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The History of IWC Schaffhausen Watches
Founded in 1868 by Florentine Ariosto Jones, an American businessman who aimed to apply new technological processes to traditional Swiss watchmaking. Innovative as always, the original factory was partly powered with hydroelectric energy supplied via the close by Rhine river. This sustainable spirit continues within the Brand to this day. The International Watch Company, abbreviated to IWC, built their early reputation of making precision pocket watches, most notably the Pallweber design with digital display powered by a mechanical calibre. Historically significant, Portuguese seafarers requested the oversized pocket watches be made to fit on their wrists birthing the design of the best selling IWC Portugieser collection. As watchmaking leveraged to functionality during the World Wars, IWC set the benchmark for military timepieces such as the iconic Big Pilot’s Watch laying the foundation for the modern IWC Pilots Watch collections. As with all IWC collections, be it the remarkable Ingenieur to the sturdy Aquatimer, each family enjoys roots stretching well into IWC’s illustrious past. Discover the modern IWC collection in-store and online at New Cavendish Jewellers.
Discover IWC Watches online and in-store at New Cavendish Jewellers
Having enjoyed being official retail partners for IWC watches for over a decade, we invite you to immerse yourself in the world of IWC at our Boutique on London’s famous Marylebone High Street. Independent to this day, New Cavendish Jewellers shares IWC’s vision for values and forward thinking. Now available to buy online for the first time in our history, we invite you to explore the 0% Interest Free purchase option that can help break up the cost of your purchase for up to 24 months. Please visit us in-store or contact us for more details on this facility and IWC in general.
IWC SCHAFFHAUSEN COLLECTIONS
The first IWC Pilot’s Watch was produced in the mid-1930s for civil aviation purposes. Perhaps the most iconic Pilot’s watches ever made, the ultra legible design and functionality has remain true for decades.
At the end of the 1930s, IWC built at the request of two Portuguese merchants, a large wristwatch with the precision of a pocket watch. Today, the original, clearly organized dial with its simple design remains an unrivalled style icon.
With its Portofino range of watches, IWC resumed its tradition of the classic, functional round cases. The collection takes its inspiration from the discreet and refined luxury of its namesake, subtly exuding elegance and charm.
With the explosion of diving watches in the 1960’s, IWC reacts to this development with the launch of its first diver’s watch, the “Aquatimer.” Bold, striking and distinctive in both style and function, the Aquatimer continues to remain the true sports.
The first IWC Da Vinci watch was a landmark piece in terms of its movement technology. Equipped with the first Swiss-made quartz movement - which had been jointly developed by several renowned Swiss watch manufacturers - it measured time ten times more.
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