IWC Launches Curated Program for Restored Vintage Watches in Selected Boutiques
IWC Enters the Vintage Restoration Market with Curated Label
The pre-owned and vintage watch market continues to evolve as luxury maisons increasingly establish official programs to offer certified timepieces directly to collectors. IWC Schaffhausen has become the latest manufacturer to enter this growing segment with the launch of IWC. Curated., a program dedicated to inspected, restored, and certified historical watches available through select boutiques worldwide.
According to Monochrome Watches, the initiative was announced on September 1, 2025 and represents a distinct approach from the Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) trend that has swept the industry in recent years. Rather than offering recent discontinued models, IWC. Curated. focuses exclusively on important vintage references spanning the brand's 150-year history.
How the IWC. Curated. Program Works
Each watch under the IWC. Curated. label undergoes a meticulous restoration process conducted by IWC's experienced vintage watchmakers in Schaffhausen. The restoration protocol includes:
- Hand-selection by IWC's historical team
- Complete inspection of cases, bracelets, and movements
- Restoration to original condition using authentic, period-correct components
- Access to corporate archives containing spare parts
- Official certification detailing authenticity and provenance
- IWC International Limited Warranty (extendable to eight years)
"The focus lies on references that represent important eras of the brand's history or watchmaking legacy," explained IWC in the official announcement. The initial selection includes models such as an original Genta-designed Ingenieur SL Reference 1832, a Da Vinci Perpetual Calendar Chronograph (Ref. 3750) from 1985, and a Mark 11 model produced in 1952 for the British Royal Air Force.
Available Locations and Sourcing
IWC. Curated. watches will be available initially in selected boutiques in Switzerland (Schaffhausen), the United Kingdom (London Battersea), Dubai Mall, and Japan (Tokyo Ginza). The brand also offers a sourcing service to locate and procure specific references on behalf of customers.
David Seyffer, IWC's Museum Curator, noted that the program draws on decades of relationships with collectors worldwide. "Throughout the decades, our experts from the IWC Museum have forged deep connections with IWC collectors and watch lovers in many countries all over the world. This network is now proving to be invaluable when it comes to sourcing historical IWC watches," Seyffer explained.
The Growing Trend of Brand-Backed Vintage Programs
IWC. Curated. joins a growing list of manufacturer-backed vintage and pre-owned initiatives, including Rolex's Certified Pre-Owned program, Vacheron Constantin's CPO programme, and Longines' Collector's Corner. According to consulting firm Deloitte, the second-hand watch market is currently valued at approximately CHF 20 billion and could reach CHF 35 billion by 2030.
For collectors seeking authenticated vintage timepieces with manufacturer warranties, these programs represent a significant shift in how the industry approaches the pre-owned market. Learn more about our comprehensive guide to buying vintage watches for tips on evaluating timepieces and understanding restoration quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What types of watches does IWC. Curated. include?
A: The program focuses on important vintage references from IWC's history, primarily from the 1950s to the late 1980s, including models with historical significance, intricate engineering, or timeless design.
Q: Are IWC. Curated. watches covered by a warranty?
A: Yes, all watches come with IWC's International Limited Warranty, which can be extended to eight years upon registration.
Q: Can I request a specific IWC reference through the program?
A: Yes, IWC offers a sourcing service to locate and procure specific references on behalf of customers through their museum and collector network.
Source: According to Monochrome Watches (September 1, 2025)
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