Well, considering Watchfinder is owned by the same group that owns IWC, AP should not expect to get as favourable a video as this one :) On a serious note, to say that IWC hasn't lost its commitment to engineering perfection since it was founded is a slight over stretch. Rarely do they talk about the manufacturing of their watches - their IG account is a case in point.
Great story, thanks for telling it. The factory that IWC started in was actually owned by Heinrich Moser, founder of H. Moser & Cie. He not only supported IWC financially but also in non-material ways. The story of Heinrich Moser could be a whole episode by itself :) Happy New Year, thanks for the amazing content!
I remember reading that the IWC family had a daughter named Emma who would marry the famous psychoanalyst Carl Jung himself. How awesome is it that a watch company actually had a mark behind someone so famous!
When you think about the technological achievements these early watch makers made , they craftsmanship they managed to design and build by hand ...... that was the golden age of mankind and horological time .
I would lissten to stories like this all day long. Absolutely incredible. The hard work, skill and dedication for this videos are equally to the story itself.
Story of my life. I'll never have my Aqua Terra with the value some of these microbrands are producing. And no, Follow The Grow, I am not referring to IWC as a microbrand and I'm well aware of who they are.
Great history lesson about the founding of IWC. Highly enjoyable. I think it needs a part 2 covering IWC under Vogel and the transition from the 19th to the 20th century.
The reference watch used in this video is an Portuguese 75th Anniversary in SS. It’s an absolutely beautiful piece. I own one and have worn it as my primary daily-wear dress watch for the last 3+ years. Manual wind with an 8 day power reserve. It’s just about perfect.
I know people love Rolex, and yes Rolex’s are great. I personally like IWC and Omega offering more than Rolex offerings. Great video as always. This is just a damn good channel. A great channel actually. I would love to see you feature an IWC Le Petit Prince Blue Dial Chronograph.
Fascinating story. Thanks for sharing. Spent the new year's eve with my IWC Portuguese perpetual calendar as I usually do for ten+ year. Just love the piece!
Creat and rich informative video as always. One notable fact to add is that F.A Jones rented the premises in the Moser industrial complex in Schaffhausen which belonged to the brand known nowadays as H. Moser & Cie
I wouldn’t compare these two companies. IWC has and had really glorious signature models with a design to last over the times, whereas Moser still tries to build up his name with in my opinion clownish looking kind of dress watches. And the latter is not a brand of heritage but a new company that adopted simply a name connected to watchmaking in the early days. Therefore these two shouldn’t be mentioned in one sentence imho. Love IWC!
@@bikemike1118 thanks for your re-comment. I appreciate your participation. My comment was not really to compare the two companies. It was more to express the importance of the collaboration between the watch companies in the watch industry since that time. Afterall, IWC is the only watch company who built its big name in the western part of Switzerland. Also, H. Moser & Cie is yet not a new watch company.
Seems everybody is jumping into the wristwatch TH-cam video game, usually concerning only the most click-enticing brands, e.g., Omega and Rolex. Watchfinder & Co. videos are among the best and cover a blessedly diverse range of luxury and entry-luxury brands and stories. And I find them relaxing, a virtue in these anxious times. Keep up the good work.
The American system.... Really wish you would have given Webster C. Ball credit/recognition for establishing this system that would influence Jones and the Swiss watch industry. As is the case of Ball watches, which are so often underrated. Otherwise, another great video!
Love Ball watches ! Unfortunately when a brand ends up in a portfolio of a big conglomerate a decision has to be made at what price point/market gap each brand should end in....thus Ball is stuck in the entry-level luxury.
@@SpaghettiKillah They may be at entry level prices, but Ball quality is nearer mid level IMHO, hence the great value. My original comment was why the presenter didn't mention Ball at all! That's a shame, as what Ball did strongly influenced better quality watch manufacture in Switzerland...through Jones's efforts.
Hey Lance, I think Ball came a little later than that. He was focused on the precision of watches (as we was appointed after the Kipton train crash 1891), but was he also involved in establishing the American System? Nevertheless, a great American brand with great importance. Cheers, Benedict
I was a big fan of IWC (at one point I owned 5) but have had too many serious issues with their watches recently and the matter was compounded by their bad customer service. Have now sold off 3/5. It's very unfortunate as I think they make beautiful timepieces that are generally under-appreciated. I guess you can say I loved the watches but disliked the brand. They need to seriously revisit how they market themselves (just take a look at their social media content. Why are they comparing their Portuguese Perpetual Calendar to an Apple Watch???). They've also gone over the top with their friends of the brands (too many FoB who are not impressive in their own trade - just young social media "influencers") and their Ambassadors (Tom Brady??? He's more known for Tag!). Their recent tie-in with Hot Wheels is also perplexing.
