New Release
India Whiskey Charlie's original post introduces the IWC Ingenieur Automatic 40, a significant release that revisits Gérald Genta's iconic 1970s design. This article delves into the technical and aesthetic updates of this new model, exploring how IWC has re-engineered a classic for contemporary collectors while maintaining its historical essence. Readers will gain insight into the design philosophy and horological advancements that define this modern interpretation.
Schaffhausen/Geneva, 27th March 2023: IWC Schaffhausen introduces the Ingenieur Automatic 40 at the Watches and Wonders exhibition in Geneva. This newly engineered automatic model reflects the bold aesthetic codes of Gérald Genta’s Ingenieur SL, Reference 1832, from the 1970s while meeting the highest standards regarding ergonomics, finishing, and technology. The collection encompasses three references in stainless steel and one in titanium. The Ingenieur Automatic 40 is powered by the IWC-manufactured 32111 calibre with a power reserve of 120 hours. All new models feature soft-iron inner cases to protect the movements from magnetic fields and are water-resistant to 10 bar, making them fully versatile sports watches for the 21st century.
In the 1970s, IWC Schaffhausen commissioned the renowned Geneva watch designer Gérald Genta to redesign the Ingenieur. The Ingenieur had originally been introduced in 1955. With the first automatic movement developed in Schaffhausen and a soft-iron inner case for magnetic field protection, this watch marked a technical milestone for IWC – also evident in the name Ingenieur, the word used in German and French for Engineer. With his unique artistic signature, Genta succeeded in giving the Ingenieur a new, highly distinctive visual identity. His Ingenieur SL, launched in 1976 as the talking piece of IWC’s SL collection of steel luxury watches, featured bold aesthetic codes such as a screw-on bezel with five recesses, a dial with a unique pattern, and an integrated H-link bracelet. With its innovative and disruptive design, the Ingenieur SL was ahead of its time. Today, Gérald Genta’s creation is a collector’s favourite and one of the most sought-after models from the history of IWC.
ENHANCED ERGONOMICS AND WEARABILITY
The
overall dimensions of the case have been carefully reworked and
improved down to the smallest detail. The lug-to-lug distance of 45.7
millimetres ensures perfect ergonomics and excellent wearability, even
on a slender wrist. While the Ingenieur SL from the 1970s had
nose-shaped horns, the new Ingenieur Automatic 40 features a newly
engineered middle-link attachment. Aesthetically similar to the
Ingenieur SL, this new solution enhances the ergonomics and provides an
even better fit on the wrist. The curved casing ring further improves
the ergonomics of the case.
FUNCTIONAL SCREWS AND “GRID” DIAL
One
of the most striking changes of the new model is the introduction of
functional, polygonal screws on its bezel. For the Ingenieur SL, a
bezel with five recesses was screwed onto the case ring. As a result,
the recesses ended up in a different position on each watch. With the
Ingenieur Automatic 40, five screws secure the bezel to the case. The
screws now have a technical function and, as a result, are always in the
same position. In addition, the dial features a distinctive “Grid”
structure, creating a balance to the technical and very sculptural case
design. Consisting of small lines offset by 90 degrees to each other, it
is stamped into the soft iron blank before it is galvanised. Finally,
appliques with luminescence add additional depth and ensure easy
legibility, even at night.
HIGH LEVEL OF DETAIL AND FINISHING
The
Ingenieur Automatic 40 features an astonishingly high level of detail
and finishing. The case, bezel, and bracelet are elaborately finished
using a combination of polished and satin-finished surfaces. The upper
parts of the bracelet contain closed links without pins, accentuating
the outstanding craftsmanship. The integration of an elaborately
finished butterfly folding clasp highlights the beauty and thinness of
the H-link bracelet. In addition, a newly designed crown protection
further underscores the sporty character of the timepiece.
STATE-OF-THE-ART TECHNOLOGY
The
Ingenieur Automatic 40 is powered by the IWC-manufactured 32111
calibre with an automatic pawl winding system and a power reserve of 120
hours. In keeping with the tradition of the Ingenieur, a soft-iron
inner case efficiently protects the movement from the effects of
magnetic fields on its accuracy. Moreover, the case is water-resistant
to 10 bar, making the Ingenieur Automatic 40 a modern and fully
versatile sports watch. The Ingenieur Automatic 40 is available in
three references in stainless steel:
A TESTAMENT TO IWC’S TITANIUM COMPETENCE
IWC
is also presenting one version of the Ingenieur Automatic 40 in
titanium. Titanium is about one-third lighter than steel. Other
distinguishing features of this material are its skin-friendliness and
anti-allergic properties. However, the robust and rugged metal is also
incredibly difficult to machine. IWC pioneered titanium in the watch
industry in the 1980s and has since acquired unique expertise in this
field. The Ingenieur Automatic 40 with a grade 5 titanium case and
bracelet features a highly detailed finish with sandblasted,
satin-finished, and polished surfaces. The grey dial, as well as the
black hands and appliques, further accentuate the characteristic matte
grey look of the titanium.
All new Ingenieur Automatic 40 models are available through selected IWC boutiques. Additionally, it is eligible for registration under the My IWC care program, benefitting from a 6-year extension to the standard 2-year International Limited Warranty.
The IWC Mark XI reference 1832 represents the brand's approach to aviation-styled timepieces within the Mark series lineup. This reference features a black dial configuration in a 36mm case format, positioning it as a mid-sized option within IWC's portfolio.
The watch employs a 36mm stainless steel case fitted with an acrylic crystal and offers 50 meters of water resistance. A fixed bezel frames the black dial. The timepiece operates via a manual-winding movement, requiring regular winding to maintain operation.
This reference appeals to collectors seeking a compact IWC timepiece with traditional manual-winding mechanics. The 36mm case size and black dial combination provides a classic aesthetic within the Mark XI series. The manual movement and acrylic crystal reflect period-appropriate specifications that attract enthusiasts focused on mechanical simplicity and vintage-style construction details.
Will you have an opportunity to do a review and live pics this week? Enjoy!
uses the Baume & Mercier Baumatic calibre BM14 and sells it as innovative Ingenieur for a massive premium. Hmmm ...
The lack of specific wording makes me scratch my head a little!
UPDATED TRADITION....NEW BEZEL SCREWS.... I THINK IT IS NICE LOOKING..40 IS A NICE SIZE..
The price is a bit steep. But i don't blame them. If GP can charge 15K for Laureato, why IWC can't charge 12K for Ingenieur with legendary Genta design, 120 hour power reserve and (subjectively) better finishing. Too bad they don't release a dark blue dial. Maybe next year there will be a Laureus model.
The proportions are nice, as are the new dials and hands. It would be a great watch at CHF 8,000 or less. At CHF 12,000 in steel / CHF 15,000 in titanium, it's a non starter for me, Genta design or not. Oh, and for the price, one would have thought they'd propose an adjustable clasp, but no such luck.
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