Do IWC Watches Hold Value?
6th Feb 2023
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The International Watch Company (IWC) was founded in 1868 in Switzerland. The company has been producing exquisite, high-quality timepieces ever since. Each watch is handcrafted by skilled watchmakers in Schaffhausen. IWC timepieces come in six lines: Portugieser, Ingenieur, Aquatimer, Da Vinci, Portofino, and Pilot’s watches. IWC makes highly functional sports watches, sturdy watches for everyday use, and gorgeous watches suitable to be worn to black tie events. Although IWC is not a household name, aficionados of luxury watches are well aware of and enjoy owning the various IWC models.
What Makes These Watches So Special?
IWC started out running its first factory with hydropower. It remains committed to sustainability and responsible manufacturing. The company’s watches are not modern disposable gadgets; they are intended to last many lifetimes. In its early days, IWC focused on producing watches for the military, and it is known for its Pilot watches, diver’s watches, and other types of highly functional and extremely robust sports watches. It is also known for constantly improving its models. Unlike some watch companies that always produce the same watch design, IWC tinkers with and improves its models every year. The company is noted for being highly responsive to its customers’ suggestions, complaints, and desires.
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The most iconic line of IWC timepieces is the Pilot watches, which come in several subtypes:
- Classic
- Spitfire
- Top Gun
- Le Petit Prince
- Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
- Mark
- Big Pilot
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These watches generally all have the same features and primarily differ in terms of color and case materials. For example, the Le Petit Prince IW377714 has a blue dial, a steel or gold case, and a brown leather band. In contrast, the IWC Pilot Mark IW328201 has a black dial, a steel case, and a black leather band. Another popular line is the IWC Portofino. The Portofino is named after the stylish Italian town, and like its namesake, it is intended to be a stylish fashion statement. These watches have a classic, streamlined style that can complement any outfit.
Does the Value of These Watches Fluctuate Over Time?
The value of all luxury watches fluctuates over time as the supply and demand change. In general, however, all luxury watches, including IWC timepieces, do hold their value quite well. For rarer models that have been discontinued, their value may actually increase over time. These watches are made to last. They are high-quality and, if properly cared for, will never stop working. What’s more, they are made out of expensive materials and are both timeless and elegant. A luxury watch your grandfather purchased and passed down the generations will be treasured by your grandchildren. IWC models that have held their value well for decades include:
- Pilot
- Aquatimer
- Da Vinci
- GST
- Ingenieur
Strangely, the Portugieser tends to lose value for the first two decades after each model is introduced, and then it starts to appreciate in value. By the third decade and beyond, it will be worth more than its initial purchase price. The Portofino tends to lose value over time, possibly because it is not as functional as the other lines. The other lines are robust timepieces that can be worn every day and while doing sports. The Portofino, on the other hand, is intended to be a pure fashion statement.
Picking an IWC Watch
IWC timepieces are well-known and beloved among luxury watch aficionados. These high-quality watches have a unique design and style. The brand primarily consists of elegant but tough watches designed for daily use and sporting events, but it also includes watches designed as elegant fashion statements that can be worn to the boardroom and black tie events. Most IWC models hold their value well or even increase in value.