Fine engineering from Schaffhausen
In 1868, Boston watchmaker Florentine Ariosto Jones founded the “International Watch Co.” in Schaffhausen, far from the watchmaking centres of French-speaking Switzerland. His plan was to bring together progressive American production techniques with the skilled craftsmanship for which Swiss watchmakers were renowned. And it was in Schaffhausen that he found ideal conditions: modern factory premises, a hydropower plant driven by the Rhine to run his machines and, not least, a centuries-old horological tradition. The company’s excellent reputation was established right from the start with the very first Jones calibre named after its founder.
Careers
Each one of our timepieces is a perfect combination of exclusive design, innovative technology and precision. All of these values have played their part in making IWC Schaffhausen a dynamic and quickly growing international brand which has established itself in the upper echelons of the luxury watch segment: the perfect environment for those embarking on careers in the luxury goods industry as well as highly qualified, ambitious specialists and management figures who are attracted by the flair of the international luxury goods sector.
Sustainability
At IWC, we know that our long-term success depends on the care and respect with which we treat our two most important resources: people and the natural world. What started more than a century ago with pioneering provisions for our workforce has grown into a comprehensive sustainability programme that now extends to all parts of our business, and beyond.
History
Roaring masses of water plunge over the rocky cliffs that make up the world-famous Rhine Falls. A few kilometres upstream, in Schaffhausen, the Rhine glides at a leisurely pace past the workshop windows of IWC. Here, over 140 years ago, a company began a story that is still being written today.
Manufacture
Every IWC watch is professionally finished by masters of their trade. For they are the individuals whose trained eyes, nimble fingers and precision instruments put together IWC watches from a collection of single parts: each a fascinating showpiece of meticulous workmanship, functionality and design; each an outstanding example of the art of watchmaking at its very best.
Partnerships
As a company that enjoys international success, IWC Schaffhausen has a corporate philosophy that embraces ecological responsibility and social commitment. Discover more about the fascinating global projects that IWC Schaffhausen champions and promotes as part of its corporate responsibility.
Museum
Back in 1993, on the occasion of its 125th anniversary, IWC set up an exclusive museum on the site of its headquarters and became Switzerland’s first watch manufacturer with such a facility.
About IWC
IWC’s watch families – the Pilot’s Watches, Portugieser, Ingenieur, Aquatimer, Da Vinci and Portofino – look back on a long tradition. They attest the innovation of the engineers in Schaffhausen through four generations and embrace the broad range of the company’s watchmaking expertise: from robust watches for everyday use to professional sports watches and the complexities of haute horlogerie at its finest.