In case you missed it, we recently covered IWC’s latest releases. We also shared some IRL interviews from the ground at Watches & Wonder’s 2024 with:
TLDR: The interviews at Watches & Wonders with IWC representatives covered a range of topics, including the evolution of IWC's watches, the brand's partnerships, and the significance of innovation in watchmaking. The discussions also delved into IWC's involvement in various industry developments and provided insights into the meticulous approach to watchmaking at the Schaffhausen-based manufacture.
The IWC Portugieser 40 in 18ct white gold with a ‘horizon blue’ dial. A highlight of 2024, in our opinion. The weight of white gold is nice, the size (40.4mm diameter, 12.4mm height) feels balanced and honestly - the price is not bad.
Andy and some Australian watch friends.
Back to the manufacture visit.
Right before the fair, I (Andy) had the opportunity to fly into Zurich and then visit the IWC Schaffhausen Manufacture in—you guessed it—Schaffhausen.
This was my first-ever factory visit, and I didn’t really know what to expect. A healthy dose of jetlag managed my expectations, which were quickly blown.
The particular facility opened in 2018, and the brand has big plans for it. By big - it’s a huge space - roughly 13,500 square meters, so plenty of room to grow. The facility integrates the creation of movement components, movements, and cases in a single location, utilising advanced manufacturing techniques and technologies.
The building has been meticulously designed, reflecting the high standards of IWC. Sustainability is at the core of the design, with features such as solar panels on the roof and a system that draws cooling and heating water from two groundwater sources. The building also employs energy-saving measures like automatic lighting control and LED lights. Additionally, a sensor-controlled sunshade system helps to prevent unnecessary heating of the building.
The one thing that I appreciated the most, and that stood out to me, was the broad access that IWC allowed on these tours. It was not at all what I was expecting, and it made the experience an enjoyable one.
They say a picture's worth 1,000 words. Well - here are several thousand of them!
If you’re after in-depth details about IWC’s manufacturing facility - I highly suggest checking out this post from our pals at Time & Watches.
By the way, if you’re reading this and thinking “Gee, I live not-far from Schaffhausen and would love a tour” - you’re in luck. You can book in for a fan tour and see the fun for yourself. The tour was more focused on manufacturing and product, a touch of IWC history. However, there’s also an IWC Museum for the history buffs reading - which you can also book a tour for.
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— Andy
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