IWC (International Watch Company) is a Swiss luxury watch brand that has been producing high-quality timepieces since 1868. The brand is known for its elegant and innovative designs, as well as its commitment to precision and accuracy. One of the key components that contribute to the performance of IWC watches is their movements. In this article, we will take a closer look at who makes IWC movements.
A Brief History of IWC Movements
In the early days of IWC, the brand sourced movements from various manufacturers, including Jaeger-LeCoultre and Frederic Piguet. However, in 1967, IWC started producing its own movements. The brand’s first in-house movement was the Calibre 8541, which was used in the Ingenieur watches.
Since then, IWC has continued to produce its own movements, including both mechanical and quartz movements. Today, the brand produces a range of different movements, including some of the most complicated movements in the industry, such as tourbillons and perpetual calendars.
Who Makes IWC Movements?
IWC is one of the few brands that produce their movements entirely in-house. The brand has invested heavily in its watchmaking capabilities over the years, and it is widely regarded as one of the top brands when it comes to in-house movement production.
IWC has a dedicated team of watchmakers and engineers who work together to design and produce the brand’s movements. The brand’s movements are made using the latest technology and are manufactured to the highest standards of quality and precision.
Advantages of In-House Movement Production
There are several advantages to producing movements in-house. First and foremost, it gives the brand greater control over the quality of its watches. When a brand produces its own movements, it can ensure that they meet the highest standards in terms of accuracy, reliability, and durability. This is important because the movement is the most critical component of any watch, and it is what determines its overall performance.
In addition, producing movements in-house allows brands to differentiate themselves from their competitors. A brand that produces its own movements is seen as more prestigious than one that sources its movements from outside suppliers. This is because producing movements requires a high level of skill and expertise, and not all brands have the capability to do so.
Finally, producing movements in-house gives brands greater flexibility when it comes to designing their watches. When a brand produces its own movements, it can design the movement to fit the specific requirements of the watch. This allows for greater creativity and innovation when it comes to watch design.
IWC’s Most Popular Movements
IWC produces a range of different movements, each with its own unique features and functions. Some of the brand’s most popular movements include:
1.Calibre 51011
This is an automatic movement that is used in IWC’s Big Pilot’s Watch. It has a power reserve of up to 7 days and features a date display and central hacking seconds.
2.Calibre 79320
This is an automatic chronograph movement that is used in IWC’s Pilot’s Watch Chronograph. It has a power reserve of up to 44 hours and features a day/date display and small seconds sub-dial.
3.Calibre 89801
This is a self-winding movement that is used in IWC’s Da Vinci Perpetual Calendar Chronograph. It has a power reserve of up to 68 hours and features a perpetual calendar, moon phase display, and flyback chronograph.
4.Calibre 94800
This is a manually-wound movement that is used in IWC’s Portugieser Constant-Force Tourbillon. It has a power reserve of up to 96 hours and features a constant-force mechanism and tourbillon.
Conclusion
In summary, IWC is one of the few brands that produce their movements entirely in-house. The brand has a dedicated team of watchmakers and engineers who work together to design and produce some of the most innovative and precise movements in the industry. Producing movements in-house allows IWC to maintain high levels of quality, differentiate itself from its competitors, and be more creative and innovative when it comes to watch design. If you’re in the market for a high-quality timepiece, an IWC watch with an in-house movement is definitely worth considering.
