IWC - International Watch Company Schaffhausen
About IWC Schaffhausen
IWC Schaffhausen is a unique watch manufactory deep in the heart of the Swiss town of Schaffhausen. Founded over 140 years ago and driven forward by the highest level of craftsmanship, the company has impressed ever since with its innovative approach to the art of watch making.
As a premium brand in the international luxury watch segment, IWC has committed itself to the manufacture of top-quality products in haute horlogerie. More than 650 employees, including 180 eminently qualified watchmakers, are involved in the development, manufacture and distribution of perfect mechanical masterpieces. The renowned watch manufacturer in eastern Switzerland has over 1000 sales outlets worldwide, including more than 35 company-owned boutiques in cities such as Dubai, Hong Kong, Geneva and Moscow. Since 2000, the company has been part of the Swiss Richemont Group.
Some of the History of IWC Schaffhausen
In 1868, Boston watchmaker Florentine Ariosto Jones founded the “International Watch Co.” in Schaffhausen, far from the watchmaking centres of French-speaking Switzerland. His plan was to bring together progressive American production techniques with the skilled craftsmanship for which Swiss watchmakers were renowned. And it was in Schaffhausen that he found ideal conditions: modern factory premises, a hydropower plant driven by the Rhine to run his machines and, not least, a centuries-old horological tradition. The company’s excellent reputation was established right from the start with the very first Jones calibre named after its founder. In 1885, IWC demonstrated its innovative spirit in the Pallweber pocket watches, with their revolutionary digital display for hours and minutes. The end of the 19th century saw the appearance of IWC’s first wristwatches featuring the 64-calibre pocket watch movement.
F.A. Jones rented his first factory premises in premises known as “Moser’s Industrial Complex”. Soon afterwards additional rooms were rented at the “Oberhaus”, one of the oldest buildings in Schaffhausen. In 1874/75, a new IWC factory – and the company’s headquarters to this day – was built at the “Baumgarten”, directly adjacent to the banks of the Rhine. Headquarters were expanded in 2005 and 2008 with the addition of the East and West Wings.
IWC's Philosophy
Schaffhausen is an island in Switzerland’s watchmaking industry, because the vast majority of the country’s manufacturers are based in the French-speaking part of the country. From the very beginning, this unusual geographical location has fostered IWC’s philosophy, which is based on a passion for watchmaking, untiring enterprise and perfect craftsmanship. As an international premium brand name, the company has consciously chosen to specialise in innovative mechanical watches. The individual who purchases an IWC watch expects not only precision, functional design and a long service life but also the kind of advanced technical features that only a few watch manufacturers worldwide are able to provide. The reputation of the brand from Schaffhausen is founded not least on the fact that its highly qualified employees master every step of the production processes behind complications like the minute repeater, the power reserve, the tourbillon and the perpetual calendar. Behind the claim to excellence, “Probus Scafusia”, which was first formulated in 1903 and stands for good, solid craftsmanship from Schaffhausen, lies the desire to manufacture precision timepieces that will be a joy to use and will retain their value well into the future.
For more information about IWC, visit their website: http://www.iwc.com (clicking this link will open a new window)
| Tel: 713.960.8950 | Toll Free: 800.333.3767
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