# International Watch Company

> Swiss-based international watch company and brand

**Wikidata**: [Q662902](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q662902)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IWC_Schaffhausen)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/international-watch-company

## Summary
International Watch Company (IWC) is a Swiss-based international watch brand founded in 1868, specializing in high-end timepieces. Headquartered in Schaffhausen, Switzerland, IWC is owned by Richemont, a major Swiss holding company. The brand is renowned for its precision engineering, heritage, and luxury status in the horology industry.

## Key Facts
- Founded in 1868 in Schaffhausen, Switzerland.
- Owned by Richemont, a Swiss holding company established in 1979.
- Headquartered in Schaffhausen, Switzerland.
- Operates as a business specializing in commercial, industrial, and professional activities.
- Focuses on the art, science, and industry of clockmaking (horology).
- Produces timepieces, including watches and other time-measuring instruments.
- Has 650 employees.
- Website: [https://www.iwc.com/](https://www.iwc.com/)
- Wikipedia title: "IWC Schaffhausen"
- Wikidata description: "Swiss-based international watch company and brand"
- Aliases: IWC, IWC Watch Co, IWC Watches, International Watch Co, International Watch Co.
- Sitelink count: 25

## FAQs
**What is the origin of International Watch Company?**
International Watch Company was founded in 1868 in Schaffhausen, Switzerland, and is headquartered there.

**Who owns International Watch Company?**
International Watch Company is owned by Richemont, a Swiss holding company.

**What is the primary industry of International Watch Company?**
International Watch Company operates in the horology industry, specializing in the art, science, and production of timepieces.

**How many employees does International Watch Company have?**
International Watch Company has 650 employees.

**What is the official website of International Watch Company?**
The official website of International Watch Company is [https://www.iwc.com/](https://www.iwc.com/).

## Why It Matters
International Watch Company plays a significant role in the luxury watch industry, known for its precision engineering and heritage. As a Swiss brand, it embodies the country's tradition of craftsmanship and innovation in horology. The company's timepieces are highly regarded for their quality and are often associated with prestige and exclusivity. By being part of Richemont, IWC benefits from the group's global reach and resources, further solidifying its position in the market.

## Notable For
- Founded in 1868, making it one of the oldest watch brands in Switzerland.
- Owned by Richemont, a major Swiss holding company.
- Specializes in high-end timepieces, contributing to the luxury watch market.
- Headquartered in Schaffhausen, Switzerland, a key center for watchmaking.
- Produces instruments that measure the passage of time, including watches.

## Body
### History
International Watch Company was established in 1868 in Schaffhausen, Switzerland. The brand has a long history in the horology industry, specializing in the production of high-end timepieces. Over the years, IWC has developed a reputation for precision engineering and craftsmanship, making it a notable player in the luxury watch market.

### Ownership and Structure
International Watch Company is owned by Richemont, a Swiss holding company. Richemont was founded in 1979 and has since grown into a major player in the luxury goods industry. The ownership structure allows IWC to benefit from Richemont's global resources and expertise, enhancing its position in the market.

### Industry and Products
IWC operates in the horology industry, focusing on the art, science, and production of timepieces. The company produces a variety of time-measuring instruments, including watches, which are known for their quality and precision. IWC's products are highly regarded in the luxury watch market and are often associated with prestige and exclusivity.

### Location and Headquarters
International Watch Company is headquartered in Schaffhausen, Switzerland. Schaffhausen is the capital of the canton of Schaffhausen and is known as a key center for watchmaking. The headquarters location reflects the brand's commitment to Swiss craftsmanship and tradition.

### Related Entities
- **Richemont**: A Swiss holding company that owns International Watch Company. Richemont was founded in 1979 and has a significant presence in the luxury goods industry.
- **Schaffhausen**: The city where International Watch Company is headquartered. Schaffhausen is the capital of the canton of Schaffhausen and is a key center for watchmaking.
- **Switzerland**: The country where International Watch Company is based. Switzerland is known for its tradition of craftsmanship and innovation in horology.
- **Horology**: The industry in which International Watch Company operates. Horology encompasses the art, science, and production of time-measuring instruments.
- **Timepiece**: The primary product of International Watch Company. Timepieces are instruments that measure the passage of time, including watches.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. [Source](http://km.aifb.kit.edu/services/crunchbase/)
4. Name Suggestion Index
5. YouTube API
6. CollectieGelderland