the early 20th century inspired IWC’s Special Pilot's Watch in 1936. This model featured a contrasting black-and-white dial with luminous markers, antimagnetic movement, and shatterproof glass. In 1940, IWC introduced the Big Pilot’s Watch, the largest in the company’s history, powered by the robust caliber 52 T.S.C. It was essentially a navigation instrument for military aviators. Later, the Mark XI, launched in 1948 with caliber 89, became an icon for civilian use, offering unparalleled precision and an anti-magnetic inner case.
Portugieser
In the late 1930s, two Portuguese merchants commissioned IWC to create a wristwatch as accurate as a marine chronometer. The result was the Portugieser in 1939, a landmark model featuring a large case and precision pocket-watch movement. This design popularized oversized wristwatches and remains a cornerstone of IWC’s collection.
Ingenieur
The Ingenieur series debuted in the mid-20th century with groundbreaking technical features, including the first automatic movement developed by IWC’s Albert Pellaton. Known for its robust anti-magnetic properties, the Ingenieur line became a symbol of engineering excellence. In 1989, the Ingenieur 500,000 A/m set a world record for magnetic resistance.
Da Vinci Automatic
IWC anticipated the quartz revolution with the release of the Da Vinci Automatic in 1969. Powered by the Bêta 21 movement, it was among the first quartz watches, offering superior accuracy over traditional mechanical watches. Its unique hexagonal design further distinguished it as a futuristic innovation.
IWC Hallmarks and Collectors’ Appeal
- Signatures: Early IWC dials often bore the name International Watch Co. Schaffhausen. Others carried custom branding for specific retailers or military forces, such as the rare "KM" marking for Germany’s Kriegsmarine.
- Probus Scafusia Seal: Introduced by F.A. Jones, this mark signifies exceptional quality and is highly prized among collectors.
- Serial Numbers: Each watch and movement bears a serial number, allowing enthusiasts to trace its production date using dedicated tables.
IWC’s heritage of innovation and craftsmanship ensures its timepieces remain coveted treasures, blending historical significance with timeless appeal.