IWC has a fascinating connection to the seas, dating back to the 19th century. Their commitment to creating watches that withstand the tough maritime environment is evident in their rich historical heritage and diverse maritime-inspired watch collections.
At Banks Lyon, we’re proud to be an official stockist of IWC watches and are thrilled to offer an extensive range of their timepieces designed for the waters. So, here, we’d like to take you on a journey through time and the seas to discover IWC’s historical connection to maritime exploration and showcase their innovative and reliable watches designed specifically for maritime enthusiasts.
IWC’s Historical Connection to the Seas
Founded in 1868 by Florentine Ariosto Jones, an American watchmaker, IWC drew on the expertise of qualified Swiss watchmakers and harnessed hydropower from the nearby River Rhine to manufacture pocket watches. Then, during World War II, IWC played a significant role in providing timepieces for the British military. In 1945, they produced their first wristwatch called the “W.W.W.”, which stood for “watch, wrist, waterproof.” Although it was not fully waterproof, this watch marked the beginning of IWC’s dive watch history.
Today, the historical relevance of IWC’s connection to the seas and maritime exploration can be seen in their commitment to producing high-quality timepieces suitable for underwater exploration and aviation.
Pictured left is the IWC Portugieser Automatic 7 Days 42.3mm, available from Banks Lyon for £11,100 or just £92.50 per month on 0% finance.
IWC’s Maritime-Inspired Watch Collections
IWC’s diverse range of watch collections are all designed with a distinct maritime influence. For example, one of their popular collections, the IWC Aquatimer, is a range of expertly crafted dive watches built to withstand the depths of the oceans. Alongside this, the watchmakers also introduced the IWC Portugieser Yacht Club Chronograph, with its own incredible range of maritime-influenced features.
The Aquatimer Collection: IWC’s Dive Watches for the Deep Seas
The IWC Aquatimer Collection is a range of robust, high-performance dive watches designed for both professional and recreational diving. With water resistance up to 300 meters,
these timepieces are built to withstand the demands of underwater exploration. The collection features innovative features, such as
- A rotating bezel for tracking dive times.
- Luminous hands and markers for enhanced visibility.
- Automatic movements for reliable timekeeping at sea.
Banks Lyon offers a variety of IWC Aquatimer chronograph watch models, such as the IWC Aquatimer Chronograph Edition Expedition Charles Darwin Watch pictured right. This piece is available for £9,500 or just £79.16 per month on 0% finance.
The Portugieser Yacht Club Collection: Elegant and Sporty Timepieces
The IWC Portugieser Yacht Club Collection is a line of watches that combines sportiness with the timeless elegance of the Portugieser family. First introduced in 1967, the Yacht Club model quickly became one of IWC’s most successful timepieces from the 20th century.
In recent years, IWC decided to integrate the “new” generation of Yacht Club models into the Portugieser family. The Portugieser Yacht Club Chronograph is the flagship model of this collection. It features a sporty design with a rugged construction and offers high water resistance. The watch is equipped with the IWC-manufactured 89361 calibre, which includes a flyback function and a totaliser at 12 o’clock for easy reading of stopped hours and minutes even in challenging conditions.
Pictured left is one of the IWC Portugeiser Yacht Club Chronograph Watch models available at Banks Lyon for £11,700 or just £97.50 per month on 0% finance.
Selecting the Perfect IWC Watch for Maritime Adventures
IWC is committed to innovation in watchmaking by offering several technological features specifically for the modern seafaring professional and wellness enthusiasts. Their watches are designed with anti-magnetic cases, robust movements, and special materials, providing resistance against saltwater corrosion.
Because of this, choosing an IWC watch for maritime activities should consider essential factors that align with your nautical lifestyle, such as:
- Water resistance
- Durability
- Specific functionalities
- Aesthetic preferences
At Banks Lyon, we’re proud to offer an extensive range of IWC’s iconic sea-inspired timepieces, each with its own unique features sure to captivate the right person. For example, pictured below, we have the IWC Portugieser Chronograph 41mm Watch (left) and IWC Portugieser Automatic 40 Watch (right), each displaying stunning aesthetics but offering different practical features.
The Portugeiser Chronograph, for example, is one of the most iconic pieces in the collection, offering the traditional chronograph movement with a sporty aesthetic emphasised by the sleek blue hands and numerals. Alternatively, the Portugeiser Automatic is a timelessly modern watch combining maritime inspiration and dress watch style elements. Its 40mm stainless-steel case, silver-plated dial, and gold-plated hands and appliques evoke a classic IWC design, and the newly developed butterfly folding clasp adds a touch of sophistication and comfort, making it an ideal choice for formal occasions or everyday wear.
The brand’s diverse collections and watchmaking innovations make IWC watches perfect companions for those fascinated by the seas; shop our collection at our stores or online. Please get in touch for more information and to allow our watch experts to help you find your ideal piece.