IWC, Tribute to Pallweber "150 Years", ca 2018.

IWC's Pallweber pocket watches enjoyed a limited distribution period, gracing the horological scene from 1885 through the early 1890s. Remarkably, while IWC did not pursue further production of digital pocket watches, several other watch companies continued crafting these innovative timepieces until around 1910. Some of these later iterations incorporated enhancements such as spring designs, alterations to wheel teeth, or the addition of a second barrel to provide increased torque.

The decision by IWC to discontinue the production of these digital pocket watches after the 1880s remains a mystery, open to speculation. These watches possessed qualities that made them highly appealing—ease of readability, a dash of innovation, and often adorned with distinctive dials and cases. While they could be somewhat temperamental in operation, they undeniably represented a leap forward in timekeeping, a leap that would only be matched in 2018.

To celebrate its 150th Jubilee, IWC rekindled the spirit of Pallweber in 2018 by launching its Tribute to Pallweber wristwatch, boasting a thoroughly redesigned mechanism. This revival of a great horological concept serves as a testament to the enduring allure of digital displays in the world of timekeeping. Indeed, some ideas are simply too ingenious to fade into obscurity. Limited to 500 pieces.