Jewellery & Watch News
Looking for the perfect luxury stocking filler? Check out these 5 top IWC watches selected by C W Sellors.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re looking for an entry-level IWC watch this Christmas or planning to spend a little extra, all IWC watches are worth the investment and are renowned for holding their value well for years to come. The brand’s in-house movements, anti-magnetic components and pilot’s watch aesthetics are just some of the reasons why collectors love IWC watches so much, but if you’re in search of something more specific – you may find what you’re looking for in this guide to the best IWC watches for Christmas 2024.
IWC Watch Pilots Double Chronograph Top Gun Ceratanium IW371815
The IWC Watch Pilots Double Chronograph Top Gun Ceratanium is the kind of watch you’re going to want to gift to the tool-watch-loving gent. The use of the watch’s black Ceratanium case provides the toughness and lightweight qualities of titanium with the scratch resistance of ceramic, all rolled into one. This is a special patented material developed by IWC Schaffhausen experts and, thanks to its high corrosion resistance, looks incredibly masculine and slightly sporty on the wrist. If you decide to gift this IWC watch for Christmas, you’ll be pleased to know that its double chronograph complication provides the sophistication of a split-second function that can time two separate actions simultaneously. The moment capable of such a complex task is the Calibre 79420, which will provide the lucky recipient with a useful 44-hour power reserve. Aside from the odd red dash of colour, IWC keeps the Pilot’s Watch Double Chronograph looking sleek and avant-garde with a black rubber band and a soft textile inlay.
IWC Watch Ingenieur Automatic 40 Black IW328901
If your loved one has a soft spot for the steel sports watch, the Ingenieur will scratch that itch this Christmas. The 40mm steel model belongs to a collection that began back in the 1950s. The Ingenieur is rugged, sporty, and boasts a ton of technical appeal, namely its impressive resistance to magnetic forces and shock. Although the IWC Ingenieur appears simple upon first impression, closer inspection will reveal a high level of elaborate finishing and a level of craftsmanship that is rarely seen for its price bracket. This model is primed for outdoor pursuits and features a water-resistant rating of 100 meters, a sapphire glass front, and a crown protection guard. Further underscoring the sporty character of the watch is a textured black dial that bears the distinctive grid structure featuring sharp lines offset by 90-degree horizontal ones. Everything from the folding clasp of the stainless steel bracelet and the bezel to the crown and case has been beautifully finished with a mix of polished and satin-brushed finishes. The H-shaped links alone are an identifiable feature of the Ingenieur, as are the five polygonal screws that create its eye-catching look.
IWC Watch Pilot's Automatic Mark XX IW328208
The IWC Pilot’s Watch Mark XX has to be one of the most distinctive and stylish pilot watches a collector can own. It is the successor to the famous 1948 Mark 11 watch that navigators of the sky - namely the Royal British Air Force - utilised for legible, reliable timekeeping. One of its key features includes the triangular maker at 12 o’clock, flanked by two dots – a design element used for orientation. Inside this robust steel 40mm instrument is the Calibre 32111, which ensures the lucky recipient gets to enjoy a power reserve of 120 hours once fully wound. Indeed, collectors of pilot watches and fans of the IWC brand will want for nothing when wearing a tool like this on the wrist. The model boasts 100-meter water resistance and secures to the wrist with a 5-link stainless steel bracelet and an IWC-engraved folding clasp. The sapphire glass that IWC experts choose for this Pilot's Watch has been secured against displacement, which can often occur through a drop in air pressure, plus the company equips the bracelet with an EasX-CHANGE system for quick strap changes.
IWC Watch Portugieser Automatic 42 Silver Moon IW501702
For something more classic and elegant this Christmas. Look no further than a watch from the IWC Portugieser collection. The origins of the watch date back to the 1930s – and are defined by large pocket watch movements. That was exactly what the first Portugieser watches featured, along with a large watch case to accommodate the movement. Of course, IWC has the mechanical mastery to manufacture movements for wristwatches to an incredibly high standard these days and equip the Calibre 52011 to the heart of this Portugieser. Its case has been thoroughly reworked to provide a more ergonomic fit and features a thinner case ring and a boxed sapphire glass front. This is a 42.4mm automatic watch and, although large for some wrists, certainly gives a collector the kind of presence they would want from such an emblematic design from the brand’s portfolio. The sub-dials are beautifully milled, while the appliques have been mounted to the silvery white dial by hand. Suffice to say that the stylish blue alligator leather band that IWC chooses for this Portugieser watch gives the model an all-around timeless and conventional aesthetic, fortified by a superior selection of high-grade materials for longevity.
IWC Watch Portofino Automatic 34 IW357411
Another elegant timepiece – the Portofino – inspired by the relaxed pace of life experienced down at the harbour of one of Italy’s most historic towns. This lady’s IWC watch will make a perfect stocking filler for anyone looking for a compact and stylish addition to their collection. The Portofino is one of those watches that can transform from a classic dress watch to something more casually elegant. Either way, its feuille-shaped hands and delicately carved Roman numerals, combined with diamond dot indexes, paint a picture of the brand’s heritage. This model combines the simplicity of a polished steel case with the true essence of the Portofino design. Experts at IWC Schaffhausen’s watchmaking facilities choose a stainless steel butterfly clasp to complete a deep blue calfskin strap. And should the lady in your life lead a busy social schedule, the ability to change the strap to another colour or material will serve her well for any eventuality.
If you’d like more information on any of the IWC watches we’ve featured in this Christmas 2024 gift guide, call and speak to a member of our C W Sellors team today on 01335 216004 or email us at sales@cwsellors.com.