IWC Schaffhausen Watch Buyer's Guide

By Gemma Maule
13 Mar 2022

Longines is renowned in the luxury watch industry for excellent timepiece accuracy and high-quality craftsmanship. Here's what you should know before you buy.

A brief history of Longines Watches

Derived from the Swiss Les Longines meaning long meadows, Longines pays homage to the first factory site built in Switzerland in 1867 to manufacture the luxury watches we know today.

The Longines brand started in 1832 when Auguste Agassiz and his two partners established the Saint-Imier establishment to make and sell pocket watches. After becoming head of the company and the watches finding success in the United States, Agassiz took on his nephew, Ernest Francillon, to run the company. Here, Francillon worked on ways to improve the manufacturing methods in watchmaking.

While under Agassiz, the brand used common procedures used in watchmaking whereby watchmakers would work at home and supply their products to the trading offices. However, Francillon wondered about how the industrial revolution would impact the manufacturing process so he decided to take all the different stages of watchmaking and bring them all under one roof.

To achieve this, Francillon bought two adjoining pieces of land in 1866 and built his factory which was completed a year later. The factory was built on the bank of the River Suze, known locally as Les Longines', meaning long meadows, and so Francillon adopted this name for his factory.

Francillon then took on Jacques David who helped develop the machines required for perfecting watch manufacturing. Because of his innovation and industrial thinking, Francillion continually expanded the factory until the early 20th Century.

The research into technology at Longines rewarded them with various prizes, the first of which was awarded at the Universal Exhibition in Paris in 1867 for its first pocket watch product - the 20A. Throughout the brand's history, technical research has allowed Longines to produce high-precision timekeeping and quality manufacturing.

Due to its precise timekeeping reputation, Longines is the official timekeeper in many sports, including equestrian, horse-racing, Formula 1, alpine skiing competitions and gymnastic competitions. To this day, Longines continues to be a reliable and precise timekeeping brand, not only for sports but for all the masses.

Who owns the Longines brand today?

Longines has been a subsidiary of the Swiss Swatch Group, formerly Socit Suisse de Microlectronique et d'Horlogerie (SMH), since 1983. Founded by Nicholas G Hayek, the Swiss Swatch Group is the world watchmaking leader, with other brands such as ETA, Omega, Harry Winston, Hamilton and more under the company.

The current president of Longines is Matthias Breschan who has previously worked for the Swatch Group sister brands, Hamilton and Rado, for a number of years.

Where are Longines items produced now?

Longines watches are still being made in Switzerland, St-Imier, where they were first produced and have remained there since. They are the only watchmaker to have stayed in their original hometown to this day.

What is in the Longines range?

Longines continues to produce one of the most precise timekeeping watches in the world, but their range also includes sunglasses and straps for watches. The Longines tradition of keeping to quality is evident with their ability to provide original straps for watches so you can keep the authentic look of your watch or you can customise it to your preference.

In 2019, Longines began designing, producing and distributing the new optical and sun eyewear range for men and women. This new range embodies the brand's aesthetic and technological know-how to provide exquisite products. The optical and sunglasses range was developed in compliance with the strictest quality requirements and meticulous attention to detail, much like the production of its watches.

Where can I buy Longines products?

Longines products are widely available both online and in-store“ thanks to the company's selected network of retailers. You can find approved retailers in your country that sell authentic Longines products on their websites. Select countries can also purchase from Longines' online stores. At Chisholm Hunter, we stock a wide range of official Longines products including the high-performance HydroConquest for professional divers; the exquisite La Grande Classique collection; the classically authentic Master collection and the impeccable design of the Spirit watches.

How much do Longines products cost?

As with any luxury watch line, prices are on the higher end however, in relation to the rest of the watch industry, Longine places itself as a more attainable and affordable luxury brand compared to its pricier competitors.

Many high street retailers will have Longines products starting from around the £600 mark for the Conquest or La Grande Classique collections and up to several thousands of pounds for collections with more advanced technology and design.

The technical precision and high-quality build of Longines watches coupled with its devotion to tradition and research have helped place the company as the successful luxury brand it is today.

