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International Watch Company (IWC)

Founded in 1868 by American engineer and watchmaker Florentine Ariosto Jones in Schaffhausen, the International Watch Company started life producing high quality pocket watches for the American market, using Swiss movements.

Fast forward over 150 years later, they are now considered to be one of the greatest producers of luxury wristwatches worldwide, in terms of technicalities and aesthetics. They are best known for their military and pilot’s watches, where we see examples fetching strong prices in auction, as well as for their more classic models like the Portuguese, the perfect everyday wristwatch that still stays true to its original 1930’s design.

IWC was also one of the twelve manufacturers to supply a general use timepiece for the armed forces. Issued during the Second World War - called the Dirty Dozen.

Did you know...

In 2013 IWC began creating their “Le Petit Prince” line of watches, a selection of fine, quality pilot’s watches, bringing together the two main elements of a utilitarian tool and the magical element of fantasy. 

“Le Petit Prince” is one of the most popular short stories in the world written by Antoine de Saint-Exupery. You can find out more about the relationship between IWC and Antoine de Saint-Exupery in one of our blogs, all you need to do is click here.