IWC

Sometimes more formally known as the “International Watch Co.,” IWC was initially established in 1868 by American watchmaker Florentine Ariosto Jones.

The company was later sold to the Raushenbach family - among IWC’s first historic shareholders - who guided it through the 20th century, contributing to its burgeoning reputation for material and mechanical innovation until the 1970s.

Though not founders, IWC is closely associated with several leading figures in the Swiss watch industry. Chief among these is Günter Blümlein (who would go on to resurrect A. Lange & Sӧhne) and engineer Kurt Klaus, inventor of the “autonomous” perpetual calendar.

Inarguably the most influential watchmaker in north-eastern Switzerland, IWC is well-known in modern horological culture for its premium pilot watches and experimentation with cutting-edge materials such as ceramic titanium.

In the 100+ years that the company has been operational, it has contributed numerous innovations to Swiss watchmaking. These include the development and co-financing of the historic Beta 21 movement, pioneering the production of integrated titanium bracelets, and creation of the first wristwatch-size grande complication (Ref. 3770).

The company was acquired by the Richemont Group in 2000.

Big Pilot Top Gun “Mojave Desert,” Pilot’s Watch “Mark XVII,” Da Vinci Ref. 3750