Yep 100% on the money. As Archie put it....on the second hand market IWC is toxic sludge. As soon as you walk out that store you're taking a hard hard beating.
IMO Watchfinder & Co. is most professional watch channel on TH-cam, also happens to be my favorite. This lovely video proves it yet again. Keep up the good work! Thank you so much for being here!
Farmers who started in a small workshop, when in winter time the roads where snowed under. Chopard started in a shed, and in Genéva they were called the clochards of Genéva. Look at a humble mille milia racing with the power reserve gauge at the 9 hour position.
Happy 2021, thank you for this video, I’m a huge fan of IWC and I would like to see featured the PORTUGIESER CHRONOGRAPH EDITION “150 YEARS” Reference IW371602.
Their big pilot is probably my favourite watch of all time. Beautiful in house movement, long power reserve of a week. Very practical to read, doubles up as a bed table clock if you need it. And the 46mm is the perfect size for me. I own 4 different models. Not as many as John mayer mind you!
I loved this video. I learned so much from it. You have greatly deepened my appreciation for IWC as well as your channel. I love seeing these videos on the history of watch companies. Knowing the history behind a brand and name is a big reason why I would want to put a watch on my wrist. You're the best!
Fascinating history of IWC! I’ve never heard this back story before.... it goes to show, twice, that inventors aren’t always the best businessmen/women. This happens so too often. Thanks for your great content and here’s to a prosperous 2021!
What a very interesting yet sad story! I knew there were American roots to IWC, but wasn’t aware that the American...Jones ultimately failed at the business and wasn’t just ousted but left the industry behind altogether. Really feel bad for the guy, even if he’s long dead. He would of been delighted to see how IWC turned out.
Great presentation, awesome video. The watch looks appealing, but a diameter of 43,2 mm? Unfortunately it’s too large for my taste and wrist. I’m wondering, if the majority must have wrist circumferences of 19cm and more that this can become a commercial success
I LOOOOOOVE learning about watch history like this. A bit sad to hear the reality of IWC's founding though, I've heard IWC was founded by an American from Boston, but I never knew part of that history also included him being chased out of Switzerland by his financiers. Amazing video as always!
great story, good video, however the quality of IWC watches are disappointing.. got a pilot's watch, and i never thought that a minute hand will not accurately move to the next after the second hand have turned a full cycle, took it to the dealer to check and they told me everything is working fine. thanks IWC
Having been to Schaffhausen I really struggle to believe someone would have ever been banished from there. Honestly one of the most beautiful places I've ever had the privilege to travelling to.
Very interesting as always, thank you. Quite a sad story, I am not sure that I want to buy an IWC now, I don't want to feed the gravediggers of the dream of Mr Jones.
What about a video on Watchfinder servicing that explains the process and justifies the cost of having a high end watch serviced. I obtained a quote to send my IWC to you. I was told that you may have to send to IWC for any upgrades. The price is so close to IWC , why should I select an independent over the manufacturer? Thanks for these videos, they give an insight to watch pricing.
Imagine that…realizing your purpose and honing the pursuit of it to the point that the product you dreamed of producing ended up being so high quality, no one could afford to buy it, not because you purposely inflated the numbers, but that you wanted to offer the highest quality product made by the highest trained people….that really must be soul crushing. 😞
Maybe my perspective is odd, being a pilot, engineer and aircraft mechanic... I feel a moral nudge to Not support, via product purchase, from a company who would fire the man who designed, engineered and built their product-- and who went on to profit from that product without his benefiting from his talent, skill and labor.
I hear ya and have a similar reaction but the company did go under. Jones was good at what he did and his impact would go on to be huge but you do have to sell those watches. Would have been nice for them to honor him more once they started to bounce back.
We know you want more watches…. click here: linktr.ee/watchfinder
This is fascinating. Would love to see more similar content about the history of different brands
This +1
Well, considering Watchfinder is owned by the same group that owns IWC, AP should not expect to get as favourable a video as this one :)
On a serious note, to say that IWC hasn't lost its commitment to engineering perfection since it was founded is a slight over stretch. Rarely do they talk about the manufacturing of their watches - their IG account is a case in point.
+1
@@johnboud2071 That's not the actual AP channel. This is:
th-cam.com/channels/uCNy9Ct3IINVi3LNMpMPYg.html
Yes!
Great story, thanks for telling it. The factory that IWC started in was actually owned by Heinrich Moser, founder of H. Moser & Cie. He not only supported IWC financially but also in non-material ways. The story of Heinrich Moser could be a whole episode by itself :) Happy New Year, thanks for the amazing content!
