• 13 Jan 2014, 4:14 p.m.

    Slashdot, I don't mean to be contrary, but you've must have succumbed to some misleading advertising. The only watch companies that make everything from start to finish, to my knowledge, are Rolex, Seiko and Citizen.

    Almost no companies make their own dials. Very few make their own cases, and IWC is one of the rare exceptions in the industry. Very few make the critical parts of the movement (balance wheel, hairspring, etc.). Almost none make the small parts (screws, jewels, gear wheels) and I don't know of any who makes their own crystals, let alone straps.

    When a company advertises as a "manufacture" that usually means that they design their own movements, manufacture most parts for it (almost never the critical balance and hairspring) and assemble the movement. For the very few that makes their own balances/hairsprings (like Lange) they almost always outsource their dials and most cases (I've visited their suppliers).

    Since this is a forum about IWC, if you think other watch companies really make more themselves, I suggest sending me an e-mail and I'll tell you about them.

  • Master
    13 Jan 2014, 5:52 p.m.

    Well, as an example - Staybrite - made cases for many brands from aprox 1930. For IWC too.

    Even the IWC icon Ingenieur ref. 666 has a Staybrite case. One of the best cases of that time.

    No problem for me, that the Ing. ref. 666 has got the best quality case of that time.

    Click ...

  • Master
    13 Jan 2014, 11:06 p.m.

    HEBE,

    Great article. Excellent read on a subject that has always interested me. Thanks for bringing it forward to the Forum.

    Andy

  • Connoisseur
    14 Jan 2014, 8:04 a.m.

    Thanks Michael for the information.. To be fair, I did say "some" and not "most" (Rolex, Seiko and Citizen for example would be some :) )

    To clarify further, I'm not saying it's better or worse ... My personal emotional attachment with IWC is greater than any other brand.. It is the reason why I have purchased many IWC's over the years..

    I just think it's fascinating when a company can be so self sufficient which is pretty much rare in any industry..

  • Apprentice
    14 Jan 2014, 8:29 a.m.

    It would be interesting though where and by whom which calibres are built, and I am not talking about Sellita or ETA, I am talking about the "own" calibres of IWC. For example, during none of my visits in Schaffhausen, I have ever seen the 5000 calibre of a Big Pilot watch being assembled.

  • 14 Jan 2014, 12:55 p.m.

    Nice possibilities for an Internet rumour, but unfortunately it could be construed as misleading. I doubt you have been to the now-main production facility in a Neuhausen, and also many areas of the manufactory in Schaffhausen do not have visitors.

    I'd be equally surprised if you've been in Georges Kern's office, but that doesn't mean there's not a CEO ;)

  • Master
    14 Jan 2014, 1:32 p.m.

    LOL!

  • Apprentice
    14 Jan 2014, 3:10 p.m.

    Michael, I know that he wasn't there. He was having a meeting with me in the meeting room next to it LOL

  • Master
    14 Jan 2014, 5:04 p.m.

    Too funny.

  • Master
    14 Jan 2014, 6:28 p.m.

    Yes, sweet memories, if I recall it well. Quite possibly the reason you are such an IWC fan here on this forum. (LOL)

    Kind regards,
    Paul