IWC Schaffhausen: Discover the world of IWC watches
The Spitfire : a masterstroke of aerodynamics
IWC Schaffhausen Spitfire: Classic, elegant
On 5 March 1936 in southern England, the first Spitfire prototype, constructed by Reginald Joseph Mitchell, took off on a test flight. After the test flight, RAF pilots and the British Air Ministry had no doubts – the Spitfire was the fighter aircraft of the future. They immediately began mass production for this astonishingly manoeuvrable machine, with its elliptically-shaped wings and, initially, a 1,030 h.p. Rolls Royce Merlin Motor engine. Given the standards of the time, the Spitfire was a stroke of aerodynamic genius with the best flight qualities. During the Battle of Britain, the Spitfire secured its place as the most successful fighter aircraft in history. IWC Schaffhausen maintains strong links to the world of aviation and has been providing pilots and air forces throughout the world with precision watches for decades now. The IWC Schaffhausen Spitfire Automatic is one of the most well-known watch models from IWC Schaffhausen and was inspired by the legendary Spitfire. The IWC watch represents the technical excellence and design of the aircraft and combines a classic pilot’s watch design with modern watchmaking craftsmanship.
IWC Schaffhausen Pilot's Watch Collection, Ref.: IW326801
IWC Schaffhausen Pilot's Watch
Anyone interested in the history of professional pilot’s watches is sure to have heard about the pilot’s watches from IWC Schaffhausen. In the 1930s and 1940s, the IWC Pilot Watches were already setting technical benchmarks and their dial designs influenced the instrument look of pilot’s watches that has remained current, even today. The Big Pilot’s Watch of 1940 had a particular influence. Even over seventy years later, the latest model – the Big Pilot’s Watch from IWC Schaffhausen – is continuing the next chapter in the success story of this legendary watch. The Pilot’s Watch Collection from the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer offers a stunningly wide and balanced range of IWC Schaffhausen watches, from the authentic IWC Big Pilot’s Heritage Watch through to the stylish IWC Mark XVIII and the elegant IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 Top Gun, which is manufactured using the material Ceratanium, developed by IWC Schaffhausen itself. With the new Timezoner Chronograph, a simple twist is all it takes to switch time zone, making it the ultimate world time function watch for frequent travellers. The exclusive and emotive “Antoine de Saint Exupéry” and “IWC Le Petit Prince” collections will also bring great joy to many collectors this year.
IWC Schaffhausen Portugieser Watch Collection, Ref.: IW358304
IWC Schaffhausen Portugieser
When it comes to watch design aesthetics, the iconographic design of the watches in the Portugieser family constitutes a genuine and timeless masterpiece. Originating in the 1930s, the design was well ahead of its time but still remains current and influential in matters of style. Its distinctive size, the simple Arabic numerals, the slim feuille hands and the railway-track-style minutes scale give the Portugieser watch its defining elegance. The original dial of the IWC Portugieser watch is a veritable piece of art, showcasing clear structure and minimalism. Its beauty and aesthetics are hard to beat. The iconic style has come to occupy an important place in the history of watch design and continues today to be a symbol for premium design and craftsmanship. The Portugieser watch from IWC Schaffhausen is a timeless masterpiece. Attention to detail and a desire for perfection can be seen in every element of the watch, making it a veritable piece of art. Although this watch has been around for decades, it remains as fascinating as ever and a classic piece that will continue to inspire future generations too.
IWC Schaffhausen Aquatimer Collection, Ref.: IW328803
IWC Aquatimer
The IWC Aquatimer is one of the most famous diver’s watches in the world and has been valued by divers for over 50 years thanks to its excellent qualities. The Aquatimer watches are water-resistant up to a depth of 200 metres and comprise a case made from robust stainless steel or titanium. The dial of the Aquatimer has been designed to be both clear and neat, allowing the watch to be read off easily under water. The hands and indices are crafted in a luminous material to ensure readability even in dark surroundings. Some IWC Aquatimer watches have been fitted with a mechanical movement developed and manufactured by IWC Schaffhausen itself. The watches also have a power reserve of up to five days to ensure reliability even during longer diving sessions.
IWC Schaffhausen Da Vinci Collection, Ref.: IW459307.
IWC Schaffhausen Da Vinci
The Da Vinci Collection 2017 from the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer IWC Schaffhausen draws inspiration from iconic 1980s designs and features a classic round case shape. The watch collection boasts timeless elegance and is designed for men and women looking for a classic timepiece. The round case shape gives the IWC Schaffhausen watches an elegant aesthetic which is simultaneously modern and timeless. The IWC Da Vinci Automatic 36 and the IWC Da Vinci Automatic Moon Phase 36 have been specially created for women and impress with their sophisticated design, reconciling functionality and elegance. The IWC Da Vinci Automatic is a unisex model suitable for both men and women and represents an idyllic combination of style and technology. The Da Vinci collection from IWC Schaffhausen is a testament to the company's commitment to excellent craftsmanship and precision. The watches are a masterpiece of engineering art and unite the latest technology with timeless design. The collection is a homage to the greatest renaissance artist, Leonardo da Vinci, and his passion for creativity, innovation and precision.
IWC Schaffhausen Portofino Collection, Ref.: IW391502.
IWC Schaffhausen Portofino
The origins of the IWC Schaffhausen Portofino can be traced back to the late 1970s. The IWC took its inspiration from the Lépine pocket watch and developed a timeless, classic model which made its debut in 1984 under the name Portofino. Since then, the collection has grown consistently and is now one of IWC Schaffhausen’s most successful watch families. The Portofino is a valuable and timeless watch which excites both men and women with its elegance and uniqueness.
Today's IWC Portofino Collection ranges from classic dress watches to three-hand models with moon phase and large complications. From the true luxury of the IWC Portofino Automatic Moon Phase 37 with diamond studding through to the tasteful vintage design of the IWC Portofino Chronograph, the collection has something for every preference. However, the collection's classic piece is the IWC Portofino Automatic, which, since it was launched in the 1990s with its 40-millimetre diameter, has become one of the most loved and well-known watches within the family. Whether with complications, as a simple three-hand watch in a rose gold case with an alligator leather strap or even with a cool stainless steel Milanaise mesh bracelet, the watch radiates its unique personality whatever version you choose.
“Icons are not born overnight. They impress with their skills, charisma and appeal, inspiring people across generations. This is also true for watches – and one such icon in the world of timepieces is undoubtedly the legendary Ingenieur from IWC Schaffhausen. ”IWC Schaffhausen,
IWC SCHAFFHAUSEN HERITAGE
In 1868, Boston watchmaker Florentine Ariosto Jones founded the “International Watch Co.” in Schaffhausen, far from the watchmaking centres of French-speaking Switzerland. His plan was to marry advanced American production technologies with the skilled craftsmanship for which Swiss watchmakers were famous. In Schaffhausen, he found ideal conditions: modern factory premises, a hydropower plant driven by the Rhine to run the machines and, equally important, a centuries-old horological tradition. The company’s reputation was established from the start with its first movement, the eponymous Jones calibre. In 1885, IWC demonstrated its innovative spirit in the Pallweber pocket watches, with their revolutionary digital display for hours and minutes. The end of the 19th century saw the appearance of IWC’s first wristwatches featuring the 64-calibre pocket watch movement.
