One of Switzerland’s major luxury watch companies was started by an American who saw the potential of bringing Switzerland’s superb watchmaking into the modern age through industrialized manufacturing and high-precision interchangeable parts. The New Hampshire–born watchmaker Florentine Ariosto Jones (1841–1916), who founded International Watch Company — known today as simply IWC — in 1868, was interested in “combining all the excellence of the American system of mechanism with the more skillful hand labor of the Swiss.”
Setting up the company with another American watchmaker, Charles Kidder, in Schaffhausen, Switzerland, Jones used hydropower from the River Rhine for his plant’s machinery. Rethinking watch design would lead to one of IWC’s early successes: the Pallweber pocket watch. Based on an 1883 patent by Austrian watchmaker Josef Pallweber, the watch employed numbered disks for jumping hour and minute displays, making it a pioneer in digital timekeeping.
After Johann Rauschenbach-Vogel took over the watch manufacturer in 1880, four generations of his family led IWC into the 20th century. In 1905, Ernst Jakob Homberger and his brother-in-law Carl Jung — the famed Swiss psychiatrist — acquired IWC. Homberger bought out Jung’s holdings in 1929, and in the 1930s, the company introduced pilot watches, which were particularly robust and aimed solely at the civil aviation industry. These durable wristwatches were designed specifically to remain operational during extreme temperature shifts. (As blue watch dials are particularly hot right now, IWC's blue-dial Big Pilot is having a moment.)
The company still operates alongside the river where it was founded, having gained an international reputation over the past 150 years for its elegant designs and expert craftsmanship. Vintage IWC watches are prized by collectors — of whom there are many these days — and while the company continues to guard its attention to detail and quality, it has pushed its classic designs forward with modern innovation intended to stand the test of time.
IWC’s 2013 Ingenieur watch collection, with its precision based on an inventive constant-force mechanism, looked back to a 1955 Ingenieur model that featured a durable soft-iron inner cage as well as a 1976 update by leading Swiss watch designer Gérald Genta that encased its mechanism in a sleek steel case. IWC has also had a recent push toward sustainability, designing watches that are made to last a lifetime and beyond and earning the highest environmental ranking of any Swiss watch company in a 2018 report published by the World Wide Fund for Nature Switzerland (WWF).
Find vintage IWC wristwatches, Art Deco–style pocket watches and more on 1stDibs.
IWC Schaffhausen 14 Karat Gold Pocket Watch
By IWC
Located in Stamford, CT
Vintage International Watch Co. Schaffhausen 48mm pocket watch, never engraved. circa 1925-1930 Length: 62.54mm Width: 48mm Case thickness: 8.79mm Crystal: Acrylic Dial: Gold Inside Case: 803264 Outside Case: 778838 IWC Schaffhausen
Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
IWC Schaffhausen Asprey Savonette/Hunting Case Pocket Watch 18 Kt Gold
By IWC
Located in Antwerp, BE
Unique Beautiful and Collectable IWC Savonette/Hunting Case Pocket watch made For Asprey. 49mm 18k yellow gold hunting case with double caseback. Ivory dial with large Arabic numer...
Gold
I.W.C. International Watch Company Art Deco Open Faced Pocket Watch, circa 1930s
By IWC
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: International Watch Company, Schaffhausen STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Open Faced Pocket Watch METAL / MATERIAL: 14kt Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1930's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Diameter 47mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 17 Jewels DIAL / HANDS: Original Silvered with Kiln Fired Enamel Breguet Numerals / Blued Steel Hands WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This great looking hand made watch was produced by the legendary house of International Watch Company, based in Schaffhausen Switzerland. The firm is still in business today and makes spectacular watches. This piece, done in the art deco style is in nearly new condition and it comes with a pocket...
J.E. Caldwell by I.W.C. 18Kt Yellow Gold Open Faced Art Deco Pocket Watch, 1930s
By IWC
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: International Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Open Faced / Art Deco METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt Yellow Gold and Enamel DIMENSIONS: Diameter 45mm CIRCA: 1920's / 1930's MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 19 Jewels / High Grade DIAL / HANDS: Silvered with Kiln Fired Printing / Blued Steel Pierced Hands WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement. LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT J.E. Caldwell was the premier old house in Philadelphia. They purchased their watches from only the finest makers in the world. This piece, done in an art deco style has a Stern Freres dial. Stern was the company that bought out Patek Philippe from...
