An Introduction To Timeless IWC Watches

Jul 01, 2019
An Introduction To Timeless IWC Watches

When it comes to being stylish, one must choose the right accessories to compliment the entire look. If you are aiming for luxury, you might choose diamonds and gold. If you want something cool and suave, then you can wear a watch from IWC Schaffhausen.

 

For 15 decades, the IWC Company has set a remarkable record in the watchmaking industry. Their timepieces continue to display unmatched creativity behind their making. Most of the watches from the Swiss brand are usually simple and casual. But, classic models are also available to complete your business attire.

A Brief History of IWC Watches

The IWC Watchmaking Company is one of the most trusted brands in the industry. Thus, it is a reliable brand that ensures you always look your very best. The Schaffhausen watchmaker began its operations in 1868. The renowned watchmaker hoped to combine the renowned Swiss watchmaking with modern technology. Through this, they aimed to create timepieces that will be offered to the American market.

The IWC Pilot Collection

In 1936, the first IWC Pilot watch was released to the world, leaving aviators awed by its amazing features. Along with the rotating bezel, the wristwatch had an antimagnetic escapement and an arrowhead index to register take-off times. In less than five years, IWC added the aviator watch’s lineup with the Big Pilot’s watch. The new piece became one of the best collections from the brand. It’s so popular that it’s still in production to this day.

front view of IWC Pilot Ref. IW387901 watch

IWC Pilot IW387901

By the 1960s, the IWC watches were a staple for many enthusiasts. Thus, their creators had to ensure that they were serving their consumers with only the best. That time, robust timepieces for underwater adventurers were the new trend in the market. The luxury brand decided to join the bandwagon and introduced the first Aquatimer watch. This piece featured a 200-meter water resistance function. Additionally, it also has a two-color luminescence coating to make it easier for divers to read the time while under the sea.

The IWC Aquatimer Collection

Today, the IWC Aquatimer collection has become one of the top sports watches collection. Most of the models feature all the essential diving requirements. One such example is the Aquatimer Chronograph. The wristwatch features 300-meter waterproof function and has a rotating bezel, highly luminescent dial, a stopwatch function, and a sporty rubber strap.

front view of IWC Aquatimer Ref. IW376805 watch

IWC Aquatimer IW376805

The IWC Portugieser Collection

In case you don’t fancy the diver’s chronograph, then the Portugieser collection will work out for you. This watch collection features sophisticated timepieces, all bearing the classic style of the original Portuguese watch released in 1939.

 

The IWC Portugieser watches are primarily defined by their masculine design — that is, large cases and the ultra-modern features.

 

For example, the Portugieser Grande Complication watch has a 45mm-diameter casing with a black alligator leather strap. It features a Caliber 79091 self-winding movement which offers various functions, including complete perpetual calendar. Although a special limited edition, the selection is one of the most intricate IWC Chronograph watches, with its sub-dials displaying both stopwatch and calendar functions. Thus, it is a great timepiece to complete your business look.

 

Apart from the Portugieser, the other best lineup is the Da Vinci collection. Some models have the basic time and date functions, while others have advanced features. For instance, the Da Vinci Tourbillon Rétrograde Chronograph has a flying minute tourbillon, retrograde date, flyback, and sapphire glass.

 

Now that we’ve covered a basic background of the IWC International Watches Co., let’s do a short review of the most recognized creations by the brand. 

The Most-recognized IWC Watches for Men

Since the beginning, the IWC Company has focused on creating unique timepieces. Although the Swiss manufacturer has released various kinds of timepieces, some of the most iconic models from the brand include:

IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Single Piece

Essentially, the aviator’s watch is one of the oldest collections by the IWC Company. Among the collection, the Big Pilot’s watch is one of the most recognized models. Since its initial debut in the 40s, this lineup has retained its classic-inspired dial. Though, as we’ve seen, some models like the IW503601 display advanced features.

 

Renowned Hollywood A-lister Bradley Cooper was even seen sporting an IWC Big Pilot (Ref. IW500923) watch during the 2019 Oscar gala. However, Cooper didn’t keep the watch as it was later auctioned off. The amount it fetched was then donated to support a youth charity.

 

Read more: The IWC Big Pilot Watch You Must Have

front view of IWC Big Pilot Le Petit Prince Ref. IW501004 watch

IWC Big Pilot Le Petit Prince IW501004

IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition Antoine De Saint Exupéry

In 2017, IWC added a new Chronograph Edition to its aviator’s collection. This unique piece honors the renowned French writer and pilot, Antoine de Saint Exupéry. The new watch (Reference IW377713) is one of the best Swiss watches for men who want something simple yet uber-stylish. 

