SIHH 2018: The IWC Schaffhausen Novelties (updated with prices)

To summarize and for a better understanding of its SIHH 2018 Jubilee collection IWC answered me three essential questions …

WHAT DO THESE WATCHES HAVE IN COMMON? 

All the watches in the Jubilee collection share a common design language, which is expressed by the complex lacquering process used to give the dials their white or blue finish. Another feature they have in common is their blued or rhodium-plated hands.

The watches are tted with black alligator leather straps, some of which are produced by Italian shoe manufacturer Santoni. To emphasise the exclusive character of this collection, each Reference is produced as a limited edition.

The special Jubilee insignia “150 Years” also serves as a reminder of the launch. It either appears on the movement plate, the rotor or the case back of each watch.

WHAT INSPIRED THE DESIGN? 

The design of the Jubilee collection is inspired by iconic models from the past 150 years of IWC. The white enamel dials on some of the historic Pallweber pocket watches provided the aesthetic blueprint for the high-quality lacquered dials in this collection.

The idea for the imprinted dials and blued hands originated from the first Portugieser models (Ref. IW325) dating from 1939. IWC opted for blue dials due to its long-standing experience in the production of these displays: IWC has launched over 120 watches (!) with blue dials since 1967, setting a design trend that has now taken hold of the entire watch industry. 

WHY ARE THERE NO NEW INGENIEUR OR AQUATIMER PRODUCTS IN THE COLLECTION? 

Firstly, IWC recently unveiled a completely overhauled ‘Ingenieur’ collection at the 75th Goodwood Members’ Meeting in March 2017, revealing a collection that proved to be starkly reminiscent of the first generation of this watch family from the 1950s and the 1960s.

Secondly, the ‘Ingenieur’ and the ‘Aquatimer’ are elegant sports watches, whereas the Jubilee collection is more classically elegant in its design. This is the reason why no new products are being launched in these two families.