Fifty years on from the iconic Ingenieur SL, famous for its revolutionary design by Gérald Genta, IWC reinterprets the model with a new version featuring a blue dial of theIngenieur Automatic 40. This modern creation re-proposes the proportions and style of the original model, with the addition of cutting-edge technical details.
Let’s find out together how this model that celebrates the history and innovation of a watchmaking icon.
The Origin of the IWC Ingenieur
The story of the IWC Ingenieur begins in 1955, at a time of great innovation in watchmaking. It was then that IWC presented the first version, a model designed to withstand magnetic fields, intended for engineers and technicians working in industrial environments. The Ingenieur quickly established itself as a technical marvel. The design was simple but effective, with a sturdy case and a functional look.
In the 1970s, however, the Ingenieur entered a new phase of its evolution, thanks to the intervention of Gérald Genta, one of the greatest watch designers in history. In 1976, Genta gave birth to the legendary Ingenieur SL (Steel Line), which completely transformed the model, making it an icon of sportiness and versatility. The Ingenieur SL was distinguished by its steel case, integrated bracelet, and bezel with five decorative screws. These elements, combined with a high-performance automatic movement, made the model a benchmark in sports watchmaking.
The IWC Ingenieur Automatic 40 Collection
The Ingenieur collection was recently relaunched, and the Automatic 40 model is the perfect tribute to Gérald Genta’s original design while incorporating modern technologies and finishes. This watch is designed to embody the values of elegance, precision, and functionality that have always distinguished the IWC brand.
The Ingenieur Automatic 40 is designed to offer a flawless fit on even the smallest of wrists. With a diameter of 40 mm and a reduced thickness, the elegant and versatile case is suitable for both formal and informal settings. Alternating polished and satin finishes on the case and bracelet further enhance the watch’s craftsmanship.
Among the most emblematic features is the bezel with five screws, an instantly recognizable detail that pays homage to the 1976 original. The integrated bracelet, perfectly fluid with the case, offers exceptional comfort and an impeccable fit. The dial with tapisserie motif, one of the most popular new features, adds a touch of refinement and visual depth
The latest blue dial variant of the IWC Ingenieur
The new blue dial variant stands out for its extraordinary beauty. The tapisserie weave, consisting of a series of finely interwoven squares and lines, is stamped on the soft iron base through a high-pressure process, then finished with a PVD coating that gives the dial a deep, intense blue color. This complex manufacturing process exemplifies the attention to detail that distinguishes IWC.
Rhodium-plated hands, filled with Super-LumiNova luminescent material, ensure perfect legibility even in low-light conditions. At 3 o’clock we find the classic date display, a functional detail that enriches the watch’s clean aesthetic.
Under the elegant blue dial beats the in-house caliber 32111, an automatic movement equipped with an innovative double pawl system. This system guarantees an extraordinary power reserve of 120 hours (five days), making the watch reliable even during long periods of inactivity. The precision and durability of the movement are the result of years of research and development, combining tradition with modernity.
Price and availability
The watch has a list price of EUR 13,000, with immediate availability and will be available for purchase at the brand’s boutiques and on the official website.
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