20 Best IWC Watches to Buy in 2024

IWC is arguably the most notable brand behind Rolex. All the way back in 1868, Bostonian Florentine Ariosto Jones founded the International Watch Company with the vision to utilize cheap, highly skilled watchmaking labor in Switzerland to produce pocket watches for the American market. Helping to revive a struggling Swiss hamlet, Jones set up shop in Schaffhausen - a location that was, at best, obscure in the watchmaking world at the time. Sitting hundreds of miles north of the thriving watchmaking hub of Geneva, Schaffhausen is a smaller city is tucked on the scenic banks of the High Rhine. IWC’s newfound presence there was a welcomed push for the city into the industrial age. The manufacturer that calls it home now produces ~70,000 pieces per year in Schaffhausen and has long been an ambassador for industry in the city.

Known worldwide for their Pilot’s watches, IWC boasts one of the deepest and most complicated catalogues in the industry. They are widely appreciated by collectors for their craftsmanship, reliability, legibility, and capability. Striking the perfect balance of elegance and ruggedness, IWC Schaffhausen watches are perfect precision timepieces in the cockpit, the office, or wherever life takes you. Let’s look at twenty of the best models that make this historical watchmaker so beloved today.

IW388102 - Pilot watch 41 chrono

From IWC’s flagship line comes what I believe is the essential chronograph watch, period. Slimmed down from the original 43mm version, the 41mm case is incredibly sleek and handsome, with a combination of polished and brushed elements that provide a lot of complexity to the case. Powered by a new, fully in-house IWC caliber, this watch offers 46 hours of power reserve in addition to being self-winding. This watch is compatible, too, with their EasX-CHANGE strap system for endless optionality. You can pick this watch up for $8,500 USD.

IW328208 - Mark XX white dial

Simplicity is a trait amongst IWC watches that they have completely perfected. No piece in their catalogue embodies this better than the new Mark XX. Offered now with a new in house movement from IWC, this watch is as as legible as it is sophisticated. Black arabic numberals provide an incredible contrast with the silver dial. This watch is also compatible with their EasX-CHANGE strap system, which gives you enough diversity to have this be the only piece you wear and never run out of options. Truly a one watch collection if I’ve ever seen one. You can pick this watch up for $6,150 USD.

IW326806 - Spitfire Automatic Bronze

IWC is a watchmaker dripping in history. Most notably, they have been a longtime provider of sturdy tool watches to elite military forces around the world due to their expertise in military watches. They famously outfitted the British RAF with watches, which they have all but revived in their modern iteration as a brand. Encased in bronze, a new in house calibre offers not only reliable timekeeping but also a 72 hour power reserve. The real showstopper here, in my opinion, is the matte green dial. The color combined with all the contrasts on the dial add some serious depth to the front of this watch. Price for this spitfire is $5,400 USD.

IW501001 - Big Pilot 46 Black Dial

This is it - the classic, the icon. Arguably one of the most recognizable watches on earth, the IWC Big Pilot is a beast. 46mm case size, 7-day power reserve, huge metal rivets adorning the strap - this watch does everything big. John Mayer famously credits the Big Pilot as the watch that got him into watches, and that should be no surprise since this has been a collector’s favorite since its inception. This watch is more than timeless, it is flat out immortal. Price for the Big Pilot is $13,200 USD.

IW388306 - Pilots watch performance chrono 41 AMG

As a bona fide maker of tool watches, IWC has very naturally lent its services to the world of racing. They’ve been the watchmaking partner of Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula 1 team. In the latest iteration of that partnership, IWC has encased their 41mm Pilot’s Watch Chronograph in Ceratanium, their patented ceramic alloy material. The dial handsomely features accents in the Petronas team blue. Contrasting hour markers and hands make the dial incredibly legible at a glance. New to IWC Pilot’s chronograph 41 models, a tachymetre scale adorns the ceramic bezel (also a new look), because what kind of racing watch can’t measure lap speed? You can pick up the Chrono 41 'AMG' for $13,700 USD.

IW328904 - Ingenieur Titanium

From the revered brain of Gerald Genta himself, IWC presents one of the sleekest and most capable integrated bracelet sports watches on the market - the legendary Inenieur. Reintroduced in 2023, this icon really took the horological world by storm. In fact, they have been impossible to lay hands on since their release. This watch sports a mesmerizing checkered dial that I found myself really drawn to when I was able to try one on in person. The brushed titanium case is not only feather-weight, but absolutely gorgeous. The bracelet is reminiscent of the Nautilus bracelet and is extremely comfortable. This is another piece in the cataloge that could be a ‘one watch collection’, in my opinion. Price for the Ingenieur in Titanium is $14,600 USD.

