Encyclopaedia

A compilation of references, information and expertise. Discover key dates, legendary timepieces, a glossary of watchmaking terms, museums, and the watchmakers who helped shape the history of time measurement.

Watches

Legendary watches

Portuguese

IWC - 1938

Radiomir

Panerai - 1938

Fifty Fathoms

Blancpain - 1953

Extra plate

Vacheron Constantin - 1960

Speedmaster

Omega - 1957

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Complication watches

From the alarm watch to the perpetual calendar, the world of complication watches.

Precious watches

The history of the jewellery watch, from the 16th century to today.

Mechanical watches

Do you know what a mechanical watch is ?

Quartz Watches

History: from the electric watch to quartz

Emblematic Models

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New products

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History of watchmaking

History

1985

History: IWC launched the Da Vinci chronograph with perpetual calendar. The creation, by Lucerne-born Ludwig Oechslin for Ulysse Nardin, of the Astrolabium Galileo Galilei astronomical watch,...

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Famous watchmakers

Auguste Lucien Vérité

Self-taught French watchmaker. He promoted the synchronisation of clocks using electromagnetic signals.

Discover famous watchmakers