In 1868, the American watchmaker and businessman Florentine Ariosto Jones left Boston for Switzerland and founded the "International Watch Company" in Schaffhausen. His visionary dream is to combine modern American manufacturing technologies with the craftsmanship of Swiss watchmakers to create the best pocket timepieces of the era. In this way, it not only lays the foundation for IWC's unique engineering approach, but also initiates the centralized production of mechanical watches in Switzerland.
In its 150-year history, IWC Schaffhausen has distinguished itself for being able to create functional, ingenious, robust and easy to use complications; in particular chronographs and calendars. A pioneer in the use of titanium and ceramics, IWC specializes in the production of technological cases made with cutting-edge materials, such as titanium aluminide and Ceratanium®. By privileging the principle "form follows function" over aesthetics, the timeless creations of the Swiss manufacture embody the dreams and ambitions of the wearer.
In the new Manufakturzentrum, which opened in 2018, IWC Schaffhausen brings together the traditional watchmaking tradition with the most modern production methods and technologies. In the production of components and cases, the latest generation turning and milling stations guarantee maximum quality and precision. The assembly of the in-house movements, on the other hand, requires careful manual work. Only thanks to the expert hands of the watchmaker does the mechanical heart of the watch begin to beat.
IWC purchases materials responsibly and takes action to minimize the impact on the environment, creating inherently sustainable watches built to last generation after generation. The company is proud to train its future watchmakers and engineers and to offer an excellent working environment for all employees. IWC also collaborates with organizations that work for young people and children around the world.

Since 1868, the Swiss watch manufacturer IWC Schaffhausen has been crafting exquisite haute horlogerie, in which the highest precision is combined with exclusive design.

As one of the world’s leading brands in the luxury watch segment, our long-established company strives to uphold the pioneering spirit and the innovative talent that underlie our success.