IW371620 - Portugieser chronograph panda dial

The idea of a dressy chronograph might not appeal to every collector. However, if IWC does one thing well, it’s marry function with fashion - and no better example exists than the Portugieser Chronograph. Offered in a modest 41mm stainless steel case, this piece can easily slide under a cuff in any setting. This piece has recently gotten a sporty update in the form of a new integrated rubber strap. This move shows IWC doubling down on the utility of every piece in their catalogue - even the dressiest ones. You can pick up the IWC Portugieser Chronograph for $8,400 USD.

IW503008 - Lake Tahoe QP

IWC has made quite an impressive niche for themselves as a producer of high quality and incredibly attractive colored ceramic. Undoubtedly, you saw the white ceramic “Lake Tahoe” chronograph that was popping up on celebrity wrists left and right. It was an incredibly popular release, and took collectors herculean efforts to purchase, due to the demand. IWC, drafting off that initial success, is upping the ante by bringing Kurt Klaus’ legendary perpetual calendar to the eye popping white ceramic Lake Tahoe aesthetic. Even at the standard Big Pilot 46.2mm case size, the ceramic really helps to slim out this piece and keep the weight down. Unsurprisingly, this piece is nearly impossible to lay hands on. And if you could, it'll set you back $40,900 USD at retail.

IW389402 - Mojave Desert chrono 41

When IWC made its first foray into colored ceramic pieces, it was in the form of the ‘Mojave Desert’ themed Big Pilot - and the rest was history. It was a complete hit, so much so that they are still difficult to get from IWC dealers, even years later. They have given collectors what they want by combining the stunning camel-colored ceramic with, arguably, their most appealing offering - the Pilot’s Watch 41 Chronograph. Outfitted now with a new in house movement, this watch is as sleek and sporty as it is tough. It is easy to see why this is a current favorite of IWC collectors. The Chrono 41 'Mojave Desert' runs $11,700 USD.

IW358313 - Portugieser small seconds salmon dial

With the Portugieser being the flagship dress watch in the IWC Catalogue, collectors have only ever had one complaint - it’s a tad large. Well, IWC has put those fears to rest in recent years with their Portugieser Small Seconds. Coming in at a humble 40mm, this case was a breath of fresh air to collectors. Offered here with, what I believe, is the best dial option, Salmon, this might be one of the most versatile dress watches on the market. Legibility meets refinement in the ultimate way in this watch. This dressy option will run you $7,450 USD.

IW328903 - Ingenieur 40

The highly-anticipated re-release of Gerald Genta’s brain child did not disappoint. The Ingenieur garnered huge attention from both collectors and the industry alike when it was announced. Waiting lists, a concept fairly foreign to IWC collectors, have been formed at virtually every boutique - and the longest by far is for the green-dial configuration. Rocking the same checkered motif as the others, this green dial has crazy color range and sunburst effects. Like its titanium counterpart, I believe this could be a ‘one watch collection’ to any lucky collector able to snag one. Price for the Ingeniuer 40 is $11,700 USD.

You can read our full review here.

IW388103 - Pilot's Watch Chronograph 41 Green Edition

What more needs to be said about this incredible chronograph? Offered for the first time with a stunning green dial, this newest addition to the IWC chronograph family is truly eye catching. I had the privilege to check one out in person recently and was blown away by the range that the sunburst green has. Going from almost black in low light extremely vibrant in the sun. Price for the Pilot's Watch 41 Chronograph is a modest $7,600 USD.

IW503401 - Portugieser QP white gold

Kurt Klaus, the engineering genius behind IWC’s perpetual calendar movement, is an icon in watchmaking. IWC has been utilizing his perpetual calendar movement since the 1980’s - it has literally seen hundreds of iterations in its life. None, in my opinion, are as elegant as the Portugieser Perpetual Calendar in white gold. Featuring a legible dial, 44mm case diameter, and a self-winding movement, this watch has a lot more daily application than some other equally refied perpetual calendars. The start of the show (no pun intended) is the double moonphase at twelve o’clock, allowing wearers to read the moonphase in any hemisphere. The Portugieser QP is priced at a heftly $46,500 USD.

