IWC Schaffhausen Partners with Vast to Develop Spaceflight-Ready Watches
IWC Schaffhausen has announced a strategic collaboration with Vast, the space habitation technology company, marking a new milestone in horology and aerospace engineering. Under the partnership, the Swiss watchmaker becomes the Official Timekeeper of Vast, contributing its expertise to the development of mechanical watches designed to withstand the challenges of space.
Expanding Innovation from Earth to Space
The partnership aligns with Vast’s plans to launch Haven-1, the world’s first commercial space station, scheduled for 2026. Ahead of this, Vast will deploy Haven Demo, an orbital test platform for critical technologies. Haven-1 will feature an innovation lab for private astronauts and government missions; the facility will support research, technology development, and in-space manufacturing aimed at benefiting life on Earth while advancing long-term exploration.
IWC’s involvement reflects its continued progression from aviation into spaceflight. The company will leverage the collaboration to test prototypes under conditions that simulate launch vibrations and material exposure. These tests will be carried out at Vast headquarters, ensuring prototypes meet rigorous aerospace standards similar to hardware prepared for Haven Demo and Haven-1.
A Shared Commitment to Scientific Progress
Both Vast and IWC emphasise innovation through engineering. Vast CEO Max Haot described the collaboration as a way to capture the ethos of exploration and discovery, while IWC CEO Chris Grainger-Herr highlighted the brand’s heritage in aviation and the emotional connection mechanical watches can provide astronauts during long-duration missions.
The collaboration builds on IWC’s prior involvement in spaceflight, including its presence on the Inspiration4 and Polaris Dawn missions. By working directly with Vast, IWC strengthens its ability to create watches engineered for the realities of orbital environments.
About Vast and IWC Schaffhausen
Founded in 2021 by Jed McCaleb, Vast is developing next-generation space stations. Its long-term goal includes the creation of artificial gravity habitats to enable sustainable living in space. Haven-1 will be followed by Haven-2, designed to serve NASA’s Commercial LEO Destinations programme as a micro-gravity laboratory.
IWC Schaffhausen, established in 1868, is renowned for professional instrument watches and technical innovations. Known for pioneering the use of titanium and ceramics, IWC continues to engineer advanced materials such as Ceratanium®, combining the properties of titanium and ceramic. The collaboration with Vast further reinforces IWC’s position as a leader in merging craftsmanship with technological advancement.
