IWC ("International Watch Co.") has continuously advanced the luxury watch industry since 1868 when they combined state-of-the-art American engineering with Swiss craftsmanship. For example, they made the first watch in 1885, and 80 years later they were the first to make a titanium bracelet? Here are five reasons why the writings of these timepiece pioneers should be bookmarked…
IWC is a technological innovator
Unlike its luxury brand rivals, IWC doesn't spend huge sums on marketing and celebrity endorsements – they have the dedicated financial resources to make watches that are above all technically sophisticated. For example, the Grand Complication watch contained 659 parts and was the most complex watch when it was released in 1990. (The original Grand Complication pocket watch from 1890 had more than 1,300 parts!) The Aquatimer – IWC’s acclaimed diving watch – was water-resistant to 2,000 meters for the first time, and its ground-breaking perpetual calendar mechanism was accurate for 500 years.
IWC is very suitable for travel
The IWC team innovates technology through works that are conducive to international lifestyles. The Big Pilot's Watch is based on the "Special Pilot's Watch", which was first produced for pilots in 1936. The 55mm case, chunky crown and high-contrast luminous surface suit the needs of pilots, and they remain a stylish choice for pilots. On the other hand, popular models like the YachtClubAutomatic, named after the sailors who first explored the ocean, are well-suited to exploring the great oceans.
IWC is a huge investment
If you're looking for a product that's going up in value every year, you can't go wrong with Rolex. However, thousands of dive watches are produced every year, and for a very similar amount of money, you can have an IWC Aquatimer, which costs significantly less. Both will become valuable collectibles for watch enthusiasts, but the latter will be even rarer.
IWC has smart planning
IWC's understated design has traditionally been dominated by functionality and is far inferior to some of its Swiss peers. In terms of aesthetic details, though, it was no easy feat – for over 20 years, the company planned the watch with the help of an engineer named Ferdinand Porsche. His other design credits include the iconic Volkswagen Beetle, and he also founded a car company that still produces exquisite automotive works of art to this day.
IWC marks outstanding class
Regarding Porsche, please allow us to quote the owner's manual of the Porsche 968: "Dear owner, judging from the car you have selected, you are a driver of a special model, and you are not a novice when it comes to cars." About IWC, much the same can be said - it shows keen class, an appreciation of high-quality craftsmanship, and a focus on investment that will last for generations.
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