If Timeless Style Is Your Thing, These Are the Watches Worth Knowing About

The best watches don't just tell time, they tell a story. For generations, watches have represented more than mere functionality; they've been quiet markers of achievement, memory and identity. Where jewellery often celebrates sentimentality, the watch has long stood for reliability, chosen with precision, worn daily and depended upon in moments that matter. From the early 20th century, when women first started wearing wristwatches as both a style statement and symbol of independence, these accessories have evolved into markers of modern life and ambition.

That notion of precision and purpose sits at the very heart of IWC Schaffhausen. Founded in 1868 in the Swiss town of Schaffhausen, the brand has built its reputation on engineering excellence and timeless design. Known for its meticulous craftspersonship and mechanical mastery, IWC has long held a place among the greats of Swiss watchmaking, with its watches recognised not only for their durability, but also for their understated, confident aesthetic. Recently, the brand has expanded its offering, introducing smaller case sizes and refined silhouettes that reflect a growing appreciation for unisex design and the diverse ways we wear watches today.

Now, with its latest content series, IWC.Inspired., the brand spotlights female entrepreneurs whose careers are built on focus, creativity and drive. Each reflects IWC's values in their own way, demonstrating how time can be both a tool and a teacher. The series isn't about glossy perfection or corporate slogans; it's about real women choosing how they spend their hours, build their legacies and wear a piece that quietly keeps pace with them.

Each wears a different IWC timepiece from the brand's most iconic collections, showcasing three watches that, though distinct in design, share the same DNA of precision and purpose. Together, they embody what it means to move through the world with intention: the performance-driven Pilot's Watch Performance Chronograph 41 AMG, the classically proportioned Portugieser Automatic 40 and the design-forward Ingenieur Automatic 35. Below, we meet the women behind the IWC.Inspired. series and the watches that reflect how they approach time.

For Jodie Kidd, time has always been about momentum. Known first for her modelling career and later for her work as a racing driver, television presenter and entrepreneur, Kidd's life has been defined by speed and adaptability. Yet her story isn't only one of movement—it's also about community. When her local pub, The Half Moon in Kirdford, was at risk of closure, Kidd stepped in to save it, turning it into a thriving hub that champions local produce and connection. It's this same grounded sense of purpose that makes her role in IWC.Inspired. so fitting.

Kidd wears the Pilot's Watch Performance Chronograph 41 AMG, a timepiece that reflects IWC's enduring relationship with motorsport. With its robust titanium case, precision chronograph function and refined 41mm size, it's as much an instrument as it is an accessory. On her wrist, it feels less like an embellishment and more like a trusted companion—ready for the pace of life she so naturally commands.

When Michelle Kennedy founded Peanut—a platform designed to connect and empower women at key stages of life—she wasn't just creating an app; she was reclaiming time for a generation of women seeking connection in a fast-moving world. That same appreciation for purpose and precision is reflected in her chosen timepiece: the Portugieser Automatic 40.

One of IWC's most enduring designs, the Portugieser is instantly recognisable for its balanced dial layout and elegant simplicity. Its automatic movement and clean Arabic numerals offer a quiet sophistication as intentional as Kennedy's work itself. In her hands, time is curated rather than managed. The watch mirrors her focus on community, structure, and clarity; a symbol of what can be achieved when innovation meets empathy.

As one of the world's most respected skincare experts, Melanie Grant has built her reputation on precision, expertise and a deep understanding of detail. With clinics in London, Los Angeles and Sydney, and a roster of clients that includes some of the biggest names in fashion and film, Grant's approach to beauty is rooted in craftsmanship—a philosophy that aligns perfectly with IWC's world of horology.

In IWC.Inspired., she wears the Ingenieur Automatic 35, a design icon originally conceived in the 1950s and reimagined for today. Its geometric lines, integrated bracelet and refined 35mm case strike the perfect balance between modern elegance and technical strength. For Grant, who has built her career by mastering the art of precision, it's a fitting symbol of how beauty—and time—are both defined by attention to the smallest details.

Through IWC.Inspired., IWC Schaffhausen has done more than showcase beautiful watches, opening a conversation about what time really means to women today. Each of the series' subjects represents a unique story of innovation, artistry and intent, reminding us that how we spend our hours can define who we become. In a world that moves faster than ever, these watches invite us to pause, reflect and take ownership of every second, because in the end, the most powerful thing any of us can do with time is make it our own.

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