How can I tell if a Longines product is genuine?

Many Longines watches have very small numbers and markings printed on the dial below the number 6. These small markings show the movement number and plate number, which you'll need a magnifying glass to see. Counterfeit Longines watches usually don't have these markings but the ones that do are often done improperly, with defects and have more scratches on the dial surface.

Another way to find out if your Longines watch is genuine is to check the back of the watch case. A genuine Longines watch will be engraved with the watch brand name, the name of the country the watch was manufactured in and special trademark patterns for the watch brand. An authentic Longines watch case is fine and exquisite with a high finish and consistent assembly. A counterfeit watch will have a rough and imprecise watch case. Usually, letters are engraved on the open position of the case to show the amount of gold plating but counterfeit products will not have this mark. You can also check for the authenticity of your watch by going directly to Longines. Since 1867, Longines has kept a record of every single serial number of its watches so you can receive detailed information about your watch and a certificate of authenticity if it is genuine. Longines serial numbers are found engraved on the back of the watch case and are 5 to 8 digits long. In some cases, the serial number may be found on the movement or inside the watch so you may have to remove the case to see it.

Where can I get my Longines watch appraised?

If you'd like to get an appraisal of your Longines products then look for a local jeweller or watchmaker who offers a valuation service.

Older pieces that are in excellent condition will hold their value the best and holding on to pieces that have complicated mechanical workings will give you the highest resale price.

How do I wear my Longines watch?

The beauty of the Longines collection is that a single watch is enough to lift any outfit. Each of the Longines collections will match the occasion, day and outfit. For formal events, many of the Longines collections provide the simple, minimalistic and elegant watch you need to match your outfit.

For casual wearing, you can wear a watch from any of the collections and match it to your outfit, ensuring your arms have the right amount of luxury with elegant dials, gold or silver accents and a classic strap to elevate your look.

How to clean a Longines watch?

Longines watches have been designed to be durable but once in a while, they can require some cleaning to maintain their sharp and elegant look. It's recommended to use a toothbrush and soapy water to clean the metal bracelets and waterproof casings. Then, rinse with clean water and dry with a soft cloth. Your Longines watch should be looking as good as new.

Think a Longines watch could be for you? Take a look at their collection here today.

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IWC Schaffhausen has been a leader in luxury watchmaking since 1868, creating watches with supreme precision and iconic designs. Here’s what you should know before you buy.

A Brief History of IWC Watches

IWC Schaffhausen’s history starts with Boston watchmaker Florentine Ariosto Jones who decided to make watches in Switzerland after hearing about the country’s famed watchmaking expertise and craftsmanship. In 1868, Jones founded the International Watch Company, now known as IWC Schaffhausen or simply, IWC.

Jones had high aspirations for his company and the way it was run which detracted from the norm. He wanted to produce watches in one centralised location to take advantage of the industrial revolution and create even more high-quality and precise watches. However, his ideas were met with scepticism in Geneva since the norm involved watch parts being made in homes and then put together in a factory.

Jones met with Heinrich Moser who was an industrialist, entrepreneur and watchmaker. Interestingly, Moser created his own luxury watch brand named H. Moser & Cie that still thrives today. Moser inspired Jones to use the nearby Rhine Falls in Schaffhausen to create hydroelectricity which can help power his machinery. This allowed Jones to settle his company in Schaffhausen and has remained in the city ever since.

A few years later, IWC changed hands from American to Swiss. In 1880, Johannes Rauschenbach-Vogel bought the company and for four generations, the Rauschenbach family owned IWC.

In 1885, IWC’s devotion to innovation was displayed with its collection of pocket watches with a digital indication - the first of its kind. These IWC timepieces are now exceptionally rare and highly sought after collector's items.

Throughout the years, the various owners of IWC invested in the latest technology to continue producing high-quality watches and expanded the factory to cater to new machines.

During the 1930s, IWC debuted the first antimagnetic watch intended specifically for pilots. The Big Pilot's watch, introduced in 1940, was another significant milestone for IWC. The Mark 11 released in 1948 was magnetic field-resistant. The Ingenieur would subsequently utilise this magnetic protection, as do many IWC watches today.