Very cool knowledge, thank you for sharing it with us.
I remember reading that the IWC family had a daughter named Emma who would marry the famous psychoanalyst Carl Jung himself. How awesome is it that a watch company actually had a mark behind someone so famous!
that is absolutely crazy, she was probably a gem
🤦🤦🤦
That is such a nice watch in that video. There is something to IWC watches. So beautiful in their simplicity
When you think about the technological achievements these early watch makers made , they craftsmanship they managed to design and build by hand ...... that was the golden age of mankind and horological time .
I would lissten to stories like this all day long. Absolutely incredible. The hard work, skill and dedication for this videos are equally to the story itself.
Every time I make a goal for a watch I want, you introduce me to another worthy model/brand worth considering 😜🧐💸💸💸
If you havnt known who and what IWC is by now then idk what to tell you.
@@followthegrow108 I knew about them, just not their history.
Story of my life. I'll never have my Aqua Terra with the value some of these microbrands are producing.
And no, Follow The Grow, I am not referring to IWC as a microbrand and I'm well aware of who they are.
Great history lesson about the founding of IWC. Highly enjoyable. I think it needs a part 2 covering IWC under Vogel and the transition from the 19th to the 20th century.
What a Masterpiece. Amazing Watch making, IWC.
The reference watch used in this video is an Portuguese 75th Anniversary in SS. It’s an absolutely beautiful piece. I own one and have worn it as my primary daily-wear dress watch for the last 3+ years. Manual wind with an 8 day power reserve. It’s just about perfect.
Inspiring! Thank you. IWC was my first watch collection 30 years ago and it is still my favorite.
I know people love Rolex, and yes Rolex’s are great. I personally like IWC and Omega offering more than Rolex offerings.
Great video as always. This is just a damn good channel. A great channel actually.
I would love to see you feature an IWC Le Petit Prince Blue Dial Chronograph.
Brilliant story, beautifully told and stunning timepiece. Happy New Year to Watchfinder and all.
Fascinating story. Thanks for sharing. Spent the new year's eve with my IWC Portuguese perpetual calendar as I usually do for ten+ year. Just love the piece!
Stunning story and content, can't wait to learn more and more of watchmaking history!
Me too !
Creat and rich informative video as always. One notable fact to add is that F.A Jones rented the premises in the Moser industrial complex in Schaffhausen which belonged to the brand known nowadays as H. Moser & Cie
I wouldn’t compare these two companies. IWC has and had really glorious signature models with a design to last over the times, whereas Moser still tries to build up his name with in my opinion clownish looking kind of dress watches. And the latter is not a brand of heritage but a new company that adopted simply a name connected to watchmaking in the early days. Therefore these two shouldn’t be mentioned in one sentence imho. Love IWC!
@@bikemike1118 thanks for your re-comment. I appreciate your participation. My comment was not really to compare the two companies. It was more to express the importance of the collaboration between the watch companies in the watch industry since that time. Afterall, IWC is the only watch company who built its big name in the western part of Switzerland. Also, H. Moser & Cie is yet not a new watch company.
Seems everybody is jumping into the wristwatch TH-cam video game, usually concerning only the most click-enticing brands, e.g., Omega and Rolex. Watchfinder & Co. videos are among the best and cover a blessedly diverse range of luxury and entry-luxury brands and stories. And I find them relaxing, a virtue in these anxious times. Keep up the good work.
What an amazing story! I’ve always wondered why IWC had an English/American sounding name. Great video!
The American system.... Really wish you would have given Webster C. Ball credit/recognition for establishing this system that would influence Jones and the Swiss watch industry. As is the case of Ball watches, which are so often underrated. Otherwise, another great video!
Ball are great - amazing customer service, too.
Love Ball watches ! Unfortunately when a brand ends up in a portfolio of a big conglomerate a decision has to be made at what price point/market gap each brand should end in....thus Ball is stuck in the entry-level luxury.
@@SpaghettiKillah They may be at entry level prices, but Ball quality is nearer mid level IMHO, hence the great value. My original comment was why the presenter didn't mention Ball at all! That's a shame, as what Ball did strongly influenced better quality watch manufacture in Switzerland...through Jones's efforts.
Hey Lance,
I think Ball came a little later than that. He was focused on the precision of watches (as we was appointed after the Kipton train crash 1891), but was he also involved in establishing the American System? Nevertheless, a great American brand with great importance.
Cheers,
Benedict
I was a big fan of IWC (at one point I owned 5) but have had too many serious issues with their watches recently and the matter was compounded by their bad customer service. Have now sold off 3/5. It's very unfortunate as I think they make beautiful timepieces that are generally under-appreciated.
