IWC | Inside the Manufakturzentrum

Stepping into the heart of a watch company's manufacture is akin to peering behind the curtain of a grand theater production. It's here that the true essence of craftsmanship, quality, and innovation is unveiled. Recently, we had the privilege of embarking on a tour of IWC's state-of-the-art Manufakturzentrum, and what we witnessed was nothing short of extraordinary.

A Legacy of Industrial Vision

In 1868, Florentine Ariosto Jones, a visionary from Boston, set out on a journey to Switzerland with a radical idea: fuse modern American production methods with Swiss watchmaking expertise. This visionary spirit laid the foundation for the birth of the International Watch Company (IWC) in Schaffhausen. Nestled beside the Rhine, Jones established a manufacture capable of churning out an impressive 10,000 watches annually.

Fast forward to the present day, and IWC's industrial tradition initiated by Jones reaches new heights with the inauguration of the Manufakturzentrum, perfectly timed to coincide with the brand's 150th anniversary. Erected in a remarkable 21 months, this cutting-edge facility unites the production of movement components, complete movements, and cases under a single, technologically advanced roof. Casing up and final testing, however, remain reverently within the confines of the historic building. Notably, Christoph Grainger-Herr, IWC's CEO and an accomplished architect, lent his expertise to the design, ensuring a seamless blend of luxury and precision engineering.

The IWC Manufakturzentrum: A Testament to Tradition

From the moment one approaches the 139-meter-long, 62-meter-wide structure, the Manufakturzentrum exudes an air of modernity and aesthetic allure. The monumental 2,200-square-meter glass façade captivates the eye, complemented by a soaring 9-meter-high entrance lobby, where a colossal perpetual calendar mechanism presides over the reception area. As a tribute to the luminaries who shaped IWC's legacy, portraits of key figures adorn one of the walls.

As visitors, we are immediately immersed in a world of fervent activity. Devoted craftsmen, each equipped with a magnifying glass and surrounded by cutting-edge CNC machines, pour over their workstations with meticulous care. The importance of natural light permeates the entire space, enhancing the production environment with optimal conditions. Everything is finely tuned for functionality, as the production flow unfolds seamlessly before your eyes.

A pivotal area within the Manufakturzentrum is devoted to the birth of movements. From raw materials to meticulously crafted components, the process advances with surgical precision. Digitally controlled machines sculpt the parts, which are then adorned and electroplated. Precious jewels find their homes in plates and bridges, creating the intricate inner workings of each timepiece.

The Art of Case Making

Descending into the basement, a realm of case manufacturing reveals itself. IWC's mastery of materials is on full display, with stainless steel, titanium, platinum, gold, and bronze cases all being produced in-house. Also showcased is Ceratanium, an innovative material that marries the strength of titanium with the hardness of ceramic. The expertise and attention devoted to hand-finishing the cases is nothing short of remarkable. Each surface and angle undergoes patient refinement with a polishing wheel, culminating in a level of craftsmanship rarely seen in case production departments.

A Testament to Quality and Commitment

The new IWC Manufakturzentrum is a testament to the brand's unwavering commitment to quality and innovation. It represents a significant step forward in IWC's evolution, providing a purpose-built infrastructure to accommodate the company's expansion. With room for 400 craftsmen, the Manufakturzentrum stands as a beacon of pride for every employee, underscoring that an IWC timepiece is more than a mere instrument for telling time—it's a masterpiece of precision and legacy.