18 Karat Gold limited IWC Pocket Watch, Scarabaeus by Ernst Fuchs, Ref. 5420
By IWC
Located in Berlin, DE
Pocket watch: limited IWC pocket watch, rarity in the 18K solid gold version, 'Scarabaeus-Fuchs-Savonnette', Schaffhausen, around 1982 with original box Absolute rarity and rare col...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
International Watch Company Rose Gold Keyless Lever Open Face Pocket Watch C1920
By IWC
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An International Watch Company 14ct yellow gold, keyless lever open face pocket watch, C1920s with it's original presentation box. Dial: A Beautiful White Enamel Dial in perfect con...
14k Gold, Rose Gold
International Watch Company, A Rare 14k Rose Gold Pocket Watch with B&P C1900
By IWC
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Rare International Watch Company 14ct Rose Gold, Keyless Lever Open Face Pocket Watch 7 Chain with Original Box & Papers. Dial: A Beautiful White Enamel Dial in perfect condit...
14k Gold, Rose Gold
International Watch Company Gold Open Face Pocket Watch C1920s
By IWC
Located in Mayfair, London, London
International Watch Company. An 18ct Yellow Gold, Keyless Lever Open Face Pocket Watch, C1920s. Dial: A Beautiful White Enamel Dial in perfect condition with Breguet style numerals ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
IWC Open Face Pocket Watch Yellow Gold
By IWC
Located in Mayfair, London, London
IWC A 14ct Gold Keyless Lever Art Deco Open Face Pocket Watch C1920s Dial: The beautiful Silver two tone satin finish dial fully signed Intern...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
International Watch Co. A Rose Gold Full Hunter Pocket Watch C1900
By IWC
Located in Mayfair, London, London
International Watch Company 14ct Rose Gold Full Hunter Keyless Manual Wind Lever Movement Pocket Watch C1900's. Dial: The Perfect rare white enamel dial with Breguet style numerals ...
14k Gold, Rose Gold
Breguet Paris Closed Face Pocket Watch
By Breguet
Located in Stamford, CT
Breguet Paris Closed Face Pocket Watch. Case in fair condition. Watch not working.
Waltham Size "O" 14KT Yellow Gold Triple Case Open Face Pocket Watch
By Waltham Watch Company
Located in valatie, NY
Waltham Size "O" 14KT Yellow Gold Triple Case Open Face Pocket Watch With Fleur de Lis Fob Pin. The case is hallmarked "WARRANTED 14K TO ASSAY" and "Leon W.C. Co.," these cases were ...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Elgin 1901 Hunter Case Pocket Watch in 14k Yellow Gold
By Elgin
Located in Bloomington, MN
Elgin 1901 Hunter Case Pocket Watch in 14k Yellow Gold This Elgin pocket watch dates to 1901 and features a 34 mm hunter-style case crafted in 14k yellow gold. The case is decorated...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Men's Burlington 14K Gold Filled Pocket Watch
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Burlington 14k white gold filled pocket watch. Open face, size 12, Model A. Double roller, 21 jewels. The serial number is 5208043, made in 1928. Time tested for 8 hours. Keeps good...
14k Gold, Gold-filled
Vintage IWC Schaffhausen Rose Gold Wrist Watch
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1950 IWC International Watch Company Schaffhausen Wrist Watch, 37 M.M 18k Rose Gold 3 Piece case with Fancy Flared lugs, Rose Gold crown, Caliber 89, 17...
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Bautte & Co. 18 Karat Yellow Gold Keywind Pendant Pocket Watch
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Bautte & Co. STYLE / REFERENCE: Open Faced Pendant Watch METAL / MATERIAL: 18kt Yellow Gold CIRCA: 1850's DIMENSIONS: Diameter 32mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 10 Jewels DIAL / HANDS: Original Kiln Fired Enamel Dial / Blued Steel Hands WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement. LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This lovely ladies pendant watch...
$3,985
H 2 in W 1.03 in D 0.44 in Dm 1.03 in L 2 in
Waltham 1886 Riverside Size 0s Hunting Pocket Watch In 18Kt Gold With Diamond
By American Waltham Watch Co.
Located in Miami, FL
Pocket watch designed by Waltham. Beautiful hunting pocket watch, created in Massachusetts United States by the A.W Waltham Watch Company, circ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
IWC Schaffhausen Yellow Gold Pocket Watch for Raymond Yard
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1930 International Watch Company IWC Schaffhausen Pocket Watch Retailed by Raymond Yard, 44 M.M. Diameter and 8 M.M. thick 14K Yellow G...