IWC developed the world's first titanium watchcase and bracelet in 1978, which was considered to be unachievable at the time due to the difficulties of working with titanium - as it needed an oxygen-free atmosphere. IWC now produces the world's most advanced bracelet system, which allows the pin to be completely locked-in regardless of damage.

Today, IWC is most known for its Pilot’s Watches, which was inspired by World War II, and the Portuguese collection of watches.

Who owns the IWC brand today?

Since 2000, IWC has been a subsidiary of the Swiss luxury goods company, Compagnie Financière Richemont S.A. As of 2017, Richemont is the world's third-largest luxury goods company, after LVMH and Estée Lauder Companies.

The current CEO of IWC watches is Christoph Grainger-Herr who was promoted in 2017.

Where are IWC items produced now?

IWC still produces its watches in Switzerland, where the factory is sandwiched between the Rhine river and the old town. In 2018, the company’s newly renovated factory was revealed to make better room for growth and create more space for its machines and facilities.

What is in the IWC Range?

IWC continues to produce watches with sophisticated engineering and iconic designs within its collections. The IWC range includes the Pilot’s Watches, Portugieser, Engineer, Aquatimer, Da Vinci and Portofino which embrace the watchmaking expertise of IWC. IWC also provide replacement straps and watch boxes.

Where can I buy IWC products?

IWC watches products are widely available both online and in-store. You can find IWC stores in your country on their website as well as authorised retailers that sell a range of IWC watches.

At Chisholm Hunter, we stock a wide range of official IWC watches including the unrivalled precision of the Pilot Watches for aviators; the exquisite Portugieser collection; the intelligent Portofino Watches as well as collections for men and women.

How much do IWC products cost?

As with any luxury watch line, the prices of IWC are on the pricier end with the cheapest watch costing over $4,000 and the most expensive costing you over $700,000.

Many high street retailers will have IWC watches starting from around the £3,500 mark for the Pilot’s Watches and over £35,000 for collections with more advanced technology and design, such as the Portugieser.

With a strong commitment to using the best materials, exquisite design, technology and expertise, IWC watches have firmly established themselves as luxury watchmakers for over 150 years.

How can I tell if an IWC product is genuine?

When checking the authenticity of an IWC watch, it’s best to start with the dial. Genuine IWC watches have placements for the subdials and hands that align perfectly with the dial. The subdials should also be symmetrical. On fake products, the subdials are either too far or too close to the centre and are unsymmetrical.

Genuine IWC watches use a sapphire crystal over the dial which gives them scratch-resistant properties. To test the crystal, place a drop of water on the dial surface. If the watch is genuine, the water will retain surface tension but if it’s a fake, the water will disperse.

Checking the watch’s crown, or the winding stem at the 3 o’clock position, will help you identify the authenticity of the watch. IWC watches have a relatively smaller crown compared to other watch brands. Counterfeit watches will have a larger crown.
Check the authenticity of your watch by getting an authorised IWC retailer or Boutique to send it directly to IWC headquarters. Upon receiving the watch, IWC can refute or confirm the authenticity of the watch. If it is genuine, you will receive a certification of authenticity alongside information about the case, movement and any special features.

Where can I get my IWC watch appraised?

How do I wear my IWC watch?

The beauty of IWC is that a watch from any of the collections can bring a sense of luxury to your look. Each of the IWC collections will match the occasion, day and outfit.
For formal events, match the main colours of our outfit with the dial colours, e.g. wearing this blue dial Pilot’s watch with a blue suit. Utilise your watch as a statement piece by wearing a contrasting colour watch to your outfit, e.g. wearing a silver-plated, white dial Portgieser Watch with a black tux.

How to clean my IWC watch?

IWC watches have been designed to look exquisite but once in a while, they can require some cleaning to maintain their sharp and elegant look.

It’s recommended to use a microfibre cloth to wipe the dial surface, going around the case, lugs, crown and even the back of the watch. Dip the microfibre cloth into some water and clean the dial, but make sure to avoid the straps. Avoid using soap and water as some of the molecules can enter the watch and damage the mechanism.