Here’s Where Your Favourite IWC Watches Are Made
IWC Schaffhausen’s new female-friendly offerings and clever collaborations take the brand many steps forward.
By Renee Batchelor - published
The medieval town of Schaffhausen in northern Switzerland might have a rich history dating back as far as 1045, but today it is primarily known worldwide for its connection to a storied watch Maison. The International Watch Company Schaffhausen, commonly shortened to IWC Schaffhausen, is perhaps the most famous watchmaker to have emerged from the picturesque town that is dotted with beautiful Renaissance-era buildings.
Related article: The Newest And Hottest From The World Of Watches
But amidst its historical significance and stunning, natural beauty, the manufacture of IWC Schaffhausen and all it represents continues the spirit of innovation and horological excellence that marks the legacy of the brand. In Schaffhausen, IWC has several buildings of significance—the original manufacture built in 1875 along the banks of the River Rhine now houses a museum and even a store that is open to the public. Its current production plant, the IWC Manufakturzentrm, spans an impressive 13,500sqm building with a glass and black framed facade and 9m-high lobby that was completed in 2018, and houses the production of movement components, manufacture movements and cases under one roof—a dream of the brand’s for a long time. Visiting the plant, I was struck at not just the modernity of the space nestled in lush greenery, but also at how everything from the engraving on casebacks to the manufacture of the most complicated movement can be done here.
IWC Manufakturzentrm
One of the most significant parts of IWC’s history is that its founder, Florentine Ariosto Jones, was American. Not afraid to go against the grain, he founded the brand in 1868 in Switzerland, combining the expertise of traditional watchmaking with advanced production methods, working together with Swiss watchmakers and harnessing the hydropower of the River Rhine. Today, that spirit of innovation and partnership lives on in the brand philosophy.
Related article: 5 Watch Trends To Look Out For In 2025
From Physics to Racing
IWC Schaffhausen CEO Christoph Grainger-Herr, film producer Jerry Bruckheimer, CMO Franziska Gsell and composer Hans Zimmer at the brand’s Watches and Wonders Geneva 2025 booth
As I headed to the brand’s booth at Watches and Wonders 2025 in Geneva a few days later in April, I was impressed not only by the display, but also by how vital collaboration is in the brand’s DNA. In 2024, IWC invited particle physicist Dr Brian Cox to talk about the nature of time, to coincide with the launch of its Portuguiser Perpetual Calendar 44, an intriguing lecture that I was fortunate enough to attend. This year, it was clear that F1 was the brand’s focus—thanks to its tie-in with the F1 movie that opened in cinemas in late June. IWC is an official sponsor of the fictional APXGP team in the movie, which stars Brad Pitt and was produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, Pitt and racing driver Lewis Hamilton.
The Ingenieur Automatic 40 in steel with a green dial modelled after Brad Pitt’s watch in F1
On display on the booth were two authentic F2 vehicles that were used in the filming and were modified to look like Formula 1 cars as well as a giant sized movie poster. For watch enthusiasts, the brand also launched a replica of the timepiece worn by Pitt’s character, Sonny Hayes, in the movie. Hayes donned a bespoke watch based on the Ingenieur SL, Reference 1832 with a signature green dial—the prop watch was created in collaboration between IWC and the Cloister Watch Company. But reel inspiration turned to real inspiration and IWC has launched a stylish limited edition and a grid-patterned green dial with gold-plated applique. Though not an exact replica, it is a nod to the watch worn in the movie and a great collectible piece for fans of racing and horology enthusiasts alike.
The Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 worn by Damson Idris in the movie
The brand also added three chronographs inspired by the APXGP team to its Pilot’s Watch collection. Our favourite is the Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 with a gold case, black lacquered dial and black ceramic tachymeter bezel that was worn by the actor Damson Idris’ character Joshua Pearce in the film.
Designing The Details
A sketch of the Ingenieur
Another highlight for us was the relaunch of several Ingenieur models this year. Besides the Ingenieur Automatic 40 with a green dial modelled after Pitt’s movie watch, several new iterations prove the enduring legacy of the Ingenieur SL, Reference 1932 that was designed by iconic Swiss watchmaker Gérald Genta in the 1970s.
Related article: 10 Best Watches Under $2,000 To Start Your Collection
The Ingenieur Automatic 40 in rose gold
With a seeming resurgence in appreciation for sports watches with integrated metal bracelets, IWC’s luxe and weighty Ingenieur Automatic in rose gold—available in 40mm and a more female-friendly 35mm version truly shined. The 35mm version has a gold dial for a gorgeous tone-on-tone effect and the ultimate versatility—this is a watch that will work with both a power suit and an evening dress. Stainless steel versions with a black and silver dial options proved to be gender-neutral and excellent everyday watches, the kind that one will naturally gravitate to for its ease, sleek ergonomic design and detailed finishing. If you’re looking for quite luxury in a watch, this is it.
Over 150 years of history, IWC’s vision—starting with the pluckiness of its American founder—and its constant push for innovation has driven the brand forward. As it looks to its rich past for design inspiration, and to the future for impressive horological innovations, one can expect even greater things to come.