IWC Museum
Schaffhausen
The IWC Museum, located in Schaffhausen, Switzerland, offers an exceptional insight into the history and craftsmanship of the International Watch Company (IWC). Founded in 1868 by Florentine Ariosto Jones, IWC has grown into a prestigious luxury watch manufacturer known for mechanical complications such as perpetual calendars, moon phases, and tourbillons. The museum, opened in June 2007, displays over 230 exhibits including early pocket watches with the Jones caliber, digital display pocket watches, elaborately decorated dress and ladies' watches, as well as the earliest wristwatches from IWC’s extensive collections. The exhibition is enhanced by multimedia presentations that narrate the company's rich history and evolution. The museum is situated in Schaffhausen, a city with a deep historical background, once home to the Benedictine monastery Kloster Allerheiligen, reflecting a blend of cultural heritage and industrial innovation. Visitors can appreciate the technical ingenuity behind IWC’s iconic Pellaton automatic winding system and learn about the brand’s significant milestones, including its acquisition by the Richemont Group and recent accolades such as the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève award. This museum is a must-visit for horology enthusiasts and those interested in Swiss luxury craftsmanship.
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Tip: Plan your visit during weekdays to avoid crowds and ensure a more personal experience. Advance ticket purchase is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons. The museum offers guided tours and multimedia presentations that enrich the visit. Check the official website for opening hours and any special exhibitions or events. Visitors may benefit from discounts available for students, seniors, and groups. Photography policies should be reviewed beforehand to respect the exhibits.
Interesting facts
- •IWC was founded by Florentine Ariosto Jones in 1868 to produce high-quality watches combining American engineering and Swiss craftsmanship.
- •The museum houses over 230 exhibits spanning more than 140 years of watchmaking history.
- •IWC’s Pellaton automatic winding system is a technical innovation featuring an eccentric and two large pawls for efficient winding.
- •The Portugieser Eternal Calendar watch accounts for the Gregorian calendar's leap year exceptions over 400 years and has a moon phase accuracy deviation of one day in 45 million years.
- •IWC is part of the Richemont luxury goods group since 2000 and employs around 1,250 people.
- •In November 2024, IWC won the prestigious Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) Grand Prix “Aigiuille d’Or” for the Portugieser Eternal Calendar.
History
The International Watch Company was established in 1868 by American watchmaker Florentine Ariosto Jones, who aimed to combine American engineering with Swiss craftsmanship.
Initially facing financial difficulties, the company was acquired in 1879 by local industrialist Johannes Rauschenbach-Vogel, under whose leadership IWC flourished.
The brand became known for its mechanical watch complications and innovations like the Pellaton automatic winding system.
Despite challenges during the quartz crisis of the 1970s and 1980s, IWC refocused on classical mechanical watches, regaining prestige.
The museum was inaugurated in 2007 to celebrate over 140 years of horological excellence and to showcase the brand’s historical and technical achievements.
Place Guide
Early Pocket Watches and Caliber Jones1868-1900
This section showcases the very first pocket watches produced by IWC, including those featuring the Jones caliber, highlighting the company’s foundational craftsmanship.
Digital Display Pocket Watches and Dress WatchesEarly 20th century
Exhibits include early digital display pocket watches and elaborately decorated dress and ladies' watches, reflecting the brand's innovation and aesthetic artistry across different eras.
Early Wristwatches CollectionEarly 1900s
Displays the earliest wristwatches from IWC, marking the transition from pocket to wrist timepieces and the evolution of watch design.
Pellaton Automatic Winding System Exhibit1940s
Dedicated to the technical innovation by Albert Pellaton, this exhibit explains the unique automatic winding mechanism that uses an eccentric and two large pawls for efficient energy transfer.
Multimedia Presentation of Company History2007 - present
An immersive multimedia presentation narrates the history of IWC, from its founding through its acquisition by Richemont to recent achievements, providing context and depth to the exhibits.
Contact
Phone: 052 235 75 65