
Star of the watchmaking world: IWC Schaffhausen

IWC, International Watch Company, patrí už dlhé roky medzi najjagavejšie hviezdy hodinárskeho neba. Jej príbeh sa začal písať v roku 1868 vo švajčiarskom meste Schaffhausen.
Even in 2018, when the company celebrated its 150th anniversary, its headquarters were still in the same place, on the banks of the Rhine River. It was here that Florentine Ariosto Jones, a young man from Boston who was only 27 at the time, decided to establish a watch factory. It is interesting to note that one of Switzerland's most prominent companies owes its existence to a man from across the pond. However, this does not detract from the tremendous success the company has achieved during its existence. Over the years, it has earned a reputation as a respected and recognized brand worldwide.

Watches bearing the IWC logo are characterized primarily by their high quality, which is guaranteed by the first-class materials used in their manufacture, as well as by experienced master watchmakers who pass on their craftsmanship from generation to generation. This is why IWC can boast complications such as minute repeaters, annual calendars, perpetual calendars and, of course, the king of all complications, the tourbillon.

In addition to high quality, customers also appreciate the distinctive design that the brand has been patiently building since its inception. Each watch is different, yet they all have something in common. Something that unites them into one big IWC family. It is precisely this recognizability among dozens of other watches that is a huge asset that lovers of ticking machines often seek. Even today, the models exude a respect for tradition, skillfully combined with the modern design of the present.
The brand's immense popularity is also due to its wide range of products. Whether you are an adventurer, an elegant person, or someone who wants to stand out, everyone will find something for themselves at IWC.
For those who love a challenge, there is the Pilot's Watch series. These watches are made for conquering the blue skies. They feature an unmistakable design, large and clear dials, and, above all, resistance to the harshest conditions. Timepieces from this series have been accompanying pilots since 1936, and their popularity continues to grow. Their shape and design reflect their purpose, but also the hidden beauty that characterizes bold and adventurous men. Pilot's watches are large, rugged, and attractive. The range includes classic three-hand models, chronographs, and, above all, big pilot's watches with a manufacture movement with a seven-day power reserve and an impressive diameter of 45 millimeters. IWC celebrated the uniqueness of these watches with a special edition in a bronze or titanium case.

For those who are not attracted by the blue sky, but rather the dark blue ocean, IWC offers watches from the Aquatimer series. Robust and sturdy, they are ready to withstand the pitfalls of the underwater world. Three hundred meters of water resistance and a screw-down crown system ensure perfect resistance to the adverse effects of water. As is customary with IWC, Aquatimer watches are equipped with automatic calibers with a wide range of complications. I will mention the Expedition Jacques-Yves Cousteau model, dedicated to this perhaps most famous marine explorer.

The company's flagship is the Portugieser model series. These watches are characterized by their elegance and timelessness. With nonchalant elegance, they resist fleeting trends and have been astonishing watch enthusiasts with their unchanging beauty for more than eighty years. The watches are equipped exclusively with automatic movements and feature masterful complications such as a perpetual calendar, minute repeater, or tourbillon. Whenever master watchmakers come up with a new caliber or complication, you can bet that the Portugieser series will be the first to feature it.

When it comes to watches from the Portofino line, only one word comes to mind: classic. With everything that goes with it. It is a Portugieser stripped of its aggressiveness, which is skillfully replaced by a reference to times gone by. Portofino watches are a perfect match for suits and white shirts. Watches whose beauty does not scream, but gently whispers. I would particularly highlight the model with a mechanical caliber and an eight-day power reserve indicator.

And finally, we must not forget the models from the Da Vinci and Ingenieur collections. Both are designed for customers who are looking for something original in the world of watchmaking, something that will set them apart from the multitude of identical-looking watches. This is where we see the greatness of the watchmakers at IWC, who have managed to create watches that are unique and distinctive, yet with an undeniable and immediately apparent connection to the IWC brand.

As an organization with enormous international success, the International Watch Company applies a corporate philosophy that includes environmental responsibility and social commitment. It regularly supports foundations dedicated to protecting the environment and improving social conditions around the world. Examples include the Charles Darwin Foundation and the Antoine de Saint-Exupéry Foundation.
If we wanted to assign a flag color to this company, it would most likely be blue. Similarly, the blue flag signifies recognition of beaches and marinas that meet strict water quality standards. For more information about the models on offer, click HERE.