At Watches & Wonders, IWC Schaffhausen unveiled three exceptional additions to its Ingenieur collection, each exemplifying the pinnacle of horological artistry. Whether crafted from solid gold, innovative ceramic, or housing an intricate perpetual calendar, these new releases are designed for those who appreciate the finer things in life.

Ingenieur Automatic 40 in 18-Carat 5N Gold

The first of IWC’s showstopping novelties is the Ingenieur Automatic 40 in 18-carat 5N gold. A true masterpiece of engineering and design, this watch embodies the bold aesthetic codes of the Ingenieur SL. A watch originally designed by the legendary Gérald Genta in the 1970s. However, its modern interpretation comes with contemporary refinements that enhance both wearability and aesthetics.

The 40mm case and bracelet, entirely crafted from 18-carat 5N gold, offer an unrivaled presence on the wrist. The polished and satin-finished surfaces play with light, exuding refinement from every angle. The deep black “Grid” dial adds texture and depth, while gold-plated hands and solid gold appliqués, filled with Super-LumiNova®, ensure impeccable legibility.

Turning the watch over reveals the IWC-manufactured 32111 calibre, a movement boasting an impressive 120-hour power reserve. Through the sapphire case back, one can admire the meticulous finishing. This includes circular Geneva stripes, blued screws, and a gold-plated oscillating weight. A fitting tribute to haute horlogerie. For the gentleman who values classic elegance fused with modern performance, this Ingenieur is an undeniable grail.

Ingenieur Automatic 42 in Black Ceramic

For those drawn to cutting-edge materials and bold design, IWC introduces the Ingenieur Automatic 42 in black ceramic. This marks the first time the brand has executed the Genta-inspired integrated bracelet design in full ceramic. An innovation that speaks to both aesthetics and function.

The multi-part ceramic case construction is a true feat of engineering. Black zirconium oxide ceramic forms the case ring, bezel, and case back ring. Even the crown and crown guards are crafted from this incredibly hard, scratch-resistant material. The watch is lighter than steel and highly resistant to temperature changes, ensuring supreme comfort and durability.

The signature black “Grid” dial, featuring fine lines and squares, offers a striking contrast against the dark ceramic. Super-LumiNova®-filled hands and hour markers ensure legibility even in low light. Beneath the surface beats the IWC-manufactured 82110 calibre, featuring the brand’s renowned Pellaton winding system and a 60-hour power reserve. The movement is partially visible through a tinted sapphire case back, adding an air of mystery and intrigue to this modern masterpiece.

Ingenieur Perpetual Calendar 41

Bridging heritage and innovation, IWC also unveiled the Ingenieur Perpetual Calendar 41. It's the first stainless steel Ingenieur model to feature the legendary perpetual calendar complication developed by Kurt Klaus.

Encased in 41mm of finely finished stainless steel, this timepiece maintains the iconic Genta design while seamlessly integrating a sophisticated perpetual calendar mechanism. The stunning blue dial, adorned with the signature “Grid” pattern, houses three subdials displaying the date, day, month, and perpetual moon phase.

Powering this remarkable timepiece is the IWC-manufactured 82600 calibre. It features a Pellaton winding system with ceramic components for enhanced durability. Visible through a sapphire case back, this movement ensures a seamless transition between months, including leap years, requiring no manual correction until the year 2100.

A Celebration of Engineering and Elegance

With these three exceptional releases, IWC Schaffhausen continues to redefine luxury sports watches. Whether drawn to the opulence of solid gold, the innovation of full ceramic, or the timeless complexity of a perpetual calendar, the modern gentleman now has three impeccable choices to elevate his wrist game. Visit the IWC Schaffhausen website to discover all their novelties.

In the world of luxury watches, individuality is key. Your watch isn’t just a tool for telling time; it’s an expression of your personality, your lifestyle, and your values. Recognizing this, IWC Schaffhausen has unveiled a new individualization service for the iconic Portugieser Chronograph - now available at their boutique in Zurich. This service allows you to take the reins and design a watch that’s as unique as you are.

IWC Individualization Service

When you step into the IWC Schaffhausen boutique on Bahnhofstrasse in Zurich, you’re greeted by an interactive console that opens up a world of possibilities. Here, you can explore and experiment with various combinations of materials and colors, creating a watch that’s truly your own.

Start by choosing your preferred case material - whether it’s the timeless elegance of stainless steel or the luxurious warmth of 18-carat 5N gold. Then, select from many exclusive dial colors, each crafted specifically for this service. The palette is both vibrant and sophisticated, featuring shades like turquoise, indigo, aubergine, and ginger. You can further enhance your dial with either rhodium-plated or gold-plated appliques and hands, adding an extra layer of refinement to your personalized timepiece.

Customization Meets Craftsmanship

What sets this service apart is the ability to mix and match dial plaques with cases using a magnetic attachment system. This flexibility allows you to try out different combinations until you find the one that perfectly aligns with your vision. Once you’ve settled on your ideal dial, it’s time to choose a strap that complements your design. Options range from colorful calfskin or alligator leather to innovative alternatives like TimberTex® and rubber straps, or even a sleek stainless-steel bracelet. The variety ensures that your watch not only looks stunning but also feels perfect on your wrist.

