Aquatimer Chronograph Edition “Expedition Charles Darwin” in bronze.
Da Vinci Perpetual Calendar Chronograph in red gold.
The first IWC Big Pilot’s Watch (IW5002) in steel, which was launched in 2002.
Portugieser Hand-Wound Eight Days Edition “150 Years”.
The IWC manufacture in Schaffhausen, Switzerland.
Founded: 1868
CEO: Christoph Grainger-Herr
Ownership: Part of the publicly traded Swiss holding company Richemont SA, better known as the Richemont Group
A brief history: Founded by American watchmaker and engineer F.A. Jones, IWC was conceived to meld skilled Swiss labour with modern technologies to produce high-quality movements and watch components for the American market. The brand was established in Schaffhausen, where it remains today as the only major watch manufacture in the German part of Switzerland. IWC was acquired by Richemont Group in 2000.
Currently known for: As the largest pure watchmaking brand within Richemont, IWC has several iconic product lines that are recognised even by casual observers. The brand has been steadily developing its in-house production capabilities, and presently manages its own movement production on a large scale, from simple three-hand movements to high and grand complications.
Key product lines: Pilot’s Watch, based on the B-Uhr (Beobachtungs-uhren, lit. “observation watchâ€) supplied to the Luftwaffe; Portugieser, which has large dials sporting Arabic numerals, leaf-shaped hands, and a railway track chapter ring, all framed by a narrow bezel; Portofino, simpler dress watches with baton indexes; Da Vinci, a shape-shifting collection that currently has round cases with articulated lugs; Ingenieur, meant originally for scientific endeavours and positioned today as sportier watches with a classic twist; and Aquatimer, a rugged diver’s watch collection.
Price range: From MYR18,500 for the Portofino Automatic in steel, to MYR1.1 million for the Portugieser Constant Force Tourbillon Edition “150 Years†in platinum; the Portugieser Sidérale Scafusia is made to order, with price available on request.
