PARTNERSHIPS
A new era of space exploration: IWC Schaffhausen becomes the “Official Timekeeper” of Vast
“Vast and IWC Schaffhausen both share a passion for innovation driven by scientific progress. With our mutual passion for bold invention in our respective industries, this collaboration will be a historic milestone in the evolution of spaceflight-ready timepieces. As Vast advances humanity’s presence in low-Earth orbit and unlocks a new era of scientific progress in space, we’re excited to collaborate with IWC on timepieces that capture this ethos of exploration and discovery.”
Developing spaceflight ready watches
In 2025, IWC Schaffhausen announced a strategic engineering partnership with Vast and also became the company’s “Official Timekeeper”. The collaboration is a natural evolution of IWC’s legacy in aviation and reflects the brand’s comprehensive expertise in manufacturing mission-critical precision instruments for pilots.
Within the framework of this collaboration, IWC’s engineering division, XPL, will intensify its research and development efforts on purpose-designed watches for human spaceflight missions. At Vast headquarters, Vast engineers will test prototypes, subject the hardware to simulated launch vibration conditions, and evaluate material compatibility with Haven-1.
“Our collaboration with Vast is a natural evolution of our heritage in aviation, which began almost a century ago. We are excited to continue this journey as Vast’s Official Timekeeper and look forward to exploring new frontiers together. This collaboration will enable IWC Schaffhausen to intensify its research and development efforts for watches that are tested for spaceflight. During future, long-duration space missions, a mechanical watch showing Earth time can also be the object that emotionally connects the astronauts to their home.”
