IWC is by far one of the most decorated Swiss luxury watch manufacturers in the world. Why, you ask? The immense amount of heritage attached to the brand is itself a major factor. But besides that, IWC has a lot to offer if one is keen enough to notice. While the world is running after the Rolexes and Omegas, there are those who choose to stand out and that is where IWC watches win. A brand dipped from head to toe in excellence and class. As a watch enthusiast, my first impression of IWC watches was nothing short of a dream. It was sleek, tough, and bold in every way. I guess it was high time someone pointed out why IWC watches are simply a cut above the rest.
The Will To Make Superior Watches
As an avid watch collector, my heart goes to this watchmaker from Schaffhausen. It is indeed great to see someone who is interested in making superior mechanisms and design rather than just making the bucks. The superlative watches that IWC releases almost every year are a sight for sore eyes. Timepieces like the Portugieser Chronograph (ref. IW371491) and the Big Pilot’s Watch (ref. IW501001) have won our hearts with their highly classic yet modern outlook. The quality of the timepieces along with the subtle and arguably non-existent marketing (when compared to brands like Rolex and Omega) done by IWC watches only goes on to show the Swiss watchmaker’s true intent.
Although things have changed a tad bit with ambassadors donning IWC timepieces on red carpets and events, the IWC's motto, publicity through authenticity, remains the same.
A History Of Superlative Movements
Movements play an important role in watchmaking. They are the very soul of mechanical watches and without these marvellous creations we simply would not get to experience our beloved Swiss timepieces. IWC watches’ connection with top-notch calibres goes way back in the late 1800s. The first ever wristwatch from IWC was launched in 1899 for women and featured the company’s own Calibre 64.
That was the mere beginning of the process that would make IWC watches an unstoppable force in the near future. The next big accomplishment by the Swiss watchmaker was the Pellaton design conceived in 1946. The Calibre 89 had a central second’s marker and was extremely accurate. These new generation movements designed by the legendary Albert Pellaton displayed a revolutionary automatic winding system that replaced the conventional reciprocal gearing. This led to an eventual increase in the movement's precision and power reserve.
Technological Behemoth
Fast forward to the present day, and we have ourselves the cutting edge calibre 52000 series. The movement is highly efficient and features a much more refined bidirectional Pellaton winding system. The movement consists of two separate barrels that provide an impressive 7 days power reserve. In addition to that, the calibres are practically wear-free as the components are made of ceramic. How amazing is that?
This unreal movement is incorporated in watches like the Portugieser Annual Calendar and Perpetual Calendar.
IWC watches have undoubtedly evolved over the years and today they share a common platform with many of the greats in the industry. The manufacturer has established its name for housing surreal complications and delivering crème de la crème timepieces. However, it is also true that the original essence of the brand that helped it lift off the ground has been gradually diminishing among the flashy red carpets and Galas. Perhaps, that is but a need of the hour for the brand to be able to keep up with today’s culture and trends. Nonetheless, it goes without a saying that IWC watches are crushing the industry with their high-end and top-grade timepieces that symbolise the brand’s brilliance in utilitarian luxury. Not to mention the sheer confidence that every IWC watch exudes, which is clearly visible in the IWC watch prices in India.
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