Vintage IWC watches
Vintage IWC watches chosen for the robustness of their movements and their understated style, authenticated, serviced by our watchmaker and guaranteed for one year.
Authenticated
Each watch is carefully inspected by us.
Warranty
Each watch is covered by a 12-month mechanical warranty.
Founded in 1868 in Schaffhausen, on the banks of the Rhine, IWC was born from the boldness of an American watchmaker who came to combine the modern manufacturing methods of his home country with Swiss craftsmanship. A unique origin that forged, from the very beginning, the character of a house apart in Swiss watchmaking.
Aviator, Portugieser, Ingenieur, Aquatimer watches… These collections bear witness to a house that has always designed its watches as true instruments, combining precision, robustness, and understated elegance.
These vintage IWC watches captivate with their rigor and strong character, and are among the most sought-after pieces, each model bearing the mark of uncompromising craftsmanship.
Frequently asked questions about vintage IWC watches
What sets IWC apart from other Swiss houses?
IWC was founded in 1868 in Schaffhausen, in German-speaking Switzerland, by the American watchmaker Florentine Ariosto Jones. His idea was to combine American industrial production methods with Swiss craftsmanship. The house built a reputation for technical rigour and particularly robust movements.
What is the calibre 89?
Launched in 1946, the calibre 89 is a hand-wound movement with central seconds, renowned for its reliability. It notably powered the Mark XI, a pilot’s watch supplied from 1948 to the pilots of the British Royal Air Force.
How does the Pellaton automatic winding system work?
Developed by Albert Pellaton, IWC’s technical director, this system appeared in 1950 with the calibre 85. It uses pawls to wind the mainspring in both directions of the rotor’s rotation, very efficiently. It is so successful that IWC still uses it today.
What is the IWC Ingenieur?
Launched in 1955, the Ingenieur was intended for engineers and scientists exposed to magnetic fields. Its movement is protected by a soft-iron inner cage, which shields it from magnetism and preserves its accuracy.
How do you date a vintage IWC?
The numbers engraved on the movement and the case give an estimate of the year of production. IWC keeps detailed archives and can issue an extract confirming the watch’s production date and original configuration.
