The Classics of IWC

IWC was founded in 1868 and has a watchmaking history of 130 years. The place of its establishment is called Schaffhausen, where the local history of watchmaking dates back to the early 15 century, a full 459 years earlier than IWC. However, it was only after IWC established its factory that the precision of time began to be firmly held in people's hands. IWC's founder was Florentine A. Jones, an engineer from Boston, USA. He established one of Switzerland's earliest mechanical watch factories in a facility by the Rhine, realising his innovative concept of using machinery to replace some manual labour to produce more precise components, which were then assembled by top-tier watchmakers into watches of extraordinary quality.

　　IWC was founded by a young American, Florentine Ariosto Jones, in Schaffhausen, Switzerland, in 1868. His passion for and the essence of watchmaking have always coexisted with the brand and are perfectly brought to life in the Portuguese Jones collection. At the time, Jones manufactured 6 base movements suitable for different pocket watch designs. These movements were of excellent quality and featured the famous "Jones arrow" design—an extended index to the three-quarter plate for accurate precision adjustment; the movement was named after Jones and became renowned in the history of watchmaking. Today, IWC Portuguese Jones watches are produced in limited quantities globally: 500 in platinum, 1, 000 in 18k rose gold, and 3, 000 in stainless steel, making them coveted treasures for watch collectors.

　　The latest IWC Ingenieur watch collection is now available in boutiques. The Ingenieur collection features a stylish exterior and practical functions, with internal movement technology becoming more advanced with each iteration; the new Ingenieur collection can trace its roots back to the collection's pioneering designs and the milestones achieved through years of accumulated experience. IWC has developed the new 80110 calibre movement, which is housed within the Ingenieur automatic watch. It is equipped with a soft-iron inner case (capable of resisting magnetic fields of up to 80, 000 A/m), the Pellaton automatic winding system, and a high-level shock-absorption device, unmatched by any other automatic watch on the market.

　　In 1868, IWC launched its first pocket watch. Since then, IWC has attained a special status in many aspects of the Swiss watch industry and also holds a pivotal position in the global watch manufacturing industry.

　　Thanks to the efforts of IWC distributors worldwide, the brand has achieved a remarkable five hundred percent growth in performance over the past three years, prompting the headquarters to go all out in expanding the Asia-Pacific market. New models unveiled at Basel in 1998 4 were premiered in the Asia region as early as 3, presented via video conference, demonstrating the importance IWC places on the Asia-Pacific region.

　　IWC boutiques were first established in Las Vegas and Dubai. Hong Kong is the first city in the Asia-Pacific region to have an IWC boutique, which opened its doors on 7 20, 2005. The brand also plans to open another 4 boutiques in Asia within this year.

　　The robust black, white, and grey tones reinforce IWC's theme: "IWC is the engineer of watchmaking"; the brand's understated style echoes the design of the boutiques. IWC boutiques create an ideal environment where customers can focus on appreciating the fine timepieces manufactured according to IWC's steadfast watchmaking philosophy, "Probus Scafusia" (extraordinary technology and craftsmanship from Schaffhausen). The boutique's "complex simplicity" design feature is closely linked to the IWC image, flowing through every corner of the store. Elegant, simple lines combined with bright glass and high-quality metal attract the gaze of every passerby, making them unable to resist entering to visit and experience an extraordinary watch experience.

　　IWC boutiques provide customers with the most comprehensive watch collections and high-quality service. New products from this year's SIHH exhibition, including the Portuguese F.A. Jones Collection and the Ingenieur Collection, will be showcased first in IWC boutiques. In addition, a series of limited-edition models are also available, including Grande Complications, the Portuguese Tourbillon Mystère, and the Portuguese Minute Repeater.

　　The founder of IWC Schaffhausen in Switzerland was an enterprising American. Since 1868, this Swiss watch factory has been leading the development of watchmaking craftsmanship, continuously setting new standards for the extremely complex and precise watchmaking industry. IWC is known as the "engineer of high-end watches" and specialises in manufacturing men's watches. Classic styles combined with ingenious designs, elegant and refined, and extremely simple to operate—this is the world-renowned IWC.

　　The dial is inscribed with International Watch Co. Schaffhausen, yet many people have wondered why this world-renowned watch manufacturer chose to set up its factory in a tranquil pastoral town on the banks of the Rhine. Because the site was far from Switzerland's famous watchmaking hubs, and the name International Watch Company did not sound like a Swiss firm, it sparked much curiosity about its origins. Florentine Ariosto Jones, an ambitious American youth from Boston with a pioneering spirit, grand aspirations and a sharp commercial sense, was a master watchmaker. While crossing the Atlantic by ship, he already had a well-laid plan in mind. He utilised modern American production machinery to manufacture extremely precise pocket watch movements, sparking a watchmaking revolution in Switzerland, which was experiencing a low-wage economy at the time. Jones founded the International Watch Company in Schaffhausen, Switzerland in 1868, establishing the region as a cradle for innovative precision watchmaking. Located not far from the Rhine Falls, this newly built manufactory harnessed water power for modern production.

　　The pioneering spirit and passionate ambition of founder Jones laid the cultural foundations of the IWC watch factory. For IWC engineers, timepieces themselves are even more fascinating than precise timekeeping; they favour bold and innovative concepts, striving for precision and creative design. Consequently, for over 130 years, IWC has made enormous contributions to the development of the watchmaking industry. In the field of professional watchmaking technology, the innovative craftsmanship of Schaffhausen wins high praise from watch enthusiasts. IWC's proprietary timepieces include the Grande Complication collection, the Da Vinci collection and the Portugieser collection. The Pilot's Watches collection, Ingenieur collection and Aquatimer collection belong to the traditional timepiece lines. Featuring sporty and practical designs with stainless steel or titanium cases, these series are ideally suited for everyday wear by sports enthusiasts.