International Watch Co, also known as IWC, is a Swiss watch manufacturer located in Schaffhausen, Switzerland. IWC is an active member of the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry FH. Located in Schaffhausen, Switzerland, IWC Schaffhausen is notable for being the only major Swiss watch factory located in eastern Switzerland, as the majority of the well-known Swiss watch manufacturers are located in western Switzerland. "[1] Notwithstanding the lingua franca of IWC is French.
1871
Production of first fob-watch movements.
1875
First bankruptcy and new director, M. Seeland.
1879
Second bankruptcy, firm taken over by machine maker/tool maker Rauschenbach.
1914
Appearance of wristwatches at IWC, with officers’ watches, driven notably by caliber 64.
1935
IWC presented its first wristwatch for aviators with a black dial, large luminous figures, clearly visible luminous hands and a rotating lunette with orientation arrow.
1939
Introduction of the AVIATOR WATCH.
1940
Professional aviator’s watch perfected with a diameter of 55mm, the MARK X; this chronometer was worn by countless airline pilots from 1948. Many high flyers in business also counted on the MARK XI.
1950
IWC caused a sensation with automatic movements of unusual design. The caliber 85, used for the pilot function, was constantly improved in the following years.
1978
Takeover by INSTEK A.G., subsidiary of German VDO tachymeter manufacturer.
1985
Launch of the DA VINCI, with automatic chronograph and perpetual calendar, and also IL DESTRIERO SCAFUSIA, with fly-back chronograph, perpetual calendar, tourbillon and minute repeater.
2000
Group taken over by RICHEMONT group Introduction of 5000 caliber and launch of 5000 of the PORTUGESE AUTOMATIC 2000.
2001
2002
Reissue of the prestigious 46 mm. diameter AVIATOR’S WATCH.
2003
Launch of the PORTUGUESE PERPETUAL CALENDAR with the in-house 50611 caliber guaranteed accurate to within one day every 577 year for calculations of the moon’s position.
1998
SMH group was renamed as as the Swatch Group.
