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IWC Ingenieur Double Chronograph Titanium
Schaffhausen, 5 August 2011– A masterpiece of precision engineering is
unveiled with the launch of the new Ingenieur Double Chronograph
Titanium from IWC. Despite the technical complexity of the
split-seconds-hand mechanism, this masculine timepiece is one of IWC’s
toughest models. Engineered to the highest quality, the watch represents
a dream come true for every man who likes to live life to the full.
Engineering is the fine art of devising smart solutions to tricky
technical challenges. The new Ingenieur Double Chronograph Titanium is a
triumph of this fine art by IWC Schaffhausen’s specialists. In both
appearance and function, it is a worthy addition to the legendary watch
family, which dates back to 1954/55.
The new Ingenieur Double Chronograph Titanium from IWC Schaffhausen uses
the trusted 79230 calibre, in a 45-millimetre titanium case, to create a
surprisingly powerful presence. For the first time ever, the watch
family has a rattrapante – in other words, a split-seconds hand.
Strikingly technical in character, the newcomer is a real eye-catcher.
Another “first” is the satin finish of the titanium case, with a
silky-matt, gleaming surface. Further remarkable features include the
five screw heads on the bezel, which are coated in diamond-like carbon
(DLC for short). They blend in perfectly with the looks of the black
rubber-coated push-buttons and crown protection. Vulcanization is indeed
the ideal treatment to complement the chunky look and feel of the
controls. The redesigned dial comes across as clear, attractive and
definite. To help distinguish the displays, blue was used for the first
time, creating a combination well suited to this timepiece. The subdials
for hours, minutes and the small (hacking) seconds are recessed into
the dial, while the luminescent material in the interstices of the
rhodium-plated hands appears black. Its vital function in such a watch
only emerges after dark. For reasons such as the weight and the case
height of 16 millimetres, the designers left out the soft-iron inner
case. The convex casing ring holds the promise of outstanding ergonomics
and, weighing just 130 grams in total, the watch is comfortable to
wear. The Ingenieur Double Chronograph Titanium is certainly a match for
extreme situations, with proven water-resistance to 12 bar, a sturdy
Ingenieur rubber strap, sapphire glass with an antireflective coating on
both sides, and screwed back and crown.
Split-seconds-hand mechanism
A split-seconds-hand or double chronograph signifies a technical
extension to the chronograph mechanism, allowing measurement of two
different times in a single one-minute period. Put simply, if the
chronograph is switched on by one push of the button, two central
stopwatch hands start moving. As both hands are exactly superimposed,
the second chronograph hand is not immediately visible. This retains the
option of a repeat time measurement in a one-minute period. By pressing
the third push-button at “10o’clock” with the chronograph switched on,
the chronograph hand on top stays still, while the bottom one runs on
until held by pressing the ordinary start/stop button at “2 o’clock”.
This method allows measurement of two different short periods of time.
Press the split-secondshand button again to instantly return the
splitseconds hand back over the chronograph hand. It does not matter
whether the chronograph hand is running or at a standstill.
Innovation has a long tradition at IWC: in 1980 had already pioneered
the application of this futuristic material, when its titanium
chronograph marked an industry first. IWC now has a wealth of experience
in handling the light and practically indestructible material, which is
especially compatible with the skin. By the late 1970s, the Swiss watch
manufacturer had already gained sufficient know-how in the difficult
processing and heat treatment of titanium by aerospace experts. Titanium
is 43 per cent lighter than steel, yet stands out for its total
corrosion resistance and low thermal and electric conductivity. As one
of the most exclusive and expensive materials, titanium also has a
unique colour, which reinforces the look and masculine character of the
Ingenieur Double Chronograph Titanium. This is an Ingenieur worthy of
the name, in both function and appearance.Press Release