IW379502 - AQUATIMER CHRONOGRAPH EDITION “GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

IWC makes dive watches? Yes! They do - some pretty tough ones too, like this 45mm beast coated in vulcanized rubber. Truly a tool watch in every sense of the word, this piece features a chronograph and elapsed timer bezel, allowing for the timing of simultaneous but separate events. Water resistant to 300 meters and with a screw down crown, this watch was really made for the beach, ocean, and beyond.This watch is priced at $11,100 USD.

IW395601 - PILOT’S WATCH TIMEZONER TOP GUN WOODLAND

This just might be the most unique piece in the IWC catalogue - and not just because it’s forged from IWC’s showstopping green ceramic. As a world famous maker of Pilot’s watches, it is natural for IWC to have a piece that tracks across multiple time zones. This particular travel watch takes it a step further by employing a thick bezel that can be used to change the hour display. By pushing down and turning the bezel either way, wearers can jump hours during travel. Price for the Top Gun Woodland is $17,400 USD.

IW359002 - Portofino Complete Calendar

For a manufacturer of famously rugged tool watches, IWC has a deep collection of refined dress pieces. The Portofino line in particular houses some of their dressiest pieces. It’s also a line where they have increasingly played around with complications in recent years. The Portofino Complete Calendar features a new date readout for IWC with month and date totalized at six o’clock. In true IWC fashion, a moonphase display is present at twelve o’clock, paired with day of the week. Encased in an eye catching rose gold case, this deep-catalogue watch is really a hidden gem. IWC collectors - don’t sleep on the Portofino! The Portofino Complete Calendar will set you back $20,400 USD.

IW659801 - Portofino Day & night 34

You may not even recognize an IWC in a 34mm case, but they are as sleek and sexy as any ladies’ dress watch on the market - easy enough when the case is encrusted with diamonds. Petite enough to fly under the radar in all settings, this watch also offers a ton of wrist presence. The movement is self-winding, a great feature considering the case stands only 8.5mm tall. The real star of the show, in my opinion, is the day and night display at 6 o’clock. Not only is it functional, but the sun and moon adornments add to the overall aesthetic of the dial in a beautiful way. This watch comes in at $11,800 USD.

IW394005 - Portugieser tourbillon retrograde chrono

My personal favorite on this list, the Portugieser Tourbillon Retrograde Chronograph is a beast. Housed in a 43.5mm case, the movement features a hacking tourbillon as a well as a twelve hour chronograph with the indicators totalized at twelve o’clock. An unusual retrograde date is also present on the dial, which is not an indication type that IWC uses very often. It makes sense to pull out all the stops for a 50-piece limited edition. The combination of gold and navy is really special and completely jaw-dropping. While this one is unfortunately probably not obtainable, it’s a fantastic example of what this powerhouse watchmaker is capable of. While this watch is largely unavaiable, we've seen it go for around $120,000 USD.

IW504101 - Portugieser Sidereale Scafuscia

As a maker of complicated watches, sometimes you’ve just got to show off a little bit. This watch is exactly that - just IWC reminding us why they’re an elite watchmaker. This 46mm platinum case houses what has to be the most complex movement in the IWC catalogue. Before this watch can even be purchased, the buyer needs to indicate where they live so that the celestial charts can be properly installed. At six o’clock is a 24-hour Sidereal time indicator, and the case back features star charts, sunrise and sunset indicators, as well as perpetual calendar display. In case you need any more components of advanced watchmaking, there is also a tourbillon with a constant force mechanism to completely negate the effects of gravity. This watch is insanely over the top and I absolutely love it. Again, while this watch is largely unavailable, we see it go for around $300,000 USD.

IW357201 - BIG PILOT’S WATCH SHOCK ABSORBER XPL

Here is a watch you likely didn’t even know that IWC makes. And that is because they sort of don’t make it - production is as limited as ten models per year, max - Making the watch an incredibly exclusive design. Rarity aside, this piece means business. The 44mm ceratanium case is not only water resistant to 100 meters, but also capable of withstanding ungodly amounts of force. How much exactly? About 10,000x the amount felt during a shuttle launch. I am at a loss for what could possibly subject a person to 30,000g of force, but I know two things: I want nothing to do with it, and this watch would be absolutely fine in the process of maintaining supreme precision during these kinds of forces. The watch goes for $83,600 USD if you can find one.