IWC Watches
The International Watch Company was founded in 1868 in Eastern Switzerland by Florentine Jones, an American watchmaker. His intent was to combine American technology with experienced Swiss watchmaking techniques. He planned to utilize cheaper Swiss labor to have his watches made and then import them back to the United States. His plans fell through however due to the high import fees which he encountered.
That setback was one of many that Jones had to deal with in the early years. Another such unfortunate incident was when the factory was mistakenly bombed and destroyed by the US Air Force during World War II. The International Watch Company always managed to make a comeback after each challenge and has grown into one of the most respectable watchmaking companies today.
IWC has an impeccable reputation and their watches are noted for their precision, intricate design, cutting edge technology, and hand craftsmanship. The have played a key role in the history of the development of watches, always on the leading edge. In fact, although Switzerland was well known for its skilled watchmakers, most of them were located in western Switzerland. Therefore, being in eastern Switzerland, IWC founded its own school of watchmaking which trains apprentice watchmakers to this today.
IWC's line of watches include the Pilot's Watches, Aquatimer, Portofino, Da Vinci, Ingenieur, Portuguese, Specialites, and the Vintage Collection. Of these, the Pilot Watches are probably the most well known and sought after.
IWC began making the popular Pilot's Watch just before the beginning of World War II. This watch is noted for its precision and it is available in a variety of styles of different colors. These include the Chrono-Automatic with its large numbers and small hacking second hand. It is self winding with 44 hours of reserve power.
The Vintage Watches series includes some very impressive timepieces including the hand wound Portofino. This watch has a moon phase display and a small dial with a seconds hand display. The platinum version is limited to 500 pieces.
The Di Vinci collection of watches is quite extraordinary. The watch faces are rectangular instead of round. The Di Vinci Perpetual Calendar model has a perpetual calendar, a moon display, a hacking seconds hand, and mechanical chronograph movement. This fine watch is also a limited edition run in 18 carat rose gold.
The Specialties collection includes the Grande Complication. This watch is for men with exquisite taste. The GC is limited to just 50 watches each year. The watch is platinum and has a crocodile leather strap. The watch has a sleek design and comes with a perpetual calendar, moon phase display, minute repeater, and chronograph. This is an intricate and precise watch and contains 659 mechanical parts.
The above are just a few samples of the fine watches on offer from International Watch Company. The IWC watches are built to be handed down through generations if treated properly. They are among the most precise hand crafted watches being made today and are also elegant and visually appealing. These watches are a result of over 100 years of master watchmaking skill and innovation by a leader in the watchmaking industry.