‘International Watch Co’, as it was named by its founder, the American Florentine Ariosto Jones in 1868, is more commonly recognized by its abbreviated name IWC. The Boston-born watchmaker was not only unlike most founders of today’s leading high-end watch brands because of his American background, but also since he established IWC’s watchmaking headquarters in Schaffhausen, rather than in the French-speaking watchmaking centres of eastern Switzerland. Jones hoped to create a unique brand which combined American production techniques with the famous skills of Swiss watchmakers.
IWC is famous for its innovative spirit, which it first displayed in 1885 with the creation of the Pallweber pocket watches, that featured digital display for hours and minutes – an invention that was groundbreaking for its time. Then it was at the end of the 19th-century that IWC created their first wristwatches with a 64-calibre pocket watch movement. Parallel to their quick success the company expanded to three new production sites. The last, an IWC factory purchased in 1874/75, became, and remains to this day, the company’s headquarters.
Whilst IWC needs no further introduction, with the fantastic precision and exclusive design of the watches speaking for itself, it is worth mentioning the impressive work IWC do with many foundations, likes the Charles Darwin Foundation, for ecological sustainability. IWC also “uses green energy, recycles waste heat and ensures that its operations are CO²- neutral”. So for those environmentally conscious customers, you can rest assured that when you buy an IWC watch, you are buying from a brand that has an admirable relationship with preserving the world we live in.
For more information on our IWC watches just give us a call and one of our experts will be happy to talk with you. If you see a watch you like you can order it online straight to your door with our secure delivery service. Alternatively, you can arrange to view a watch in our Mayfair, London showroom by booking an appointment over the phone with us. We also buy genuine used, preowned and unworn IWC watches - so if you own one of these beauties that you would like to sell, just get in contact with us for more information. Here at Watch Collectors we also offer part-exchanges.
