The International Watch Company, or IWC, as most call it, is one of the most well recognized Swiss watch manufacturers producing watched today. What many do not know, however, is that IWC has a number of peculiarities about them which distinguish them from the general masses of Swiss watch manufacturers.
Most notably, IWC was actually started by an American. Florentine Ariosto (F. A.) Jones was an American engineer who dreamed of combining American Engineering and Swiss Watchmaking, with the goal of creating a vast network and manufacturing affordable watch parts that he could sell to anyone in the world. Hence the name, International.
In 1868 he officially began his journey, traveling to Switzerland to start his company, The International Watch Company. And while his dreams did not quite pan out, his brand flourished. The International Watch Company stayed in Switzerland, and became, instead of a parts manufacturer, a world class finished watch manufacturer. IWC quickly transformed into a fixture of the luxury watch world.
Another fun IWC fact is that they are the only Swiss watch manufacturer located in the eastern region of Switzerland, as opposed to western Switzerland, where all the other Swiss watch manufacturers reside.
IWC is a master in many areas of watch making. IWC’s gold pocket watches and thin dress watches are remarkably elegant. When it comes to sport watches, IWC is most famous for their Pilot’s watches. The Mark series, as well as the Big Pilot’s series, have proved highly desirable for many years. The large, easy to read black dial, combined with thick leather straps, and easy to grasp crowns, make their Pilot’s watches both beautiful and highly functional.
If you are looking to sell your IWC wrist watch, please contact us any time and we would be glad to meet with you.