CARE ADVICE FOR YOUR TIMEPIECE
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![USER MANUAL SEARCH]()
How to operateUSER MANUAL SEARCH -
![HOW TO GET YOUR WATCH SERVICED]()
ExplainedHOW TO GET YOUR WATCH SERVICEDThere are several misconceptions about servicing and when you should consider it. Justin speaks with Christoph Bippus about why a watch needs a service, what it entails, and how frequently you should have one to keep your beloved timepiece working beautifully. -
![HOW TO CORRECTLY WIND YOUR WATCH]()
How to operateHOW TO CORRECTLY WIND YOUR WATCHPerhaps winding your watch is part of your morning ritual, or maybe you do it just before bedtime, but those 20-to-30 twists of the crown are important. Using the classic Portugieser Automatic and the sporty Pilot’s Watch Chronograph, Justin Hast explains in episode one of our “How To…” series the correct way to wind your watch and why you should take it off your wrist before doing so. Please note that in order to wind the mainspring of timepieces containing an IWC-manufactured movement from the 82000-calibre family, the crown must be turned anti-clockwise. -
![HOW TO SET THE PORTUGIESER PERPETUAL CALENDAR]()
How to operateHOW TO SET THE PORTUGIESER PERPETUAL CALENDARThe perpetual calendar complication on the Portugieser Perpetual Calendar (Ref IW503302) is a true work of art. And it's "smart" as well. The Portugieser Perpetual Calendar is so accurate, it will display the correct date, day, month and year - even leap years - for the next 577 years. And all of the displays can be adjusted through the crown. Learn how to keep your Portugieser Perpetual Calendar running smoothly for centuries. -
![HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR IWC LEATHER WATCH STRAP]()
How to careHOW TO CARE FOR YOUR IWC LEATHER WATCH STRAPThe leather strap on your IWC watch is made exclusively by Italian shoe manufacturer Santoni, and it needs the same attention as a pair of classic double-buckles. Proper caring of your leather strap can evolve into a sensuous, tactile experience. In the fifth installment of our “How To…” series, watch enthusiast Justin Hast gives tips on how care for your strap with a little cream, a cloth and common sense. -
![HOW TO SET THE DATE ON YOUR WATCH]()
How to operateHOW TO SET THE DATE ON YOUR WATCHDid you know that you shouldn’t set the date on your watch between 9pm and 3am? That’s because it interferes with the jumping mechanism. Here’s another tip: Set the date on your watch for the day before. Want to know why? Watch the second video in our six-part series with watch enthusiast Justin Hast on caring for your watch. -
![WHY INVEST IN A LUXURY WATCH?]()
ExplainedWHY INVEST IN A LUXURY WATCH?The purchase of a fine mechanical watch is not a decision made overnight. Whether it is the 1st or 10th timepiece in the collection, intended as a gift to a loved one, or as a reward for a successful college graduation or job promotion, the final choice is usually the product of an appreciation of design and engineering, balanced by the weight of numerous emotions. And what exactly does the production process of a luxury timepiece look like? Markus Buehler from IWC’s Watch Movement Assembly Team reveals some fascinating production details. -
![AUTOMATIC OR HAND WOUND? HOW DOES ONE DECIDE?]()
ExplainedAUTOMATIC OR HAND WOUND? HOW DOES ONE DECIDE?Possibly the most debated question is whether to buy a mechanical watch with an automatic or hand-wound movement. As always, in the complicated world of haute horlogerie, there is no simple answer. Much depends on your individual taste, your character and even your intuition or gut feeling. IWC Watchmaker Florian Salzer explains the differences between the two movements. -
![HOW TO USE A CHRONOGRAPH]()
ExplainedHOW TO USE A CHRONOGRAPHHow often do you need to measure an exact time interval? It’s actually more frequently than you think: tracking bike rides, runs, exercise routines or cooking times, or to tell your kid to turn off the TV in five minutes. But how exactly does a chronograph work? And what types of chronographs are there? This is IWC Watchmaker Sabrina Herzog’s field of expertise and she clarifies the differences between the basic, the double, and the flyback chronograph. -
![HOW TO ENSURE WATER RESISTANCE?]()
