IWC
IWC 9111 VINTAGE
6 900.00 CHF
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Buy a pre-owned IWC watch at The Swiss Collector
Founded in 1868 in Schaffhausen, Switzerland by American engineer Florentine Ariosto Jones, IWC Schaffhausen is one of the world's most respected watch manufactures. The only Swiss manufacture based in German-speaking Switzerland, IWC has for over 155 years combined the American spirit of innovation with Swiss artisanal precision. Its legendary collections (Portugieser, Pilot's Watch, Big Pilot, Ingenieur, Aquatimer) appeal to enthusiasts of functional, technical and elegant watchmaking. A member of the Richemont group, IWC remains an absolute reference for those seeking pragmatic design and impeccably reliable movements. At The Swiss Collector, our selection of pre-owned IWC watches evolves constantly, with every piece being unique.
History of IWC : 155 Years of Watchmaking Engineering
An American Foundation on Swiss Soil (1868)
In 1868, Florentine Ariosto Jones, a young engineer from Boston, made the bold decision to found a watch manufacture in Schaffhausen, in the German-speaking canton of Switzerland. His idea : to combine Swiss artisanal expertise with American industrial production methods, and harness the hydraulic energy of the Rhine to power his machines. He thus created the International Watch Company (IWC) whose name from the outset reflected its international ambition.
Among its first prestigious clients : Tsar Nicholas II of Russia and the Swiss Federal Railways, who prized the reliability and precision of IWC calibres.
Pilot's Watches and World War II (1936–1945)
In 1936, IWC launched its first Spezialuhr für Flieger (special watch for pilots), with a large legible dial, luminous hands and exceptional robustness. During World War II, IWC was one of five manufacturers (alongside Stowa, Laco, A. Lange & Söhne and Wempe) to produce official watches for aviation. The legendary Mark 11 (1948) became one of the most reliable military watches ever produced, still used by the British RAF until 1980.
The Portugieser and Haute Horlogerie (1939–1993)
In 1939, two Portuguese businessmen commissioned IWC to create a wristwatch as precise as a marine chronometer. The result : the first Portugieser, with a large case and a pocket-watch calibre of remarkable precision. In 1993, IWC launched the Portugieser Perpetual Calendar, propelling the manufacture into the ranks of haute complication.
The Richemont Era and Material Innovation (2000–Today)
Acquired by the Richemont group in 2000, IWC accelerated its technical development, introducing grade 5 titanium from the 1980s, then ceramic for its Top Gun watches, Armor Gold® (scratch-resistant gold) and finally Ceratanium® in 2019 : a revolutionary alloy combining the lightness of titanium with the hardness of ceramic.
Collections & Iconic Models
Key References & Secondary Market Values
IW371605 / IW371617 Portugieser Chronograph 41mm Steel
CHF 4,500 – CHF 7,500
IW500710 / IW500705 Portugieser Automatic 7 Days 42mm Steel
CHF 8,000 – CHF 12,000
IW327010 / IW327001 Pilot's Watch Mark XVIII 40mm Steel
CHF 2,800 – CHF 4,500
IW501012 / IW502003 Big Pilot's Watch 46mm Steel
CHF 8,500 – CHF 13,000
IW328901 / IW328905 Ingenieur Automatic 40mm Steel
CHF 4,500 – CHF 7,000
Values vary based on condition, presence of box and papers, and year of production. Contact our TSC experts for a precise estimate.
IWC vs Jaeger-LeCoultre vs Omega : Which to Choose ?
IWC
It's the choice for enthusiasts of functional and elegant tool watches, with pragmatic design and cutting-edge materials. Its Pilot's Watches and Portugieser are icons recognised worldwide. Ideal for those seeking a watch with character and history without ostentation.
Jaeger-LeCoultre
Appeals more to enthusiasts of elaborate complications and refined Art Deco design, notably with the Reverso. More jewellery-oriented in its approach.
Omega
Leads on worldwide recognition and space heritage. More liquid on the secondary market for sports models, at similar price points to IWC.
Our The Swiss Collector verdict
If you are looking for a watch with strong, functional and timeless design, equally at home in the office and at the weekend, IWC is an exceptional choice. The Pilot's Watch Mark XVIII to start, the Portugieser for elegance, the Big Pilot for visual impact.
IWC & Iconic Personalities
IWC maintains strong ties with sport, cinema and adventure :
- Bradley Cooper : official ambassador, proudly wears the Portugieser at major international events
- Lewis Hamilton : 7-time Formula 1 world champion, face of the Ingenieur collection (performance and technical excellence)
- Cousteau Society : historic partnership for ocean conservation, a natural link with the Aquatimer collection
- Laureus Sport for Good Foundation : IWC supports this international organisation dedicated to sport as a tool for social development
- Tribeca Film Festival : IWC has been a partner of the New York film festival since 2007
Buying Guide : Pre-owned IWC at The Swiss Collector
- Budget : pre-owned IWC watches start from around CHF 1,200 for vintage models, and from CHF 2,800 for current references such as the Mark XVIII. Big Pilot models start from around CHF 8,500.
- Condition : every piece is graded across four levels (like new, very good, good or fair condition) with high-definition photographs.
- Rigorous selection : every watch is carefully selected and evaluated by our experts before being listed for sale.
- TSC Guarantee : all our watches come with a 12 to 24-month warranty depending on condition and configuration.
- Box & papers (full set) : clearly identified in our selection (an important asset for resale value).
- Secure worldwide delivery : fully insured and tracked shipping worldwide.
Servicing & Maintenance of a Pre-owned IWC
Recommended service interval
IWC recommends a full service every 5 to 7 years depending on the model. IWC manufacture calibres are renowned for their robustness and longevity, but regular maintenance remains essential.
Signs of good preservation
Bezel without excessive play (Aquatimer), correctly screwed crown, original bracelet with complete links, dial free from humidity marks.
Discover Pre-Owned IWC Watches at The Swiss Collector
Explore a curated selection of pre-owned IWC watches, certified and vetted by our experts. From the elegant Portugieser to the robust Pilot’s Watch and high-tech Ingenieur, find exceptional timepieces at attractive prices – a smart investment and a lasting pleasure.
"IWC is where innovation meets elegance. Every model, from the Pilot’s Watch to the Portugieser and Ingenieur, reflects true horological art. For those seeking a stylish and reliable watch, IWC is the obvious choice. Our favourite? The IWC Ingenieur Carbon Performance Ceramic."