Brandfacts IWC

IWC make superb sports watches with a reputation for being tough and durable. In our opinion they represent a lot of watch for (relatively) little money. For example a split‐second chronograph from IWC might cost around £6,000—a tenth of the Patek equivalent. Unashamedly a man’s watch, IWC watches tend to be large and make a statement.

Historically there is a strong link between IWC and pilots, dating back to the Second World War. Today these classic navigators’ watches are highly collectable, as are all IWC military watches. IWC also created divers’ watches capable of withstanding water pressure to a depth of 2000 metres and the only watch in the world with a mechanical depth gauge.

The famous Pellaton automatic winding system, developed for IWC in the 1950s by one of Switzerland’s most inventive watchmaking families, drives their finest watches. A simple, efficient and trouble free device, it will give its owner decades of service.

Characterised by clean lines and uncluttered legibility, IWC watches are respected and liked in equal measure. Every feature is there for a reason—simple, functional and considered. Unlike Rolex, they are known more for their leather strap watches than their bracelet versions. Look out for highly readable chronographs, foolproof calendar watches and tough automatics.