14k Gold
Longines Yellow Gold Pocket Watch
By Longines
Located in Berlin, DE
High quality collector's pocket watch by Longines. Including original case. Hallmarked, 18k gold. Extremely rare collector's watch. The clock works. Dial unfortunately damaged between 4 and 5 o'clock. Glass has a crack between 9 and 10 o'clock. 18k Gold Longines Pocket Watch...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
French 1960s 18 Karat Yellow Gold Flamor Ladies Pocket Watch Pendant
Located in Poitiers, FR
Pendant watch in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark. Vintage pocket watch, the case is round and engraved with plant motifs all around. The back is gold-plated, engraved, and ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Breitling Laederich Antique Pocket Watch 18k Gold Enamel
By Breitling
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An amazing Breitling Laederich antique pocket watch, circa late 1800s. The watch is made of 18k gold, features enamel. The watch is cased in a ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
Patek Philippe ref 600 Yellow Gold Pocket Watch
By Patek Philippe
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1950 Patek Philippe reference 600 Pocket Watch, 43 M.M. 18k Yellow Gold 3 piece case, 18 Jewel, mechanical, manual wind Nickle lever movement. Original and Mint condition Silve...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
IWC for Boucheron. A Gold Keyless Dress Pocket Watch C1920
By IWC
Located in Mayfair, London, London
International Watch Company for Boucheron. A Rare 18ct Two Colour Gold Keyless Dress Pocket Watch with 18ct White Gold Chain C1920. Dial: The beautiful silvered dial with two tone e...
Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
IWC 14k Gold Pocket Men's Hunting Case Antique Pocket Watch
By IWC
Located in Dallas, TX
IWC 14k Gold Pocket Men's Hunting Case Antique Pocket Watch - Manual winding. 14k gold hunting case (56mm). White dial with Arabic numbers and sub second dial at 6 o'clock. Pre-owned...
IWC Pocket Watch 800 Silver With Papers
By IWC
Located in New York, NY
Introducing an exquisite piece of horological history, the IWC Pocket Watch from the year 1915. This timeless timepiece boasts a 52mm 800 silver case, reflecting the craftsmanship an...
Silver
IWC Schaffhausen Rare Fishtail Keyless Lever Open Face Silver Pocket Watch
By IWC
Located in Mayfair, London, London
IWC a very rare fishtail keyless lever open face silver pocket watch, C1915 with it's original box. Dial: The perfect white enamel Roman dial with subsidiary seconds dial fully sign...
Silver
International Watch Company Gold Keyless Lever Open Face Pocket Watch C1920S
By IWC
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An International Watch Company 14ct yellow gold, keyless lever open face pocket watch, C1920s with it's original presentation box. Dial: A Beautiful White Enamel Dial in perfect con...
Gold, 14k Gold
IWC Rose Gold Full Hunter Keyless Lever Pocket Watch C1900s
By IWC
Located in Mayfair, London, London
International Watch Company 14ct Rose Gold Full Hunter Keyless Manual Wind Lever Movement Pocket Watch C1990's. Dial: The Perfect white enamel Arabic di...
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Iwc Pocket Watch Steel caliber 9720
By IWC
Located in Antwerp, BE
Iwc Pocket Watch Steel caliber 9720 Collectors Iwc mechanicalwith manual winding pocket watch. In like new condition.Amazing Movement ,extra high grad...
Steel
International Watch Company Full Hunter Keyless Manual Wind Lever Pocket Watch
By IWC
Located in Mayfair, London, London
International Watch Company 14Kt Rose 50mm Gold Full Hunter Keyless Manual Wind Lever Movement Pocket Watch C1990's Dial: The Perfect white enamel Arabic dial with sub second dial fully signed International Watch Co with mineral glass. Case: The full hunter case with engine turning and vacant cartouche, fully signed IWC case with Swiss hallmarks. The inner cuvette signed International Watch Co Schaffhausen...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique IWC Pocket Watch Hunter 14 Karat Gold
By IWC
Located in Berlin, DE
IWC Pocket Watch Hunter 14 Karat Gold. Pocket watch can be wound and works. Including certificate of authenticity.
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique IWC Pocket Watch Hunter 14 Karat Gold
By IWC
Located in Berlin, DE
Solid, heavy IWC Pocket Watch Hunter 14 Karat Gold. Pocket watch can be wound and works. Including certificate of authenticity.
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Silver Cased Minute Repeater Pocket Watch Retailed by Lebolt & Company
By IWC
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1900 Open Face Pocket Watch, 52 M.M. .935 Sterling Silver case with inside Sterling dust cover, Nickle and Gilt Plate Minute Repeater movement ...
Sterling Silver
International Watch Co. Schaffhausen Yellow Gold Pocket Watch Box and Papers
By IWC
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1900 I.W.C. International Watch Company, Schaffhausen Hunting Case Pocket Watch, 14k Yellow Gold 50 M.M. Hunting case with inside dust cover. Engine turned Front and Back cove...
14k Gold