If you are catching up with your high-end luxury watches or watching Chris Evans, then you may have heard of the International Watch Company or IWC. If not, then it is understandable. It is not as famous as the big brands such as Omega and Rolex. But, it is comparable when it comes to the specifications. If you are a connoisseur or simply an admirer of well-made timepieces, now is the time to get involved with IWC.
The IWC is regarded as the rising star of the Swiss watch industry. With its daring strategy and focus on technology rather than craftsmanship, the brand has proven itself a frontrunner. Here are some excellent products, and whether you are searching for a high-quality Swiss watch or are only intrigued by the company, these IWC timepieces are tough to resist.
Table of Contents
1. Ingenieur Automatic IW357002
The Ingenieur Automatic model IW357002 is a straightforward three-hand watch with a 40 mm diameter and a date window at the 3 o’clock marker. It most nearly recalls the Ingenieur versions of the 1950s, with its plain dial, distinctive luminous dots, and polished bezel. The stainless-steel variant sports a black dial with luminescence and a stainless-steel bracelet.
2. Big Pilot’s Watch 43 IW329304
The Big Pilot’s Watch is the only model that captures the appeal of IWC Schaffhausen aviator timepieces. It was prompted by a military observation timepiece from the 1940s for its massive conical crown and solely functional cockpit-instrument appearance. The Big Pilot’s Watch 43 ref IW329304 is an excellent recreation of the initial model, with no extra tools on the dial and a 43mm stainless-steel case that blends an incredible prominence on the wrist with maximum lasting pleasure. This model has a high-quality stainless-steel bracelet, a blue dial, and rhodium-plated hands with a tapered profile for better ergonomics and a precise adjustment system.
The IWC-produced 82100 caliber is viewable through the sapphire glass case back. The Pellaton winding mechanism offers a 60-hour power reserve and is strengthened with ceramic components. The simple EasX-CHANGE system, as well as calfskin and rubber strap options, offers a high level of versatility. Compared to the current 10-bar water-resistance case, the Big Pilot’s Watch 43 becomes a modern, completely flexible sports watch.
3. Portugieser Chronograph IW371605
The IWC Portugieser has become a symbol of watchmaking, with a style that is as sharp as it is ageless. One of IWC Schaffhausen’s most recognizable versions is the Portugieser Chronograph. It fits practically any wrist because of its small 41 mm diameter. The small bezel, on the other hand, reinforces the idea of having a much larger timepiece. The dial is clear and utilitarian, with slim Feuille hands and applied Arabic numerals. The distinctive réhaut, engraved with a quarter-second scale, not only permits accurate results of the stop time but also recalls the Portugieser’s roots as a naval precision instrument for the wrist.
This model IW371605 has a black alligator leather strap, a silver-plated dial, blue hands and appliqués, and a stainless-steel case. The IWC-manufactured 69355 caliber is at work within the outdoorsy and glamorous chronograph. A sapphire-glass case back reveals the durable and accurate chronograph movement in an iconic column-wheel style.
4. Portofino Automatic IW356505
This Portofino Automatic IW356505 has a 40 mm stainless-steel case that makes it look even smaller and also features a silver-plated dial, a Milanese mesh stainless-steel bracelet, and a 30-meter water resistance. The time is ticked away by the solid, mechanical automatic movement. It is also equipped with a 35111 Calibre beside a 42-hour power reserve, 163 components, 25 Jewels, and Côtes de Genève, perlage.
5. Portofino Automatic Edition “1881 Heritage Boutique” IW356524
The case of the Portofino Automatic Edition “1881 Heritage Boutique” ref IW356524 is composed of 18-carat 5N gold, and it has gold-plated hands and a silver-plated dial. This simple yet exquisite three-hand watch comes with a brown alligator leather band and is available exclusively at IWC’s boutique in Hong Kong’s 1881 Heritage building. For many years, the Marine Police base was housed in this landmark Victorian building, which is also etched on the case back. This region has a long history with timekeeping. From 1885 to 1907, a ball installed on the Time Ball Tower was released every day at 1 p.m. sharp. It enabled the vessels in the harbor to adjust their chronometers to a 10th of a second.
6. Da Vinci Tourbillon Retrograde Chronograph IW393101
This version ref IW393101 is encased in a commanding 18-carat 5N gold casing 44 mm in diameter and 17 mm in height. The tourbillon was set where the fourth wheel was initially situated at the 6 o’clock position while the chronograph subdial is still set at the 12 o’clock marker The hand mechanically leaps back to the 1st of the month following the 31st of the prior month in the retrograde date display, which extends along a graceful arc on the left-hand side of the dial. The hacking tourbillon on the IWC-produced 89900 caliber permits the time to be regulated accurately to the second.
Diamond-coated silicon is used to make the pallet and escape wheel. This results in a durable surface with good surface slip, which reduces friction and thus attrition. This lowered friction also balances the extra power consumption of the tourbillon, enabling the original 86-hour power reserve to be maintained. The see-through sapphire-glass back of this timepiece, which is 30-meter water-resistant, provides an intriguing view of the complex design of the 89900 calibers.
7. Aquatimer Chronograph Edition “Galapagos Islands” IW379502
The rubber coating applied using a complicated vulcanization case and the black dial with luminescence provide this timepiece a distinct feel, touch, and appearance. This IW379502 model has qualities that make the Aquatimer Chronographs appealing for adventures underwater and land with its 30-bar water resistance. It also has a mechanical external or internal rotating bezel with SafeDive system, Super-LumiNova®* luminous coating, 68-hour power reserve, sapphire glass, convex, anti-reflective coating on both sides, and integrated flyback function. Note that the Super-LumiNova® trademark is not owned by IWC Schaffhausen.
Also Read: 6 Brands That Produce Unisex Watches
In A Nutshell
That brings us to the end of our selection of the superb IWC watches available. If you want to give IWC a well-deserved shot, the timepieces in this summary are great choices. Moreover, when you say IWC watches, expect that they are refined and practical. They also possess that exceptional elegant class and impeccable touch.
