A Visit to the IWC Schaffhausen Manufacture

Checking into our cosy hotel adjacent a small lake covered in a gorgeous fog, little did I know that this trip to Switzerland would be like no other. This trip to Switzerland was to discover on of my all-time favourite brands, IWC Schaffhausen.

Kicking day one off with a brief history of the brand, we made our way to IWC Neuhausen to learn more about the production line of an IWC timepiece. From sketches and virtual designs to water pressure cutting of components and rubies stones, we witnessed it all here before undertaking a small do-it-yourself exercise.

After attempting to polish a case-back, it was back to IWC Schaffhausen’s Headquarters for a tour of the museum and timepiece archives. Dating back to 1868, the museum houses the first ever movements created by the brand, unique pieces, grand complications and brand collaboration items.

Having digested so much information in the space of only a few hours, it was time to put all the theory to practice with a watchmaking class of our own. Coated up and equipped with the right tools, it was time to dissemble and assemble a “standard” movement…with the help of a master watchmaker of course. Having beat Nadya to the finish line, we walked over to the watchmaker department to see how it is actually done.

To cap our first day off, the brand presented every single piece in this years collection for us to fiddle around with. I tried to walk away with my favourite timepiece, however, was unlucky 🙁

Up bright and early for day two in Schaffhausen today is the day we would tour the Swiss skies in a military JU 52 plane. All aboard, the incredible flight presented us with some breathtaking scenery of the Swiss Alps, Zurich Lake and

With a little turbulence that sent shockwaves through some of the passengers, we landed back to base safely for a little photo shoot with this amazing plane.

A special thanks to the entire IWC Schaffhausen team who made this trip a reality!

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