OUR STORY - FROM THE RHINE TO THE WORLD

Engineering time since 1868

Welcome to IWC Schaffhausen – where watchmaking is engineered with purpose. Our story began in 1868 with Florentine Ariosto Jones, an American visionary who dared to blend American manufacturing precision with Swiss craftsmanship. Not everyone thought it would work – but it did, and we’ve been quietly building on that idea ever since.

Inspired by Joness ambition, we set out to create timepieces defined by precision and resilience. More than accessories, our watches became essential tools for navigators and pilots. For over 85 years, our Pilot’s Watches have embodied this pioneering spirit. 

Today, we push the boundaries of horology with ingenious perpetual calendars, robust chronographs, and pioneering materials like Ceratanium®, Ceralume®, titanium and ceramics. From cockpit to cosmos, our watches reflect a no-nonsense approach to design – focused, functional, and made to be worn.


Christoph Grainger-Herr, Chief Executive Officer

black and white sketch of old IWC building

Innovation with purpose, partnerships with impact

Today, IWC continues to push the boundaries of modern watchmaking — from winning the prestigious Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève for our Eternal Calendar, to pioneering materials like Ceratanium®, Ceralume® and coloured ceramics. Our expertise extends beyond the workshop through long-standing partnerships with Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™, the Goodwood Members’ Meeting, and Laureus Sport for Good, where we support positive change through sport. Whether on the racetrack or in local communities, these collaborations reflect our commitment to innovation, performance, and purpose. We engineer time with precision — and with people in mind.