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The first movement made by Florentine Aristo Jones, the U.S. founder of IWC in Schaffhausen, Switzerland, was the Jones Calibre. While full records do not exist, reportedly approximately 26,000 Jones calibre movements were produced from 1872 to about 1876, although some were finished later. Jones movements have been designated as Calibres 1 through 17.
The so-called Jones movements were all three-quarter plate designs, with a characteristic feature being the elongated index pointer, which sometimes is called the “Jones arrow”. The movements had various quality designations, usually related to jewelling. Some were signed with names such as “Romney”, “Greenleaf” or “Craig”. Most Jones watches were initially sold in the United States.
Shown here are three Jones examples, of B, R and S quality respectively. The B example is noteworthy as early production, with a serial number under 2500. The movement is signed “Romney”.
The R example is noteworthy because of the fine finishing of the movement as disclosed by a glass display back, and intricate casework. The condition is virtually as new.
The last example, the S watch, is less common, apparently being later production. It has a Lépine movement and open-faced design, with the crown at 12 o’clock. The case also atypically has a screwed back.
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