Collection: IWC Schaffhausen Watches
With a line-up of iconic collections and famous faces flocking to wear one, IWC Schaffhausen watches have a 150-year reputation that takes the brand to new heights. Literally. IWC crafts the world’s most famous pilot’s watches and is often compared to Rolex in the prestige stakes.
Sorry, we don't have any IWC Schaffhausen Watches in stock at the moment, but we can always help you find what you're looking for with our Watch Sourcing Service. Click here to get started.
The history of IWC Schaffhausen
In 1868, American engineer and watchmaker Florentine Ariosto Jones founded the International Watch Company in Schaffhausen — at just 27 years old. He aimed to draw on the modern technology of the Swiss to produce pioneering pocket watches for the American market.
Technology progressed steadily at the IWC house over the following few decades and in 1955, under the watch of owner Hans Ernst Homberger, the brand launched the first Ingenieur. A few years later, it introduced the first Aquatimer, establishing a long-lasting collaboration between IWC and the world’s divers.
”The heritage of IWC is deeply rooted in American pioneering spirit and entrepreneurship.”
Source: https://www.iwc.com/de/en/company/history.html
As they entered the new millennium, IWC was taken over by Richemont. The company developed its own movement for large wristwatches, following its creation of the extra-large 5000 calibre that runs non-stop for 7 days. And by 2020, the Portugieser Chronograph was introduced for the first time equipped with the IWC-made calibre 69.
An Evolution in Design
Men’s IWC watches start at around £3000, with IWC women’s watches costing around the same. The most expensive IWC watch is the Siderale Scafusia, which launched in 2012 and took 10 years to make. It’s on sale for $750,000 USD.
Such a wide range of prices means IWC Schaffhausen watches are available for just about everyone. The brand’s timepieces have a number of features that make them unique and drive up prices, such as their in-house calibres. Manufacturers that house every skill are celebrated by collectors and so such timepieces usually come with a significant price increase.
IWC is a luxury brand that backs that status through the use of high-quality materials. From 18-carat gold to platinum, titanium and technical ceramics, expensive materials are bound to push up the retail price. IWC watch cases are crafted with aluminium bronze, containing copper, aluminium and iron. This composition makes the alloy around 50% harder than standard bronze, for a durable, unique piece.
The most iconic IWC Schaffhausen watches
IWC Schaffhausen makes the world’s most iconic pilot’s watches, in a collection aptly named “Pilot’s Watches”. First launched in the 1930s, these watches set technical benchmarks with dial designs that have survived to this day. The pilot watches are grouped into five categories: Classic, Spitfire, Top Gun, Le Petit Prince and Antoine De Saint-Expuery.
2023 saw the release of a new version of IWC’s most basic pilot watch, the Mark in honour of the Mark series’ 75th anniversary. With a lineage that goes back to the Mark 11, produced for Britain’s Royal Airforce, the latest model is available with either a black leather strap or a steel bracelet.
The Portugieser, a contemporary yet classically-styled timepiece, is IWC’s best-selling collection. According to IWC itself, “No other watch family incorporates so many of the technical tours de force of haute horlogerie.”
Frequently Asked Questions about IWC Schaffhausen Watches
What IWC watch does Lewis Hamilton wear?
IWC Schaffhausen watches have diffused into every level of the sporting world, from diving to flying to racing. In June 2023, Lewis Hamilton wore a white ceramic men’s IWC watch that got lips moving — because it hadn’t yet been released.
In the Spanish Grand Prix, Hamilton, a brand ambassador for IWC, showcased a model similar to the Big Pilot’s Perpetual Calendar Top Gun Edition “Mojave Desert”, which came out in 2021. The new model, however, is defined by a striking white (“Lake Tahoe”) ceramic hue that contrasts with a large, bold, black dial.
The Formula One icon isn’t alone in his love for IWC Schaffhausen watches. Other celebrities seen sporting the brand include Bradley Cooper, John Malkovich, Quentin Tarantino and Jason Bateman.
Where Can I Buy IWC Watches?
Trilogy Jewellers is the home of new and pre-owned IWC Schaffhausen watches. With an online store as well as a physical store in London’s Hatton Garden, you can access the best of IWC. From rare watches to new releases, you’re invited to browse our collection of women’s and men’s IWC watches.
Searching for a specific timepiece? Our sourcing service is unrivalled — we can often locate even ultra-rare watches within a day or two. With our wide global network and expansive knowledge of the luxury watch industry, we can unlock the best prices on just about any watch you want to add to your collection or portfolio.
Should I buy a new or a used IWC Watch?
Be part of a 150-year heritage. IWC Schaffhausen creates horological masterpieces that bring advanced engineering and precision together with the American pioneering spirit. With exclusive designs and a line of celebrities and sportspeople waiting to wear its watches, IWC is placed among the top Swiss watch manufacturers.
Contact Trilogy Jewellers for personalised advice, whether you’re shopping for yourself, for a gift, or for investment reasons. Simply call our team on 0203 9298227 or book an appointment using the link at the bottom of this page. We’d be glad to show you around our current collection or start the search for that elusive watch you’re after.
Why Should I Buy From Trilogy Jewellers?
Be part of a 150-year heritage. IWC Schaffhausen creates horological masterpieces that bring advanced engineering and precision together with the American pioneering spirit. With exclusive designs and a line of celebrities and sportspeople waiting to wear its watches, IWC is placed among the top Swiss watch manufacturers.
Contact Trilogy Jewellers for personalised advice, whether you’re shopping for yourself, for a gift, or for investment reasons. Simply call our team on 0203 9298227 or book an appointment using the link at the bottom of this page. We’d be glad to show you around our current collection or start the search for that elusive watch you’re after.
TRILOGY ON YOUTUBE
Follow Trilogy on YouTube for regular updates and reviews of luxury watches and jewellery.