International Watch Co is a luxury watch manufacturer, renowned for its high-performance and aesthetically pleasing watches. The brand was founded in 1868 by Florentine Ariosto Jones, an American watchmaker, and the industrialist Johann Heinrich Moser. They established their workshop in Schaffhausen. This Swiss city boasts a rich watchmaking heritage, producing more than 10,000 movements per year. The goal was to combine American watchmaking technology with Swiss precision craftsmanship to produce high-end pocket watches. However, Florentine Ariosto Jones remained with the company for only a few years.
In 1880, the Rauschenbach family acquired the company. Under their leadership, production improved, and IWC set out to conquer the international market. In 1884, the brand produced its first Pallweber pocket watches with digital displays for hours and minutes, using rotating discs. Between 1890 and 1895, more than 20,000 of these watchless timepieces were sold. IWC adapted to changing trends and launched its first Schaffhausen wristwatches as early as 1899. The watchmakers in Schaffhausen ingeniously integrated the Caliber 64 ladies’ pocket watch movement into a delicate case with lugs, creating elegant and practical timepieces for the wrist.
IWC also made a name for itself in the world of aviation. In 1936, the brand produced a wristwatch for aviators, establishing a tradition that continues to this day.
Over the years, IWC has thrived in the watchmaking market. The brand successfully weathered economic crises while introducing watches with ever-improving performance. Its quality has earned it collaborations with numerous notable figures, including celebrities such as basketball player Tony Parker, actor Bradley Cooper, and race car driver Lewis Hamilton.
Discover IWC’s iconic watches
IWC is renowned for manufacturing its own watch movements in-house. Each piece is assembled by hand, and every movement is individually tested to ensure the timepieces’ precision. The brand has produced many iconic watches throughout its history, among which is the Portugieser. Launched in 1939, this elegant and minimalist wristwatch is inspired by aircraft instruments. Following a commission from two Portuguese merchants, the watchmakers in Schaffhausen developed a watch featuring a 41.5-mm-diameter case, meeting the requirements of captains and officers in the Portuguese merchant marine who desired a watch of imposing size on their wrists. This creation features the Caliber 74 movement, as well as a dial adorned with a railway-style minute track, Arabic numerals, and hands in a slender leaf shape. It has become one of IWC’s most popular watches.
Other variations are available on the market, such as the Portugieser Retrograde Tourbillon Lewis Hamilton. This exceptional timepiece pays homage to Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton with a unique and elegant design. It features a retrograde tourbillon, a complex horological complication that allows the seconds hand to move backward and jump back to its starting point.
The special pilot’s watch is also one of IWC’s iconic models. Designed to withstand the rigors of flight, this chronograph is powered by the Caliber 83. It is also equipped with an anti-magnetic escapement, ensuring stable operation from -40 °C to +40 °C—a vital feature in the uninsulated cockpits of aircraft from that era. Adjusting flight time is made easier by a rotating bezel. Its dial, with its refined simplicity and inspired by aircraft instruments, ensures optimal readability even in poor visibility conditions.
Launched in 1967 at the Basel Watch Fair, the Aquatimer became a popular choice among professional and recreational divers. Powered by the legendary automatic Caliber 8541, this watch is water-resistant to a depth of 200 meters. A rotating bezel, located beneath the crystal and operated by a second crown, allows the diver to track dive time.
Watch straps for your IWC case
IWC continues a legacy of innovation and excellence in the design and production of its timepieces. Each collection showcases the unique craftsmanship of the Schaffhausen watchmakers while incorporating American technology. To complement these cases, we present a range of IWC watch straps. Give your watch a unique look that reflects your personality with an accessory that combines practicality, comfort, and style. Our straps come in a variety of styles, with a wide selection of materials, colors, patterns, and stitching options for every occasion.
Do you own a sporty or diving watch from IWC, such as the Aquatimer? Choose a NATO strap! A favorite of the British military, this strap stands out for its unbeatable durability. Made from nylon, a flexible and lightweight material, NATO straps can withstand even the most extreme conditions.
For those looking for a stylish strap, leather is the material of choice. Browse our catalog to choose a strap for your IWC watch, crafted from a luxurious and durable material. Let yourself be tempted by the unique look of ostrich leather. Its speckled texture and softness are sure to win over even the most discerning tastes. The alligator leather strap will appeal to those looking to add an exotic touch to their watch case. With its elegant scales, this material offers a unique texture that will enhance the design of your IWC watch. The calfskin leather strap, meanwhile, remains a classic choice to complement your luxury watch. With its durability and flexibility, as well as a variety of colors, finishes, and designs, this model suits all watch styles.
Order your IWC watch strap today on the Cie Bracelet Montre Paris website. With just a few clicks, add the item you like to your cart. You can also explore our products in person at our Paris store, located at 25 rue du Dragon in Saint-Germain-des-Prés
