The International Watch Company, better known as IWC, was founded in 1868 by American Florentine Ariosto Jones. The company established its roots in Schaffhausen, Switzerland. Jones, who was then deputy director of the E. Howard Watch and Clock Co. in Boston, had the ambition of merging Swiss precision craftsmanship with American industrial technologies.
Despite initial skepticism from local craftsmen, Jones succeeded in establishing a factory in Schaffhausen, harnessing the hydraulic power of the Rhine to drive his machines. In 1874, the company had to expand and built a new factory on the banks of the Rhine, employing around 200 people by 1875.
After Jones returned to the United States, the company was taken over by the Rauschenbach family, industrialists from Schaffhausen. Under their leadership, IWC continued to innovate, producing a variety of watches, including the first digital pocket watch, the Pallweber, in 1885. Today, IWC is recognized worldwide for its excellence in watchmaking.
Switzerland, circa 1970
Dial : Blue dial, baton hands
Case : All steel 31 x 34 mm
Movement : Quartz IWC 2405
Bracelet : Integrated IWC steel milanese mesh
Condition : Superb, the watch is in very good overall condition. The crystal is sapphire, a rarity at the time. All parts are strictly original. The movement has been fully serviced, this IWC runs perfectly.
Watchmaker's warranty : 12 months
