If you’re considering buying an IWC watch, you more than likely have a soft spot for aviation watches, pilot’s watches and aeronautical instruments. IWC Schaffhausen is amongst the most well-known and well-loved luxury watch manufacturers in the world. It prides itself on selecting the best materials and combining these with cutting-edge technology to create highly robust, accurate and elegant timepieces for men and women. If you’re new to IWC watches, you may requires some level of guidance. If so, this article outlining everything you need to know about IWC watches is sure to help you in your quest to find the perfect timepiece to start your collection. From rare IWC watches to the best IWC classic watches, or the best IWC entry-level watch – we’ve got you covered here at Watches World. Let’s start with a little information on the brand, followed by some common questions about IWC Schaffhausen as a brand and a brief look at some of the company’s most popular collections.

A brief introduction IWC

Every IWC Swiss watch is deeply rooted in the brand’s history – a chronology of craftsmanship that began with an American gent named Florentine Ariosto Jones who was both an engineer and a watchmaker who founded his company in Boston. Intrigued by the concept of bringing Swiss craftsmanship to his pocket watches, he travelled over to Switzerland to draw from the expertise of the luxury Swiss watch industry. On his return back to America, Jones left the company in the hands of the Rauschenbachs family from Schaffhausen. As the company established itself from the mid-1800s onwards, the German-speaking town of Schaffhausen became the Swiss home of the manufacturer, with a headquarters that became one of the most prolific in Switzerland. Military contracts were signed thereafter, where IWC began manufacturing military spec pilot’s watches for the German air force.

Aside from IWC’s choice in premium materials, the company has been progressing forwards by replacing third-party movements with its in-house developed calibres for many years – another reason why the popularity of IWC watches continues to grow. Even when considering the lower-priced bracket of IWC watches, these models implemented with in-house movements still promise an appealing price tag. Today the IWC Schaffhausen catalogue includes key collections such as the Portugieser, the Portofino, the Pilot’s Watch, the Aquatimer, the Ingenieur and the Da Vinci, which we’ll look at a little later. For now, let’s explore what everyone wants to know about IWC as a luxury watch brand.

A brief introduction IWC

FAQs

What is the best IWC watch to invest in?

If you’re looking to buy an IWC watch online, Watches World is the perfect place to begin your search. We provide a seamless service from start to finish with a comprehensive range that spans everything from an entry-level IWC watch to an IWC diamond watch to the best IWC dress watch and even the most popular IWC army watch.

Are IWC watches good?

Take note. Whether you’re shopping for an expensive IWC watch or an entry-level model – all IWC watches are worth the investment and hold their value well. Although IWC watches don’t tend to appreciate in value, they are amongst some of the most collectable and renowned in the industry and are respected for factors like their in-house made movements with anti-magnetic components, their iconic pilot’s watch aesthetics and their traceable straps, beautifully crafted from calf leather.

Which IWC watches for men are considered the most popular?

The Big Pilot’s Watch 43 reference IW329301 is a great addition to any man’s collection. The 43mm model is made from stainless steel, holding the Calibre 82100 at its heart. The watch, first introduced in 2022, pays homage to a horological icon with a design that remains faithful to the instruments used by multiple air forces during WWI and WWII. The IWC British military watch also features an EasX-CHANGE strap system for a quick strap change whenever desired.

Which IWC watches for men are considered the most popular?

Which IWC women's watches are thought the most popular?

The Portofino is considered the most popular of IWC ladies watches since it is defined by its elegant, unimposing proportions and slender case shape. Some models are adorned with diamond dot indexes and stones around the bezel, whilst others feature a moon phase or a simple three-handed time and date display. For something a little more luxurious, an IWC Portofino watch like the reference IWC 658603 exudes ultimate femininity with its splendorous 18ct rose gold case measuring a 37mm diameter. As far as IWC gold watches go, this option will make a reasonably priced addition to any lady’s collection.

What is the IWC 150th anniversary watch collection?

In 2018, IWC released something pretty special. A trio of wristwatches for its 150th-anniversary watch collection at SIHH. These inckuded the Big Pilot’s Watch Annual Calendar Edition “150 Years” watch. Also, the Big Pilot’s Watch Big Date Edition “150 Years” and not forgetting the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “150 Years” – all three of which boasted dials executed via a complicated lacquering process.

Which IWC watches for men are considered the most popular?

Which IWC limited edition watches are worth the investment?

Limited to just 1000 pieces worldwide, the IWC Pilot’s Chronograph Tribute to 3705 is a limited edition watch that is worthy of investment thanks to its iconic design that tips its hat to the 1994 IWC Flieger chronograph Keramik, known as the reference 3705. Close in style and design to the original, this IWC limited edition watch features a straight-cut hour hand, a black dial and legible markings in a contrasting white shade. The 41mm model features a matte black Ceratanium case with bezel, crown pushers and a buckle all finished in the same material.

Which IWC limited edition watches are worth the investment?

A look at the most popular IWC watch collections

Now comes the question of which IWC collection to explore first? Let’s take a look at some.

