Why IWC Schaffhausen Timepieces Are Must-Haves For Every Luxury Watch Enthusiast
Over its 150-year history, IWC Schaffhausen has developed a reputation for creating functional, ingenious, and robust luxury watches, and for being a pioneer in the use of titanium in watchmaking - a truly remarkable feat.
Renowned for its iconic aviation watches, IWC specializes in highly engineered watches, manufactured using the highest-quality materials and cutting-edge techniques combined with traditional Swiss watchmaking excellence.
The legacy of IWC Schaffhausen IWC
Schaffhausen was founded in 1868 by American watchmaking pioneer, Florentine Ariosto Jones, in the Swiss town of Schaffhausen. He drew on the experience of skillful Swiss watchmakers and modern technology to manufacture watch movements of the highest quality.
Since then, the acclaimed luxury watchmaker has been committed to the tradition of excellence established over 150 years ago. Handcrafted in Switzerland, IWC timepieces combine precision engineering with timeless design and ethically sourced materials, bringing the finest technology and unparalleled elegance to your wrist.
What does IWC stand for?
Although the legendary watchmaker is easily recognized by its initials, IWC actually stands for the brand’s full name, that is, International Watch Company.
A truly fitting name, as IWC was a pioneer for combining Swiss craftsmanship with American modern engineering technology to manufacture incomparable watches.
Most iconic IWC Watches
IWC Portugieser
Also known as the IWC Portuguese, this 75-year-old masterpiece of mechanical watchmaking has become an icon in the world of luxury timepieces.
With its compact diameter of 41 millimeters, thin bezel, and functional dial boasting Arabic numerals and slender Feuille hands, the Portugieser is the epitome of timeless elegance.
Designed to match the precision of a marine chronometer, Portugieser watches demonstrate remarkable levels of accuracy and reliability. With a precision instrument like this on your wrist, you can navigate your way through life at ease - and with incomparable style!
IWC Pilot
The very first IWC Pilot’s Watches of the 1930s set technical benchmarks, and the dial designs determined the classic look that has remained characteristic to this day.
Arguably the watchmaker’s most iconic collection, IWC Pilot watches have become synonymous with the brand. Some of the most iconic designs in the pilot watch collection include the IWC Spitfire, the IWC Top Gun, the IWC Mark XVIII, and the IWC Le Petit Prince.
Incredibly precise, dependable, resistant to temperature fluctuations, and beautiful to behold, these timepieces are favorites among pilots, aviation-buffs, and sports-watch enthusiasts alike.
IWC Ingenieur
The first Ingenieur watch was designed for engineers and scientists in need of a timepiece that could withstand shock, vibration, and magnetic fields. Today, the design’s powerful anti-magnetic protection is what makes the Ingenieur the ideal racing watch.
Over the years, the design gained numerous variations and complications. Alongside the classical automatic edition, IWC offers several complicated Ingenieur watches, such as the perpetual calendar and the chronograph split-second.
Continuously building on its tradition of engineering excellence, IWC has been setting standards for racing watches for over half a century.
IWC Portofino
Blending timeless elegance with a touch of glamour, the IWC Portofino reflects the sophisticated lifestyle of the Mediterranean.
The Portofino collection features both automatic and hand-wound timepieces, all of which have beautiful Roman numeral dials, alluding to the Italian inspiration behind the design.
Popular among men and women alike, the collection boasts an effortless, minimalist style. With models in stainless steel or gold - including some variations accented with diamonds - Portofino watches are classic, staple timepieces.
IWC Aquatimer
Although it was originally designed as a professional diving watch, the IWC Aquatimer is equally suitable for any adventure on dry land as it is on water.
Equipped with two bezels, one controlling the time and the other, the internal dive scale bezel, the Aquatimer made its public debut in 1967 - and its classic aesthetic still looks just as good today.
Simply put, the Aquatimer is a luxurious sports watch that looks just as good with a crisp shirt and a blazer as it does with a scuba suit.
Not only that, but the collection combines traditional design elements and modern mechanism features, making the Aquatimer a timeless piece you can wear for years to come.
Where to buy IWC watches in San Francisco or Palo Alto, CA?
Shreve & Co. is your go-to jewelry store for IWC Schaffhausen watches in San Francisco and Palo Alto, CA.
As the oldest retail jeweler in the state of California, our expertise is unmatched. Among our curated selection of iconic IWC timepieces, you’ll find classic and modern designs - from pilot’s watches to IWC Aquatimers.
Visit us on Post Street or in Stanford Shopping Center. And, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook to keep up with our latest news and get some stunning jewelry inspiration!
