IWC Engineer Automatic 40
Today one of the most valued and sought-after IWC models - the Ingenieur earned its status through over seventy years of existence. New models introduced a year ago delighted the entire community of watchmakers, watch lovers, and collectors and confirmed its reputation. To understand the importance of this model in the world of watches, we will have to go back to its past.
The first IWC Ingenieur watch
Introduced in 1955, the Ingenieur was the first anti-magnetic watch produced by IWC. It got its name because, due to its resistance to magnetic fields, it was intended for doctors, pilots, chemists, physicists, and of course – engineers.Design revolution at IWC
After the initial presentation of the model, a change in appearance was needed, and in 1976, the legendary Gerald Genta was invited to IWC for this purpose. Known for his innovative and advanced design solutions, Genta gave the necessary makeover that gave the Ingenieur model its now recognizable look. It is important to note that Genta was not a watchmaker and did not design the mechanisms, but their cases, dials, and bracelets, and since 1976, he has been part of IWC's history.
Gerald Genta designed the IWC Ingenieur in 1976.
Just to give you context on how important the fact is that IWC has designs from perhaps the most famous watch designer in its rich history. Watches that Genta designed besides the Ingenieur are: Patek Philippe (Nautilus, 1976), Cartier (Pasha, 1985), Omega (Constellation, 1959), and Audemars Piguet (Royal Oak 1970).
Back to the present
Almost fifty years later, in 2023, the IWC Ingenieur Automatic 40 was presented in Geneva. The integrated bracelet is once again all the rage – luckily IWC has something in the archives. The H-shaped bracelet links, the bracelet integrated into the case, and the recognizable Genta screws in the bezel have been improved and modernized. Okay, true purists will say today that the original design did not have crown guards, but we can tell you now, even from personal experience – it is hard to please everyone. This watch is simply impressive, and the crown guards complete the entire design. The bracelet that tapers is connected to the case with a matte finish but also polished edges that add a touch of extra luxury when the watch is bathed in sunlight. That extra bling is especially pronounced on the model with the Aqua dial (IW328903), which is the only one with polished center links on the bracelet. Now that we have mentioned one – the Aqua color, we must also look at this beautiful dial which is a masterpiece
Dial of the new Ingenieur Automatic 40 model in Aqua color - IW3289303
The embossed texture of horizontal lines on the parts is combined with squares that create larger square blocks and a grid effect. This effect adds a sense of sophistication to the Ingenieur dials. Besides Aqua, the dials also come in black and silver colors.
Three new models from the IWC Ingenieur collection in black, aqua, and silver dial colors with stainless steel bracelets.
Attention to detail is especially visible on the date window, which matches the color of the dial to blend in as best as possible at the 3 o'clock position. The aforementioned colors can be found in models whose cases are made of stainless steel. IWC did not stop there but also introduced a fourth Ingenieur model whose case and bracelet are made of titanium, and the dial is rhodium.
IWC Ingenieur (Ref. IW328904) with a titanium bracelet and case and a rhodium dial.
Our opinion on the new models
It is clear that IWC has been searching for the right formula for the Ingenieur for years. It could be said that it never clearly relied on any single design that adorned this watch over the years. Watch enthusiasts know that the popularity of watches with integrated bracelets has never been higher, so we are pleased that IWC has taken the right direction. And the right direction is called - Gerald Genta. At the time of writing, the IWC Ingenieur Automatic 40 costs €13,200 (steel models) and €16,500 (titanium model - IW328904). The basic data about the watch are:
MOVEMENT
- Caliber 32111
- IWC, in-house manufactured movement
- Automatic
- 120 hours power reserve
- Frequency 28,800 VPH (4 Hz)
- 163 components
- 21 jewels
- Stop-seconds function by pulling out the crown
- Convex sapphire crystal, with anti-reflective coating on both sides
- Glass secured against displacement by pressure reduction
- Date display
- Inner soft iron case for protection against magnetic fields
- Titanium / Stainless steel
- Diameter 40.0 mm
- Height 10.8 mm
- Water resistance 10.0 bar
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