ExplainedHOW TO ENSURE WATER RESISTANCE?Aside from magnetism, a mechanical watch has no greater nemesis than water and the outcome of an encounter. In such case, it all boils down to the mastery of engineering and, above all, trust. But what does it mean for a diving watch to be water resistant? And how does one ensure that it remains that way? In this episode, we plunge into this aspect and hear from watch collector and hobby diver Mark Levinson on why he chooses to rely on his Aquatimer. -
![HOW TO REQUEST A CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY]()
ExplainedHOW TO REQUEST A CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITYIf you inherited a stunning IWC watch from your grandparents, how would you check whether it was an original IWC? The first step is to bring it to an IWC Boutique or authorised retailers to have it sent to Schaffhausen and authenticated. In this video, Elvira Judas from IWC’s Customer Service’s “Team Vintage” shares some insights into the authentication process, and discloses how many specialists are involved. -
![HOW TO KEEP YOUR IWC LUXURY WATCH SAFE]()
How to careHOW TO KEEP YOUR IWC LUXURY WATCH SAFEIt has happened either to you or someone you know: You return home from a long trip to find your valuables gone, including your luxury timepiece. But theft isn’t the only hazard for your watch: Mother Nature can wreak havoc too. Don’t despair though. There are steps you can take to – hopefully – keep sticky hands and wild weather away from your watch. Justin Hast shares his tips on securing your investment at home and on the road in our third “How To…” video. -
![HOW TO CLEAN YOUR IWC WATCH]()
How to careHOW TO CLEAN YOUR IWC WATCHIf you wear your watch a lot – and we hope you do – it’s going to attract dirt. But don’t reach for that bar of soap. As Justin Hast explains, a little bit of water and elbow grease is enough to keep your timepiece looking great. Cleaning your watch is the topic of our sixth video in our “How To…” series. -
![HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR PORTOFINO HAND-WOUND TOURBILLON RETROGRADE]()
How to careHOW TO CARE FOR YOUR PORTOFINO HAND-WOUND TOURBILLON RETROGRADEThis majestic watch features three complications that make it an elegant - yet clever - timepiece: an eight-day power reserve, a flying tourbillon and a retrograde date display. The Portofino Hand-Wound Tourbillon Retrograde (Ref IW516501) is a work of art. Justin Hast goes deeper into how this watch works and how to make sure it operates as smoothly as on day one. -
![HOW TO SET THE PORTUGIESER ANNUAL CALENDAR]()
How to operateHOW TO SET THE PORTUGIESER ANNUAL CALENDARIt was a five-year labor of love for IWC watchmakers to bring the annual calendar to life in the Portugieser Annual Calendar (Ref IW503504). It's ingenious in that it automatically displays the date based on the month, and you only have to adjust it once a year at the end of February. Watch enthusiast Justin Hast shows you how to set your Portugieser Annual Calendar to the exact second. -
![HOW TO ADJUST THE PILOT’S WATCH TIMEZONER CHRONOGRAPH]()
How to operateHOW TO ADJUST THE PILOT’S WATCH TIMEZONER CHRONOGRAPHPush, release and go: those are the basic steps to set the Pilot’s Watch Timezoner Chronograph (Ref IW395001). Justin explains the complication's functionality so you can keep track of time no matter where you are. -
![HOW TO SET THE PORTUGIESER GRANDE COMPLICATION]()
How to operateHOW TO SET THE PORTUGIESER GRANDE COMPLICATIONThe Portugieser Grande Complication (Ref IW377602) certainly lives up to its name. With 659 parts working in perfect unison, this complication highlights the art of watchmaking. Justin Hast returns in this episode of our "How To" series to show you how to handle the Portugieser Grande Complication. -
![HOW TO OPERATE YOUR PORTUGIESER MINUTE REPEATER]()
How to operateHOW TO OPERATE YOUR PORTUGIESER MINUTE REPEATERAn engineering marvel, the Portugieser Minute Repeater (Ref IW544907) is as useful as it is beautiful. The timepiece sounds out the hours, quarter hours and minutes - set number of gongs for each - just by pulling the slide on the side of the case. Watch Justin explain how to operate this classic watch. -
![HOW TO CHANGE THE STRAP OF THE PILOT’S CHRONOGRAPH 41 USING THE EASX-CHANGE® SYSTEM]()