I guess you can say I loved the watches but disliked the brand. They need to seriously revisit how they market themselves (just take a look at their social media content. Why are they comparing their Portuguese Perpetual Calendar to an Apple Watch???).
They've also gone over the top with their friends of the brands (too many FoB who are not impressive in their own trade - just young social media "influencers") and their Ambassadors (Tom Brady??? He's more known for Tag!). Their recent tie-in with Hot Wheels is also perplexing.
I'd never heard about any of this about IWC until this post. Thanks for sharing. IWC's strategies sound incoherent. I hope they right that ship asap.
The current CEO is a huge Hotwheels collector. Might have overstepped his personal interests on that one.
Yep 100% on the money.
As Archie put it....on the second hand market IWC is toxic sludge. As soon as you walk out that store you're taking a hard hard beating.
I wish they would use the “ international watch company” logo on the dress watches rather than IWC
Excellent video. I am in the process of acquiring an IWC and, as an American, have even more reason to be proud of it.
Great video. Do more of these please. I hope there is a part two telling the rest of the story.
No matter how many times I hear it, I love that story! IWC, America's swiss watch company.
Thats why so Americans should buy IWCs and RGM.
@@drizztdourden5291 Agreed.
Damn. This is just amazing. It gave IWC a new perspective to me.
IMO Watchfinder & Co. is most professional watch channel on TH-cam, also happens to be my favorite. This lovely video proves it yet again. Keep up the good work! Thank you so much for being here!
This guy is the Attenborough of watches.
Great content and piece of a history ! I’d be curious to have Omega story narrated by you. Keep going! Thank you.
Happy New Year WatchFinder!
Farmers who started in a small workshop, when in winter time the roads where snowed under. Chopard started in a shed, and in Genéva they were called the clochards of Genéva. Look at a humble mille milia racing with the power reserve gauge at the 9 hour position.
Thank you for a great story and a great video, as always, starting a new year with another bit of knowledge. Happy New Year! Cheers!
Best youtube channel regarding watches by far!
Happy 2021, thank you for this video, I’m a huge fan of IWC and I would like to see featured the PORTUGIESER CHRONOGRAPH EDITION “150 YEARS” Reference IW371602.
Their big pilot is probably my favourite watch of all time. Beautiful in house movement, long power reserve of a week. Very practical to read, doubles up as a bed table clock if you need it. And the 46mm is the perfect size for me. I own 4 different models. Not as many as John mayer mind you!
Well John is the big pilot ambassador pretty much.
I loved this video. I learned so much from it. You have greatly deepened my appreciation for IWC as well as your channel. I love seeing these videos on the history of watch companies. Knowing the history behind a brand and name is a big reason why I would want to put a watch on my wrist. You're the best!
What is the watch from the thumbnail? Awesome piece
What is the watch from the thumbnail? Awesome piece!
So fascinating I wish this video had been longer.
Just watch it twice.
I adore IWC.... I have a few cal 8541 and 89...and a 1999 Portfofino..... wonderful brand; great time keepers...
I do prefer the spelled-out International Watch Co. to the current acronym IWC
Agreed!
Fascinating history of IWC! I’ve never heard this back story before.... it goes to show, twice, that inventors aren’t always the best businessmen/women. This happens so too often. Thanks for your great content and here’s to a prosperous 2021!
Product, business sense and plenty of luck
I received the F.A. Jones Platinum edition for Christmas. The story makes you appreciate the watch even more.
I really appreciate the new video, thank you, I always learn something new in your videos. Pure quality.
Great video as always....would like to see a video on the iwc pilots spitfire.....vs the hamilton khaki mechancial
This video is fantastic. Truly passes on a lot of valuable history about the Swiss Watch Industry and IWC. Very well told with delightful videography.
What a very interesting yet sad story! I knew there were American roots to IWC, but wasn’t aware that the American...Jones ultimately failed at the business and wasn’t just ousted but left the industry behind altogether. Really feel bad for the guy, even if he’s long dead. He would of been delighted to see how IWC turned out.
Great presentation, awesome video.
The watch looks appealing, but a diameter of 43,2 mm?
Unfortunately it’s too large for my taste and wrist. I’m wondering, if the majority must have wrist circumferences of 19cm and more that this can become a commercial success
One of the best vids I have seen. Thank you for enriching my knowledge of the history of watches!
Your storytelling is fantastic, on top of your narration, video work, and timepieces. Thank you for your channel
Great story, as a passionate Engineer myself, I felt sad to know the fate of Mr Jones.
