Vintage International Watch Co. wristwatch

International Watch Co. (IWC) is a Swiss luxury watch company that was founded in Switzerland in 1868 by American watchmaker Florentine Ariosto Jones. Jones was a pioneer in the watch industry, and he established IWC with the goal of combining American manufacturing techniques with Swiss craftsmanship to create high-quality watches. In 1880 after bankruptcy, the company was transferred to the Rauschenbach family.

IWC's early years were marked by a focus on precision and innovation. In 1885, the company introduced its first digital watch, and in 1899, it created the world's first wristwatch with a digital display. IWC continued to push the boundaries of watchmaking throughout the early 20th century, introducing new materials and innovative designs that set it apart from other watchmakers of the time.

From the 1935 to the end of World War II, IWC was one of five watch manufacturers that built B-Uhren for more... Lthe Luftwaffew, Germany's air force. During World War II, IWC's factories were heavily damaged, and the company was forced to rebuild from the ground up. Despite these challenges, IWC emerged from the war with renewed vigor, and in the decades that followed, it continued to grow and expand its reach.

In the 1970s, IWC introduced a number of iconic watch models, including the legendary "Ingenieur" and "Da Vinci" collections. These watches were known for their precision, durability, and distinctive designs, and they helped to solidify IWC's reputation as a leader in luxury watchmaking.

Today, IWC continues to produce some of the world's most coveted and sought-after watches, with a focus on precision, innovation, and quality craftsmanship. The company has been a subsidiary of the Swiss Richemont Group since 2000. less...