How to Straps & BraceletsHOW TO CHANGE THE STRAP OF THE PILOT’S CHRONOGRAPH 41 USING THE EASX-CHANGE® SYSTEM -
![HOW TO CHANGE THE STRAP OF THE BIG PILOT’S WATCH 43 USING THE EASX-CHANGE® SYSTEM]()
How to Straps & BraceletsHOW TO CHANGE THE STRAP OF THE BIG PILOT’S WATCH 43 USING THE EASX-CHANGE® SYSTEM -
![HOW TO ADJUST YOUR MILANAISE BRACELET]()
How to Straps & BraceletsHOW TO ADJUST YOUR MILANAISE BRACELETThe Milanaise bracelet, featured on selected Portofino models, is a reflection of the Italian lifestyle. With its fine wire mesh weave and refined but robust build, the Milanaise provides a snug fit around with wrist without sacrificing comfort, but proper fit is key. Justin Hast demonstrates how to adjust the bracelet to ensure your Portofino stays secure and looks stylish. -
![HOW TO ADJUST YOUR H-LINK METAL BRACELET]()
How to Straps & BraceletsHOW TO ADJUST YOUR H-LINK METAL BRACELETDiscover how to adjust the bracelet size of your H-Link metal bracelet. -
![HOW TO ADJUST YOUR 5-LINK METAL BRACELET]()
How to Straps & BraceletsHOW TO ADJUST YOUR 5-LINK METAL BRACELETDiscover how to adjust the bracelet size of your 5-Link metal bracelet. -
![WITNESS THE CREATION OF A MASTERPIECE]()
ExplainedWITNESS THE CREATION OF A MASTERPIECEAt every stage of the production process, IWC's engineers and technicians spare no effort to ensure that each watch that leaves the workshops in Schaffhausen is an example of unparalleled perfecton. -
![MATERIALS: CERATANIUM]()
ExplainedMATERIALS: CERATANIUMIt’s one of the more innovative materials used in watchmaking and it’s an IWC exclusive: Ceratanium®. In this episode Lorenz explains what this material is, how it was developed and what makes it so special. -
![MATERIALS: BRONZE]()
ExplainedMATERIALS: BRONZEIWC’s bronze is known for its special color and the beautiful patina that evolves over time. Lorenz tells us what makes our bronze so special and why patience is a virtue when it comes to wearing it. -
![INTRO TO MATERIALS]()
ExplainedINTRO TO MATERIALSWhat materials do we use for our watch cases and why? In this video, we meet Dr. Lorenz Brunner, Department Head of Research and Innovation. Lorenz gives a primer on our materials and the work involved making them come to life. -
![A MATTER OF ADJUSTMENT]()
ExplainedA MATTER OF ADJUSTMENTFor an IWC watch to run accurately, the oscillations of the balance require careful adjustment. Find out more. -
![ALL WOUND UP]()
ExplainedALL WOUND UPBefore a mechanical watch movement can start moving, it needs an energy source to drive it. That energy source is the watch mainspring. Find out more. -
![TIME THAT RUNS LIKE CLOCKWORK]()
ExplainedTIME THAT RUNS LIKE CLOCKWORKDepending on the stresses and strains to which they are exposed, around 50 points in the movement are treated with oils and greases developed especially for use in wristwatches. -
![CRAFTSMANSHIP THAT KEEPS WATCHES RUNNING FOR GENERATIONS]()
ExplainedCRAFTSMANSHIP THAT KEEPS WATCHES RUNNING FOR GENERATIONSWhether they’re diving, climbing or travelling the world on business, IWC owners can be sure of one thing: they have a watch that will last them a lifetime. -
![PERPETUAL CALENDAR]()
ExplainedPERPETUAL CALENDARThe perpetual calendar is one of the most fascinating haute horlogerie complications: It is mechanically programmed for 577 years. -
![WHERE TIME FLIES]()
ExplainedWHERE TIME FLIESAsk watchmakers, and one thing is soon clear: their favourite complication is the tourbillon. At the same time, it is one of the most demanding. Find out more. -
![HISTORY AND RESTORATION OF A RARE IWC CALIBRE JONES, PATTERN ‘C’ POCKET WATCH]()
ExplainedHISTORY AND RESTORATION OF A RARE IWC CALIBRE JONES, PATTERN ‘C’ POCKET WATCHHistory and restoration of a rare IWC Calibre Jones, Pattern ‘C’ Pocket Watch. Learn more below. -
![TIME MACHINES]()
ExplainedTIME MACHINESFrom Jones Calibre and Kurt Klaus’ perpetual calendar to the Big Pilot: Learn more about the watches that have defined IWC's heritage of luxury watches. -
![TIME IN YOUR POCKET]()
ExplainedTIME IN YOUR POCKETThe beauty of mechanical watches is that they pay tribute to the past while representing the future. IWC, like all watch companies founded in the 19th century, produced pocket watches for decades.