Precision and Exclusivity

At IWC, attention to detail is paramount, and this personalization service is no exception. Each Portugieser Chronograph is crafted with the brand’s renowned precision and care, ensuring that your custom creation is of the highest quality. Once complete, your watch will be a one-of-a-kind masterpiece, marked by a small "I" in a circle on the small seconds sub-counter at 6 o’clock—a subtle detail signifying the exclusivity of your personalized timepiece.

An IWC Watch That Reflects You

Whether you prefer a watch that exudes classic elegance or one that makes a bold statement, IWC’s new individualization service offers endless possibilities. We love that this service not only allows you to design a watch that reflects your style but also lets you create something that’s entirely unique to you.

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.

Some of the most exclusive classic cars racing on a snowy surface? On a frozen lake even? What sounds impossible, is actually an annual event in Switzerland: The ICE St. Moritz! Let's join the IWC Racing Team and their 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL “Gullwing” for an unforgettable weekend.

The ICE St. Moritz

The ICE St. Moritz has been created to enjoy driving, showing and watching some of the world’s most exciting motor cars in the unlikely environment of the frozen lake. The idea first came in mind in the mid-Eighties and it took many years to make it true.

It is a very different event, a refreshing concours. A completely magical environment where drivers, collectors, and just plain car enthusiasts enjoy a late winter day in the sunshine, surrounded by the landscape and atmosphere that only St. Moritz, at the top of the world, is able to offer.

For more than a century, St. Moritz has developed its unique formula that has drawn generations of enthusiastic tourists: a cosmopolitan mix of nature, exclusiveness, sports, and luxury. One of the pillars of this philosophy is the Cresta Run. Here, people from all over the world come together with the goal of speeding down an icy track.

In January 1985, a group of British Cresta Run Members, led by Scotsman Keith Schellenberg, drove to St. Moritz to enjoy the run. To make things more interesting, they decided to drive their vintage open Bentleys. When in St. Moritz, they saw the frozen lake and decided to do some laps on the horse racing track in their glorious sixty-year-old chariots. In that moment, the idea of The ICE was born. It then took some 34 years, until the first edition could take place.

IWC Schaffhausen

One of the key partners of The ICE St. Moritz is its official timekeeper IWC Schaffhausen. The innovative company is deeply rooted in American pioneering spirit and entrepreneurship. Florentine Ariosto Jones, a watchmaker from Boston, founds the International Watch Company in 1868. He draws on the help of eminently qualified Swiss watchmakers, modern technology, and hydro-power sourced from the nearby River Rhine to manufacture pocket watch movements of the highest possible quality.

IWC launches the first “Special Pilot’s Watch” in 1936. In 1939, the Portuguese watch is born: two importers from Portugal order a series of large wristwatches with high-precision pocket watch calibers. In response to demand, IWC develops in 1940 the Big Pilot’s Watch 52 T.S.C. with a central seconds hand. It features a rotating bezel with an arrowhead index that can be used to register take-off times. It is also fitted with an anti-magnetic escapement.

For racing, the IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 is the perfect choice. It comes in a robust stainless steel case and is equipped with the reliable self-winding 69385 Calibre. This IWC-manufactured movement offers up to 46 hours of power reserve.

IWC Racing

In 2018, the brand founded a motorsport team, becoming the first watch brand to compete in classic car races with its own team and car. Since then, the IWC Racing Team has contested select historic racing events in its chosen car: The 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL “Gullwing”.

One of the most iconic sports cars ever built, the “Gullwing” dates back to the time when IWC’s watchmakers designed the first Ingenieur. With its characteristic doors reminiscent of a seagull’s wings, it was manufactured by Daimler-Benz between 1954 and 1957 as a road ready version of the 300 SL racing car. Motor racing enthusiasts are very passionate about the “Gullwing”, and it perfectly embodies IWC’s core values of style, quality, originality and outstanding craftsmanship.

Born in Salzburg in 1991, Laura Kraihamer joined the IWC racing family in 2021. She made her debut for the IWC Racing Team at the occasion of the 78th Goodwood Members’ Meeting. At the wheel of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL “Gullwing”, Kraihamer raced in the Stirling Moss Trophy. We're excited to see her race at The ICE St Moritz this year!

Kulm Country Club

A special highlight of The ICE St. Moritz is the exclusive dinner hosted for collectors by IWC Schaffhausen. It is held at the Kulm Country Club. At this spot on 11 February 1928, top athletes and celebrities gathered, including film legend Charlie Chaplin and US President Calvin Coolidge. They followed the action on the ice rink in front of the pavilion from the finely carved arched windows. These beautifully carved windows are still as attractive today following the recent renovations to this architectural gem. The original Art Deco and wood was preserved.

One floor down, on the ground floor, is the heart of the Kulm Country Club. During the 1928 Olympic Winter Games, guests, locals, and athletes stomped through the large circular arch in the entrance area. These Games were the first official Olympic Winter Games. Visitors were proud to arrive in in St. Moritz driving their new Bugatti Royale or Mercedes-Benz Type S: the superlative hand-built vehicles of the 1920s. The ice rink of the Kulm Country Club soon became a landmark meeting point both for guests and locals in St. Moritz. Those who did not dare to put on ice skates watched the figure skaters – the social highlight at the winter sports resort in 1928.

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