IWC SCHAFFHAUSEN
The Spitfire : a masterstroke of aerodynamics
Classic, elegant, Spitfire
On 5 March 1936, a prototype of the first Spitfire – the brainchild of Reginald Joseph Mitchell – took off on a test flight over southern England. After the test flight, the RAF pilots and the Air Ministry were unanimous in their opinion: this was the fighter aircraft of the future. They immediately put into place everything needed to go into mass production of the incredibly acrobatic machine, with its elliptically shaped wings and, initially, a 1,030 h.p. Rolls-Royce Merlin engine. Back then, the aircraft was a masterstroke of aerodynamics and offered fabulous handling. During the Battle of Britain, the Spitfire went on to ensure its immortality as the most successful fighter aircraft in history.
IWC Schaffhausen Pilot's Watch Collection, Ref.: IW326801
PILOT'S WATCH COLLECTION
Anyone interested in the history of professional pilot’s watches simply cannot ignore IWC. The very first IWC Pilot’s Watches of the 1930s and 1940s set technical benchmarks, and the dial designs determined the instrument look that has remained current to this day. The Big Pilot’s Watch launched in 1940 had a particular influence on this lasting theme. Even now, over 70 years on, the latest model adds another chapter to the success story of this extraordinary watch. The Pilot’s Watch collection from Swiss luxury watch manufacturer IWC Schaffhausen offers a wide, balanced range of Pilot’s Watches stretching from the Big Pilot’s Heritage Watch to the stylish Mark XVIII and the elegant Pilot’s Watch Automatic 36. With the new Timezoner Chronograph, a simple twist is all it takes to change the timezone, making it the perfect world time watch for frequent travellers.
IWC Schaffhausen Portugieser Watch Collection, Ref.: IW358304
PORTUGIESER COLLECTION
The iconic design of Portugieser watches, with their imposing size, simple Arabic numerals, slim feuille hands and railway-track-style chapter ring, originated in the 1930s, when it was well ahead of its time. Today, the original, clearly organized dial with its simple design remains an unrivalled style icon.
IWC Schaffhausen Aquatimer Collection, Ref.: IW376805
AQUATIMER COLLECTION
IWC has 48 years’ experience in the development and production of professional diver’s watches. IWC has created many watchmaking firsts, such as the patented split-minute function and a revolutionary new sealing system that eliminates the need for screws.
IWC Schaffhausen Da Vinci Collection, Ref.: IW392103.
DA VINCI COLLECTION
Swiss luxury watch manufacturer IWC Schaffhausen revisits the iconic design of the 1980s and presents the 2017 Da Vinci collection, once again with its classic round case. The Da Vinci Automatic 36 and the Da Vinci Automatic Moon Phase 36 are tailored to women, while the Da Vinci Automatic is a unisex model. Two Da Vinci timepieces feature newly developed IWC-manufactured calibres that innovatively combine and integrate complications.
IWC Schaffhausen Ingenieur Collection, Ref.: IW380801.
INGENIEUR COLLECTION
The first Ingenieur model wowed watch connoisseurs with its bidirectional Pellaton winding system, which was much more efficient than conventional movements. It also featured protection against magnetic fields, which remains a key feature of Ingenieur models to this day. In the early 1970s, Gérald Genta designed the legendary Ingenieur SL, adopting a distinctly modernist, technical approach. The Ingenieur collection, which was completely redesigned in 2013, is inspired by the world of FORMULA ONE. The materials used – titanium aluminide, carbon, ceramic and titanium – are frequently found in this motor sport. Technical highlights in this watch family include the patented constant-force tourbillon, the quick-action switch and large double-digit displays for both the date and month. The new Ingenieur models from 2017 once again clearly draw on the design code of the 1950s and 1960s, as evinced by the simple round case and a dial featuring striking hands and indices with luminescent elements.
“Icons are not born overnight. They impress with their skills, charisma and appeal, inspiring people across generations. This is also true for watches – and one such icon in the world of timepieces is undoubtedly the legendary Ingenieur from IWC Schaffhausen. ”IWC Schaffhausen,
IWC SCHAFFHAUSEN HERITAGE
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 marry advanced American production technologies with the skilled craftsmanship for which Swiss watchmakers were famous. In Schaffhausen, he found ideal conditions: modern factory premises, a hydropower plant driven by the Rhine to run the machines and, equally important, a centuries-old horological tradition. The company’s reputation was established from the start with its first movement, the eponymous Jones calibre. In 1885, IWC demonstrated its innovative spirit in the Pallweber pocket watches, with their revolutionary digital display for hours and minutes. The end of the 19th century saw the appearance of IWC’s first wristwatches featuring the 64-calibre pocket watch movement.
