IWC is the name of the only Swiss watchmaking company whose founder was of the American origin. The name of the company stands for International Watchmaking Company.
IWC History In Search for New Production Methods
During the middle of the 19-th century the American watchmaking industry witnessed the dominance of three companies - Elgin, Howard and Waltham. The manufacturers annually produced 100,000 pocket watches. At some moment the pocket watches that were originally aimed at wealthy customers became affordable to the middle class buyers. Watch companies faced the necessity to change their methods of production since the demand for timepieces was continuously growing. Nevertheless, some of the watches launched at that time were still fully hand-made.
The price range for the timepieces was still quite high as the niche was taken by a very limited number of manufacturers with master watchmakers experienced enough to make qualitative pocket watches. When Aaron Lufkin Dennison, one of the leading watch manufacturers, had an unsuccessful attempt to move his watch production to Switzerland to benefit from smaller wages and Swiss know-how, Florentine Ariosto Jones took over his watchmaking business.
Florentine Ariosto Jones in the History of IWC
Mr. Jones had some experience in the industry gained in the USA. When he took over the management of the company, he established his own watch manufacturing business in Switzerland.
The ambitious idea of Florentine Ariosto Jones was to assemble his timepieces in Switzerland and import them to America. This idea of a watchmaking business suggested his company's name as the entire world knowns it today – International Watchmaking Company.
Later Mr. Jones met Johann Heinrich Moser, a watch manufacturer from Schaffhausen, a nice small town located on the Rhine River. By Mr. Moser's advice the company built a factory near a dam so that the facilities could benefit from cheap hydro-power. Still, Mr. Jones' business proved to be unsuccessful. The main disadvantage for his watchmaking company was that the import of the timepieces to the United States meant the necessity to pay high taxes.
The company required the help of investors. Later a Swiss consortium bought IWC. An American named Frederick Seeland was appointed the new head of the company. Although there were followed a period of some improvements in the development of the company, it wasn't enough and IWC was put up for sale.
New Era for IWC Watches
The successful work on the improvement of watch mechanisms that resulted in the increase of the company's sales began when Johannes Raschenbach-Vogel acquired IWC. The company developed the first pocket watch with digital time indicating, followed by the introduction of IWC Calibre 52, a famous movement of the company. The mechanism proved to be revolutionary at that period of time.
During the World War I the IWC company had to face hard times but it managed to get back to the watch market during the World War II when the demand for military equipment increased considerably. During this period IWC introduced the first oversized anti-magnetic watch designed specially for pilots. Then the horology world witnessed the appearance of the brand's famous Mark X equipped with IWC Calibre 83 developed completely in-house.
The company's reputation strengthened overtime and its exports to the USA significantly increased. The name of the brand became greatly associated with its one-of-a-kind Mark XI and Ingenieur timepieces. Today the IWC company represents one of the leading brands of the horological industry.
IWC Replica Watches
To enjoy the finest models of the brand, many customers opt for acquiring top quality IWC replica watches offered for reasonable price. The construction of every IWC replica watch perfectly reflects the construction of the originals.
IWC Bigsize Portuguese Quartz Chronograph Replica Watch is developed to reflect the best horological traditions of the IWC Company.
The black dial of the watch displays slim hands and Arabic numerals and offers perfect readability. You will notice two additional sub-dials for the chronograph function and small seconds. The stainless steel case of the watch corresponds to the recent tendency for big-sized timepieces - it measures 45 mm in diameter. The replica watch goes on a top quality black leather strap with white stitches.
The IWC Bigsize Portuguese Quartz Chronograph will match the wrist of men who like accessories of classic style, created to provide functionality and legibility.
You will definitely enjoy the distinctive design of IWC replica watches and highly appreciate the performance of their movements. The extensive catalog of IWC replica watches will allow every customer to choose the model that best corresponds to his personal taste and needs.
