Mechanical watches and the first test in outer space

On September 24, 2025, from Schaffhausen (Switzerland) to Long Beach (USA), a news that attracted attention in the world of manufacturing and space technology was announced when IWC Schaffhausen - a long-standing Swiss watch brand, officially joined hands with Vast - a pioneering startup company developing commercial space stations.

Under this agreement, IWC becomes the “Official Timekeeper” of Vast, and together with Vast conducts technical tests to improve the durability and performance of mechanical watches, not only on Earth but also in the harsh environment of space.

Haven-1: Commercial space station opens a new era

Vast is currently developing Haven-1, the first commercial space station scheduled to be operational in 2026. Before that, Haven Demo – an orbiting laboratory – will be launched to test core technologies. With a modern design focused on the human experience, Haven-1 promises to be a place for living, research and production for both private astronauts and government missions, opening up scientific applications that bring benefits back to Earth.

“IWC and Vast share a passion for innovation. This historic collaboration opens up the possibility of developing mechanical watches adapted to space and reflecting the spirit of exploring new frontiers,” said Max Haot, CEO of Vast.

New milestone of Swiss time heritage to outer space

For IWC Schaffhausen, this journey is a natural extension of its almost century-long aviation heritage. “We are proud to be part of Vast and look forward to exploring new horizons,” said Chris Grainger-Herr, CEO of IWC. “A mechanical watch that displays Earth time is not just a timepiece, but also an emotional bridge between the astronaut and his homeland.”

IWC watches have previously appeared on commercial flights such as Inspiration4 and Polaris Dawn. This time, the Vast initiative will go further: the prototypes will be tested by engineers from launch vibrations to real flight simulators on Haven Demo and Haven-1.

Notably, this is also Vast’s first brand agreement, marking the beginning of an era of commercialization of low-Earth orbit. For IWC, it is a testament to how the brand blends its traditional watchmaking heritage with a spirit of exploration for the future.

For over 150 years, IWC has been renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship combined with cutting-edge technology, pioneering the use of new materials such as titanium, ceramic and Ceratanium. This time stepping out of Earth is not only a technical test, but also a declaration of the strong relationship between humans, time and the desire to explore the universe.

Phuong Thao is the Editor of Travellive Magazine. She is passionate about traveling and loves to capture moments with her camera in every land she visits. Travel, art, and lifestyle are her favorite writing topics.

Phuong Thao