IWC Schaffhausen is proud of its long and eventful past. One can always make more room in a collector’s collection by combining exploration, modern conveniences, and precise timekeeping. Bradley Cooper wore his expensive watch to the 2019 Academy Awards. In this case, he was sporting a Big Pilot from IWC. He put it up for sale and gave the money he made to a youth organization.
In this article we will discuss some important things to consider before you buy an IWC Schaffhausen watch online.
Understanding How to Recognize an Authentic IWC Schaffhausen Timepiece
If you aren’t already familiar with IWC Schaffhausen, you soon will be because of the company’s growing prominence in the watch industry. Its Portugieser model, named Most Popular Dress Watch, now has a new addition to the collection. Hollywood stars including Jamie Foxx, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Bradley Cooper, and Emily Ratajkowski wear IWC Schaffhausen watches. IWC Schaffhausen watches result from a harmonious union of time-honored Swiss craftsmanship and innovative American enterprise. No matter your familiarity with watches or lack thereof, you cannot help but notice the prevalence of IWC Schaffhausen timepieces.
The International Watch Company was established in Schaffhausen, Switzerland, in 1868 by Florentine Aristo Jones, a watchmaker from Boston. To bring American manufacturing processes to the region, Aristo Jones needed to recruit experienced artisans from the Swiss land. Another perk of Schaffhausen was its location on the Rhine River, which provided the necessary hydropower for his inventions. Watches were still being made in private residences at the time of IWC’s establishment. Aristo Jones established a watch factory to produce high-end watches for the American market in a bold departure from the norm. As soon as his vision was accomplished and IWC’s watchmaking capabilities were well-established, the company rose to prominence as “one of the most successful watch businesses in the world.”
In the 1930s, the IWC Schaffhausen men’s watch had a strong reputation for its pilot timepieces; during WWII, the company even produced a wristwatch for use by the British military. Additionally, the house is responsible for the first wristwatch with a compass, the creation of more precise movements, and the invention of waterproofing technology that could resist new depths. This success solidified their position as a leader in the high-end watch industry.
The International Watch Company around the early 20th century, had a bigger collection of products to offer than its contemporaries.” You may find anything from rugged pilot’s watches built to last to elegant luxury watches like the IWC Schaffhausen Portugieser (sometimes spelled “Portuguese”) among their wares. Collectors have favored IWC Schaffhausen watches for decades because of the company’s long history and high-quality standards. They have unfortunately become vulnerable to counterfeiting. So, how does one determine whether or not something is the actual deal? There are several telltale signs of a genuine IWC Schaffhausen watch, from the dial to the smallest screws.
Tips For A First-Time IWC SchaffhausenWatch Buyer
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The Dial
The dial is the first place to look for signs of a fake when evaluating an IWC SchaffhausenPilot’s watch or any other model. The watch’s dial is the first thing a potential buyer sees and hence the first place a buyer should focus their attention. Many fakes feature numerals and letters that are the wrong color or use the wrong typeface. The Swiss manufacturer only employs precious metals to construct the watch case. The dial will have consistent colors, and the laser engraving will be highly precise.
Looking at the subdials, you may learn a lot about an IWC Schaffhausen men’s watch. The subdials and hands of IWC Schaffhausen watches should have placemats that match perfectly with the dial and demonstrate laser-sharp precision. When inspecting fakes, we frequently come across subdials positioned to the side. Faux watches often have subdials that aren’t perfectly symmetrical. The subdials of genuine IWC Schaffhausen timepieces should be evenly spaced.
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The Material
Since IWC Schaffhausen is a high-end watchmaker, the quality of the components is a major indicator of the watch’s authenticity. The highest quality material and superb craftsmanship are hallmarks of genuine IWC Schaffhausen timepieces. Because of its scratch resistance, sapphire crystal is standard on the dials of modern luxury timepieces. Putting a drop of water on the crystal’s surface is a simple approach to check its transparency. When water is placed on a sapphire crystal, it should maintain its surface tension. Water will spread out from a fake crystal made of glass or plastic.
Another way to spot a fake IWC Schaffhausen watch is by trying it on and know how it fits and feels on your wrist. A genuine IWC Schaffhausen watch is easily recognizable by its bracelet or strap. Adjustable links are used in IWC’s stainless steel models so that the wearer can have the perfect fit. It’s fairly uncommon for fakes not to feature adjustable wristbands, opting instead for mass-produced, mass-priced versions. The aforementioned Big Pilot’s Watch is only one example of the many IWC Schaffhausen timepieces available with leather or alligator straps. They should gleam with a patina-like finish on these straps. Fakes miss the mark when trying to find top-notch leather since they don’t pay attention to the finish.
Experts best determine metals used in watches. Kapoor Watch Co. recommends having a watchmaker check the purity of any precious metals like gold or platinum in any model before you buy an IWC Schaffhausen watch online. Counterfeiters will often combine base metal with gold plating or rhodium to create a fake timepiece.
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Functionality
It may seem obvious, but ensuring your authentic IWC Schaffhausen men’s watch works as it should is essential in the authentication process. Make sure that all the intricacies are fully operational, specifically mentioning the chronograph feature of an IWC Schaffhausen Watch. When the pushers are pressed, the hands should move fast and consistently in a sweeping motion. The chronograph’s timekeeping must be spot-on, and the push buttons must always de-press when pressed. Many knockoffs use a cheaper movement that lacks the necessary complexity, and their pushers and subdials are purely cosmetic.
Inspecting an IWC Schaffhausen watch requires special attention to the crown. Larger crowns will be used on counterfeits because they are less time-consuming and more cost effective to produce in large quantities, while smaller crowns are more difficult and time-consuming to create. One of the few exceptions is the IWC Big Pilot’s watch, which features an almost enormous crown to accommodate a triple-position system that makes adjusting the subdials a breeze.
There shouldn’t be any friction when winding an automatic or manual IWC Schaffhausen men’s watch. The crown should wind without issue. It is important to pay close attention to the sound of the mechanism as it winds. Crackling gears within should serve as a warning.
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The Hallmarks
When evaluating an IWC Schaffhausen watch, look at the hallmarks, serial numbers, and purity marks. The name of the firm, International Watch Company, and the name of the collection should be engraved on the back of every IWC Schaffhausen watch. They should be laser engraved onto the case with a smooth and even finish. Many IWC Schaffhausen timepieces include see-through case backs so that you may admire the timepiece’s inner workings. It is a common practice to engrave the maker’s name onto the movement of an exhibition case back.
There will be identifying symbols on watches made from certain metals. It would be best if you looked out for the purity stamps and Swiss manufacturer hallmarks before you buy an IWC Schaffhausen watch online.