IWC launches the Portugieser Tourbillon Hand-Wound Special Edition to pay tribute to founder Mr Jones

　　Schaffhausen, 2016 11 16 – IWC SchaffhausenIWC watchis the only Swiss watchmaking company founded by an American. To highlight this unique heritage and commemorate the passing of founder Florentine Ariosto Jones 100 years ago, IWC has introduced a special edition in the Portugieser collection: the Tourbillon Hand-Wound "D.H. Craig USA" Special Edition, featuring a red gold case, limited to 27 pieces, and available exclusively in US IWC boutiques.

　　In 1868, American watchmaker Florentine Ariosto Jones bravely crossed the Atlantic to found the International Watch Company in Schaffhausen, with the aim of crafting pocket watches of exceptional quality for the American market in northeastern Switzerland. To recall the manufactory's American heritage and commemorate the 100th anniversary of F.A. Jones's passing, IWC Schaffhausen has launched a special edition watch in the IWC Portugieser collection, sold exclusively in the United States: "During his leadership of the manufactory, F.A. Jones created IWC Portugieser pocket watches that were uniquely characteristic of the technological conditions of the time while embodying pioneering industrial standards; this long-standing tradition is unmatched by any other IWC watch collection," explains Georges Kern, CEO of IWC Schaffhausen.

　　This special edition watch features the inscription 'D. H. Craig USA' engraved on the highest quality 2N Pattern H Jones movement, as a tribute to Jones's uncle, Daniel Hasting Craig. Craig was not only a successful businessman but also a role model for Jones, and he provided financial support during the establishment of the watch factory. To mark the launch of this special edition watch, IWC has partnered with the 'Save America's Clocks' (SAC) organisation to jointly restore historic street clocks in New York City. In addition, IWC boutiques in New York and Los Angeles have held exquisite small exhibitions for this occasion.

　　The IWC Portugieser Tourbillon Hand-Wound "D. H. Craig USA" Special Edition (reference: IW546306) is issued in a limited run of 27 pieces. Jones was also 27 years old when he founded IWC Schaffhausen in Schaffhausen. A red gold case, silver-plated dial and black Santoni alligator leather strap lend the watch an elegant and classic appearance. This timepiece is driven by the IWC-manufactured 98900 hand-wound movement, offering a power reserve of 54 hours. A minute tourbillon dances in mid-air at the "9 o'clock" position, counteracting the negative effects of gravity on the balance wheel and effectively neutralising rate deviations; combined with a frequency of 28800 vibrations per hour, this ensures exceptional precision.

　　The IWC Portugieser Tourbillon Hand-Wound "D.H. Craig USA" Special Edition will be available exclusively at US IWC boutiques starting 2016 10. Alongside the watch, every purchaser will receive a numbered passport holder crafted by Santoni, recalling young Jones's ocean voyage to Europe. Furthermore, purchasers will receive a copy of the book *F.A. Jones – Sein Leben, sein Vermächtnis, seine Uhren* (F.A. Jones – Life, Legacy and Timepieces). The volume includes texts written by, for example, David Seyffer, Curator of the IWC Museum. This work recounts the life of Florentine Ariosto Jones, the movements he created, as well as the founding and corporate history of IWC Schaffhausen. In addition, the book compiles in-depth insights from watch collectors worldwide.

Related reading:

The Legend of IWC Pilot's Watches

A Revolution Born from IWC Watch Design

Compared to the "Phelps face", IWC watch dials are much more popular

A Tribute to the First Big Pilot - IWC Pilot's Watch "Tribute to the First" Perpetual Calendar Special Edition

IWC brand ambassador Hamilton wins another F1 Grand Prix; Ingenieur special edition unveiled