 

The IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “Antoine De Saint-Exupéry” has impressive features like a soft inner iron case for protection against magnetic fields and classic calfskin bands.

 

This classy watch has even attracted the likes of actor Sterling K. Brown. On one red carpet event, Brown completed his brown suit with this piece!

 

front view of IWC Pilot Antoine de Saint Exupéry Ref. IW377713 watch

IWC Pilot Antoine de Saint Exupéry IW377713

IWC Portugieser Grande Complication

In case you feel that the IW377713 is too basic, you can go for the Portugieser Grande Complication instead. Classy and suave, this wristwatch is the only accessory you need to make you look more sophisticated. The intricate dial and the leather strap make it fit to be worn by any professional. And then the sporty subdials mean it’s also suited for casual wear.

 

As one of the best from the company, the IWC Portugieser Grande Complication offers various functions, including a complete calendar, minute repeater, and chronograph. The model gives you a real taste of a moon watch. That is, this watch has a perpetual moon-phase display with a 30-minute chronograph sub-dial.

side view of WC Portugieser Grande Complication watch

IWC Portugieser navy blue dial Chronograph

Another famous watch from the IWC Company is the Portuguiser Chronograph. The masculine timepiece joined the brand’s category of big-face watches. With its thin bezel, this creates space for the inner bezel with minute markings. Apart from the powerful caliber 79350 self-winding movement, the IWC Chronograph has a stunning blue sunburst dial. Perhaps it was this reason why it caught movie star John Krasinski’s attention. In a recent red carpet appearance, the American filmmaker was spotted wearing the black leathered wristwatch along with a navy blue suit.

front view of IWC Portugieser Ref. IW371446 watch

IWC Portugieser IW371446

IWC Portofino Automatic Silver Dial Men’s Watch

Time for a throwback! The IW516201 is a perfect model for you if you want a simple look. Despite its contemporary style, this IWC Portofino piece functions with a manually-wound caliber 59920. The ultra-large large watch has a clear caseback. Thus, this gives you a view of the lovely Côtes de Genève patterns from the 30-jewel movement.

 

The IWC Portofino (Ref. IW516201) is able to reserve power for up to 192 hours. Moreover, it provides multiple functions of date, hours, and small seconds. Simple yet reliable, right?

front view of IWC Portofino Ref. IW516201 watch

IWC Portofino IW516201

IWC Aquatimer IW376805

The famous Swiss watch company designed the IW376805 for professional divers like Ahmed Gabr. The diver’s IWC Aquatimer has a stainless steel casing and sturdy sapphire crystal, making it a water-resistant piece of up to 300 meters.

 

Furthermore, this men’s diving watch has amazing underwater qualities. These include a calibrated rotating bezel, chronograph, and a luminescent dial to improve clarity while under the sea.

front view of IWC Aquatimer Ref. IW376805 watch

IWC Aquatimer IW376805

IWC Pilot’s Watch Mark XVIII IW327001

Fancy an authentic Swiss military watch? The IWC Mark XVIII is the perfect model! The automatic watch borrows its design from the original IWC Mark 11. Interestingly, IWC designed this for the British Ministry of Defense in 1948.

 

This piece keeps the high precision and functionality of the original. But, the modern IWC Mark XVIII has a soft iron inner case for protection against magnetic fields. Additionally, it has a sturdy sapphire crystal to protect the watch against drops in pressure.

 

Since the release of the first Mark XVIII in 2016, IWC has introduced several other variants in 2017 and 2018. In fact, the IWC Pilot’s Watch Mark XVIII Edition “Le Petit Prince” was featured in Johnny English Strikes Again (2018). The blue-dial watch was worn by the British actor Rowan Atkinson who played Agent Johnny English.

 

Well, we’ve now covered the basic background of the iconic watches for men from the IWC company. Let’s now review the key common features among the company’s timepieces.

front view of IWC Mark XVIII watch

Features of IWC Watches

  • Authenticity: because of its long-established craftsmanship, the IWC Company offers high-quality timepieces, making it a favorite among global icons.
  • Durability: All the brand’s watches are designed with superior materials, including stainless steel and powerful calibers. This means that the watch, with its perpetual calendar, will display the correct date for 577 years.

Conclusion:

Gift yourself one of these precious timepieces from the renowned IWC international Company. Visit our store today and invest in one that catches your fancy!

Related Products
Leave A Reply
To Top