A Guide to IWC Watches

The International Watch Company (IWC) was founded in 1868 in Schaffhausen, a town in northeastern Switzerland famous for its access to hydroelectric power and skilled watchmakers. The company was established by an American with the intention of combining advanced US production techniques with traditional Swiss craftsmanship. IWC quickly established itself as a pioneer, producing precise pocket watches and introducing innovations in horology. However, it was the 20^th century which saw IWC become a globally respected luxury watchmaker. In 1903, the IWC adopted the motto ‘Probus Scafusia’, which means Good, Solid Craftsmanship from Schaffhausen, reflecting the solidity of the brand.

^{A Rare IWC Schaffhausen Portugieser Perpetual Calendar 18 Carat Gold Wristwatch}

^{Sold for £11,000}

Today, it remains one of the most revered Swiss brands, known for its understated elegance and engineering prowess.

Among its most celebrated lines is the Portugieser collection, first introduced in the 1930s and inspired by the history of navigation. With their large, legible dial, the watches feature precise chronographs, an annual calendar and a perpetual calendar. 

Equally iconic is the Pilot’s Watch series, launched in the 1930s and refined in the 1940s for military aviators. The Big Pilot, with its oversized crown, is one of the most recognisable pilot watches ever made. The Ingenieur line, developed in the 1950s, showcased anti-magnetic technology for scientists and engineers, while IWC’s dive watches, the Aquatimer range, feature mechanical depth gauges and advanced water resistance.

^{IWC Dirty Dozen Military Issue Watch}

^{Sold for £3,200}

Among notable wearers and ambassadors are stars such as Bradley Cooper, who sported a Big Pilot’s Watch at the Oscars, and Cate Blanchett, an icon of classic Hollywood glamour. Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton and Tom Brady are both ambassadors for the brand, famed as much for their style as their sporting excellence. Former US President Bill Clinton has also been spotted wearing an IWC timepiece. Such publicity only enhances IWC’s international aspirational prestige.

As such, collectors celebrate the brand’s rich history, precise movements, and attention to detail. Each watch is crafted with longevity in mind, often passed down through generations. The company claims its service department has the parts and expertise to repair every watch since its foundation in 1868. Indeed, in 2018, the WWF ranked IWC as the best performing out of 15 Swiss Watchmakers for environmental impact. This commitment to environmental sustainability and social philanthropy further enhances IWC’s reputation among discerning buyers.

^{An IWC Portofino 18 Carat Wristwatch}

^{Sold for £3,500}

The watches are celebrated not just for their good looks but also for their reliability and performance. IWC pieces consistently retain their value, with prices dependent on the model, age, provenance, and condition.

Dawsons have many years of experience selling IWC watches. Our highly skilled watch specialists can offer complimentary, expert valuations and in-house marketing will promote your watch to a global audience of enthusiastic collectors. Bidding is competitive, and maximum prices can be achieved. Recent successes in sales include A Rare IWC Schaffhausen Portugieser Perpetual Calendar 18 Carat Gold Wristwatch, which sold for £11,000.

If you have a watch that is valued at over £1000, zero seller’s fees will be applied, meaning that you will receive 100% of the hammer (sale) price.

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Is it time to sell your IWC Watch?

With access to a huge global audience of known bidders, Dawsons can secure the highest prices when you sell a watch.

We would love to hear from you.

Call us on 0207 431 9445 or get in touch via email on info@dawsonsauctions.co.uk