Pilot’s watches

The Pilot’s Watch collection by IWC deserves an article of its very own and has a huge history with a large range of models on offer. This line of IWC luxury watches features a broad range of instruments from ceramic chronographs to classic perpetual calendars and even tourbillons. The brand’s first official pilot’s watch was the "Spezialuhr für Flieger" model produced in 1936 and was followed by the Mark 11 watch of 1948 designed for the Royal Air Force and considered by many as the most popular IWC watch in the brand’s history. Pilot’s Watch models from IWC resemble their predecessors with large Arabic numerals and indices, luminous sword-shaped hands and a triangular point of reference at 12 o’clock. Within the Pilot’s Watch collection by IWC are models from the Mark series like the Mark XVIII a descendant of the Mark 11. Other famous designs from the collection include the Spitfire series, inspired by the famous British fighter plane developed by Supermarine and, of course, the Top Gun series. The latter takes its name from the Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN). The Pilot’s Watch range by IWC is also where you’ll spot an IWC titanium watch or two, as well as several chronograph designs. 

When you look at IWC's past collections it becomes clear to see that the brand’s signature pilot’s watch has remained faithful over the decades. Every IWC aviator watch has a distinct tactical-style look that culminates a sense of authenticity. The Pilot’s Watch range is home to the IWC Edition Le Petit Prince models, also known as the IWC edition Saint Exupery – a series of IWC special edition watches. The company is a long-standing supporter of the Foundation Antoine de Saint Exupéry, which aims to keep the famous poet and French aviator’s spirit alive by helping disadvantages children. IWC grew the editions from the “Le Petit Prince” series as a sub-category to the Pilot’s Watch collection with models characterised by a signature blue dial and, in some cases, a specially engraved caseback.

Pilot’s watches

Portugieser

The Portugieser could easily be classed as an IWC signature watch. It has an instantly recognisable style thanks to its classically elegant chronographs and its complications like its perpetual calendars and minute repeaters. The name Portugieser comes from two Portuguese businessmen who commissioned the watch by IWC after having highlighted a need for a stylish wristwatch but with marine chronometer accuracy. The Portugieser Chronograph watch is considered one of the most popular wristwatches made by the Schaffhausen-based manufacturer, whilst more complicated timepieces include the Portugieser Sidérale Scafusia – a platinum tourbillon watch that is produced in low numbers each year.

Portugieser

Portofino

The Portofino watch collection by IWC personifies understated elegance with its delicate hour markers, leaf-shaped hands and perfectly round case. The models from this collection are inspired by the easy, calm and peaceful way of life of the Italian fishing village and come in the form of tourbillons and perpetual calendars, as well as simpler three-handed models. Whilst the women’s Portofino watches by IWC are sometimes adorned with scintillating diamonds, some of the men’s watches from this series feature flying tourbillons, impressive power reserves of 192 hours, simple date displays at 3 o’clock, or retrograde date displays.

Portofino

Aquatimer

The IWC Aquatimer series is what you’ll want to explore if you’re into robust and functional dive watches. The collection hosts models that are known for their internal rotating bezels that safely measure dive times. Top wristwatches from this series promise a water resistance of up to 2000 meters, while others feature a chronograph or perpetual calendar. In the design of the Aquatimer, the internal bezel is controlled by an external bezel, replacing the crown function seen on older vintage IWC dive watches. This unique SafeDive system is a special feature of the series as the Aquatimer now moves into its sixth decade of success.

Aquatimer

Ingenieur

IWC watches from the Ingenieur collection are incredibly sporty and are known for their superior water resistance. Designed by Gerald Genta and released in 1955, the Ingenieur watch spurred the popularity of the iconic steel sports watch craze and was designed by the same pioneer that created Audemars Piguet’s iconic Royal Oak watch. Despite this, it foregoes the octagonal-shaped bezel but was one of the first IWC watches to feature an anti-magnetic field via a soft iron inner cage. This mechanism protects the movement from harm.

Ingenieur
Ingenieur

Da Vinci

The IWC Da Vinci watch series has, over the years, become the go-to place to find a versatile dress watch. The models feature round, barrel-shaped or polygonal cases that have been crafted from a selection of premium materials including gold, platinum and steel. Da Vinci watches have belonged to their own collection for just a few years but their designs date back to 1969 when the company launched a hexagonal watch powered by a quartz movement and named it after the Italian polymath. Some of the most sophisticated complications from the collection today include tourbillons, flyback chronographs and perpetual calendars. The defining trait of the Da Vinci watch is its articulating lugs that ensure the watch can sit next to the wrist more ergonomically and comfortably. An array of styles is now available in this collection, with models spanning from a mere 36mm to a broad 44mm diameter.

Da Vinci

The Takeaway

IWC Schaffhausen watches have gained a cult-like status over the years and are incredibly popular with pilot’s watch aficionados who rave about these special instruments and fanatically grow their collections with every new release. The company refers back to its historical catalogue to produce some of these Pilot’s Watch models, making them hugely sought-after by those in the know. That said, the company’s offerings do not stop there. The Schaffhausen-based manufacturer offers a versatile range of robust diving watches and elegant dress watches that are loved the world over for their refined and sophisticated style, making IWC’s current catalogue one of the most versatile and varied to choose from on the market.

If you’ve been on a mission to find an IWC quality watch, Watches World has the answer. Our compelling range of IWC new watches and pre-loved timepieces are all quality checked thoroughly and extensively by our talented team of specialists and watch technic