8 Things to Know About IWC Watches

If you are a luxury watch enthusiast, the International Watch Company is a must-have brand in your collection. IWC is a longstanding brand and one of the most popular in the Richemont Group portfolio, famed for the iconic pilot’s timepiece collection. Technological advancements have revolutionized luxury watches, and the IWC brand is no exception. If you want to invest in this iconic brand, Atlanta Luxury Watches is the go-to watch store for quality products. Let’s look at the things you need to know about IWC.

American Collection

There are many IWC watches in the market, and the hands of collectors came at the hands of an American, Florentine Ariosto Jones, a Boston watchmaker. He founded the International Watch Company in the late 1860s by combining the skills and quality of Swiss watchmaking with the industrialized manufacturing that had taken hold stateside. However, Johannes Rauschenbach-Vogel, a Schaffhausen-based engine manufacturer, acquired the brand in 1880. This put an end to the brand’s transatlantic affair.

Not Your Average Black Watch

Many luxury watches have a black case in their repertoire, as DLC and PVD treatments have been popular for decades in the watchmaking industry. IWC watches have deviated from this path using a durable and interesting thin rubberized coating on several limited edition models, like the Aquatimer. The material offers the same, if not better, shelf life than DLC and PVD without compromising the unique tactile properties.

The Life Aquatic

When people think of dive watches and the contributions of the Cousteau family, Doxa is the first brand that comes to mind. However, IWC has played a vital role with the Cousteau family since 2004. The duo has released a range of limited-edition luxury watches, with part of the proceeds going to support society and fuel other special projects. In addition, IWC is a major supporter of the society’s efforts to renovate the research vessel Calypso, which Cousteau conducted underwater research for over 40 years.

The Other Genta Icon

Gerald Genta is one of the most recognized watchmakers famous for the Royal Oak and Audemars Piguet, although the iconic designer has taken part in several creations since the ‘70s. One of the popular creations is the IWC Ingenieur, which was launched in 1976. Some unique design cues include an integrated bracelet and exposed bezel fastening screws. The h-link bracelet is reminiscent of his design for the Nautilus Patek Philippe. Unfortunately, the Ingenieur didn’t become as popular as Genta’s other creations, but it still provides an approachable way to own a unique piece of history.

Changing the Split-Seconds Game

The split-second timepieces have been around for some time but remain exclusive and expensive. Richard Habring set out to change this notion by building the IWC Doppelchnrono Ref 3711. Habring used the Valjoux 7750 workhorse as a base for the split-second chronograph, simplifying the complex mechanism more reliably and more durable than the past iteration. This makes it approachable, with steel-cased models floating around the $6,000 mark on the secondary market.

Other Watchmaking Legends

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, many legendary names from the complex watchmaking toiled under the IWC umbrella. The patents held by the brand during the time include Richard Habring, Kurt Klaus, and the duo of Giulio Papi and Dominique Renaud. The IWC delivered gems to collectors during this era, including grand complications which set it apart from other luxury watch brands.

Boundary Pushing Advertising-The Machismo Era

At the beginning of the new millennium, IWC pushed an interesting marketing campaign focusing on the tagline "Engineered for Men." The brand pushed the envelope with edgy advertising such as "Often seen on stewardesses’ bedside tables" and "Almost as complicated as a woman. Except it is on time." Although this caused quite a stir, this kind of boundary-pushing built traction and catapulted the brand to its current status.

Also in Bronze

Bronze watches have existed for many years but have become more popular recently. IWC watches like the Aquatimer Automatic Edition "Forum Collectors Watch" have garnered less attention than other bronze models like the Oris Carl Brashear or Zenith Type 20. However, the Aquatimer has a black dial with matching gilt indices that give the timepiece a unique distinction from the rest of the collection. IWC produced only 250 pieces, make its lack of popularity more bewildering.

Now that you know about IWC watches, contact us at Atlanta Luxury Watches or visit our watch store to access top-quality timepieces. Learn about your favorite luxury watch brand from the experts, ensuring you make an informed investment.