Story of our lives. Never be ashamed of delivering perfectly fine goods that are substandard in "our" eyes, if it pays the salaries and rent. :|
I LOOOOOOVE learning about watch history like this. A bit sad to hear the reality of IWC's founding though, I've heard IWC was founded by an American from Boston, but I never knew part of that history also included him being chased out of Switzerland by his financiers. Amazing video as always!
Thank you for all the great vids . Happy new new year
How about a video of the Digital Rolex....
Another awesome video, thank you Watchfinder. Had read most of what was said, but you somehow made it come alive. Very intriguing, thanks again.
He never worked in watchmaking, again . . .That made me cry :(
It actually is a nice story of perseverance.
Happy New Year to everyone at Watchfinder & Co. and their families.
Beautiful story telling. Thank you, Watchfinder & Co.❤
Where do you find all this history!?!?! *mindblown*
I was hoping for this kind of content on this great channel. Hope to find more of this kind here.
Awesome storytelling. Fascinating history of IWC.
One of the best watch videos on TH-cam. Incredible.
This was a better lesson in business and success than many of the lessons I've be in.
Watchfinder is the only channel that I’d still click instant even with this kind of clickbait shitty title because it’s just that good
I Agree, this format is great. Love to see a series on history
IWC is somewhat difficult for me... Not sure what they are trying to do
Great video ....crazy info about the American system ...best watch reviewer by far ..big love and happy new year.
Great mini documentary, thanks for the content.
Glad to see them staying true to their roots! Their watches scream clean, utilitarian, engineer vibes
Fascinating bit of watchmaking history. Thank you!
I wonder...are watches from the original, Jones-led IWC era still out there for purchase?
In addition to learning about horology, I am amazed at how much life wisdom these videos convey. Thank you for making them, it really does help!
Mark XX! Can't wait to try this on
great story, good video, however the quality of IWC watches are disappointing.. got a pilot's watch, and i never thought that a minute hand will not accurately move to the next after the second hand have turned a full cycle, took it to the dealer to check and they told me everything is working fine.
thanks IWC
Amazing insights. Thank you
I can not get enough of your videos 😍
What a wonderful way to start 2021.
Great piece of history ! Well done !!!
Loved that story, so interesting and would love to see more of this type 👍
I love my Portuguese. Of my collection, it is my favorite. Not the best movement in my box, but it’s just a piece of art. Just beautiful.
What an interesting story! Thanks so much... with warmest New Year’s wishes to the Talking Hands.
Having been to Schaffhausen I really struggle to believe someone would have ever been banished from there.
Honestly one of the most beautiful places I've ever had the privilege to travelling to.
oh yeah?
Fantastic way to cap off 2020 with another vid!
I see you have great things planned for 2021. The bar has been set high.
Love it. I think it's a fascinating story, I believe Carl G. Jung was an investor also.
More! More!
Very interesting as always, thank you. Quite a sad story, I am not sure that I want to buy an IWC now, I don't want to feed the gravediggers of the dream of Mr Jones.
Maybe feature the Seiko Bullhead? Or in general an overview of some historical bullhead designs?
Great video ! Love the one you did the Breitling premier b01. Could you do a Vacheron constatin 5500V? Please !
Some iwc are good some are just huge but this one is different. So classic. :)
What about a video on Watchfinder servicing that explains the process and justifies the cost of having a high end watch serviced. I obtained a quote to send my IWC to you. I was told that you may have to send to IWC for any upgrades. The price is so close to IWC , why should I select an independent over the manufacturer? Thanks for these videos, they give an insight to watch pricing.
I knew nothing of this, very interesting. Thank you
Amazing advert. Thank you 😊
You made great watch guide video’s. A real connaisseur.
Great video, an amazing story!
Please consider a similar history on Ball Watches, another venerable American brand arising from the railroad era in the US.
Great story to start the year!
Imagine that…realizing your purpose and honing the pursuit of it to the point that the product you dreamed of producing ended up being so high quality, no one could afford to buy it, not because you purposely inflated the numbers, but that you wanted to offer the highest quality product made by the highest trained people….that really must be soul crushing. 😞
Great story! Echo the request for more “history videos!”
Maybe my perspective is odd, being a pilot, engineer and aircraft mechanic... I feel a moral nudge to Not support, via product purchase, from a company who would fire the man who designed, engineered and built their product-- and who went on to profit from that product without his benefiting from his talent, skill and labor.
I hear ya and have a similar reaction but the company did go under. Jones was good at what he did and his impact would go on to be huge but you do have to sell those watches. Would have been nice for them to honor him more once they started to bounce back.