New Release
Esharp critically examines the new IWC Ingenieur collection, questioning its design direction and the continued use of Sellita movements. His post invites the WatchProSite community to debate whether these new releases live up to IWC's heritage and represent a 'modern classic in the making'.
The IWC Ingenieur reference 666, introduced in the late 1950s, represents a foundational model within IWC's professional series, designed for individuals exposed to magnetic fields. It established the core aesthetic and technical principles that would define the Ingenieur line for decades, preceding the more widely recognized GΓ©rald Genta-designed models.
This reference typically features a robust stainless steel case, often measuring around 36.5mm in diameter, housing the IWC caliber 853 or 8531 automatic movement. The movement is protected by an inner soft iron cage, providing anti-magnetic resistance up to 80,000 A/m. Dials were available in various finishes, often with applied markers and dauphine hands, contributing to its understated yet purposeful design.
For collectors, the Ingenieur ref. 666 is significant as an early and pure expression of IWC's technical prowess in anti-magnetic watchmaking. Its relatively conservative design, coupled with its robust engineering, makes it a highly sought-after vintage piece that embodies the brand's commitment to functional horology.
IWC in recent years seem to be a marketing driven company and no longer one that takes pride in great mechanical watches. I suppose there is a market for this, but for those like me, marketing has very little to do with my purchase and if not done right, will even turn me away...sadly, this time, its the latter.
I\'m pleased to see I\'m not alone here! The strategy IWC has pursued under its most recent CEO has not been one I identify with (to be fair, I haven\'t been attracted to what they\'ve been doing since the late 90s). My fear is that with his ascendancy within Richemont, that approach will become more wide-spread... Best E.
.....vintage. They had their best time in the 60ies, 70ies and early 80ies when they were a technically innovative company. The Pellaton movement, the first titanium watch, the first a-magnetic watch, the first serial watch capable to dive to 2000 meters, the compass watch etc, etc. They clearly left that path a long time ago, but the emphasize on "bling" and "amassadors" whilst neglecting technical innovation seems to work for them. Cheers, HSTE
So it seems that Mr Kern did a great job (although i don't know past revenues). Here i see many people glad he has achieved a more leading role in Richemont group. I'll be polite but i want to say that all these praising people are likely blind, because nowadays IWC is FAR from that one run by a true, great and wise manager, Gunther Blumlein. The new ingenieur look like Da vinci series...too much to spot any difference, except the name on the dial.
and there is not a one I would want to own. Really generic-looking watches. Even the last line-up released 4-5 years ago was more distinctive. IWC could really slow down with the releases. They've lost the way. And Kern in his new position makes me fear for Lange and VC.
..."And Kern in his new position makes me fear for Lange and VC." And JLC...please lord, keep JLC safe.
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