IWC Schaffhausen
Introducing the IWC Ingenieur Automatic 40
IWC Schaffhausen
Introducing the IWC Ingenieur Automatic 40
It almost seems like a bit of a cliché now when discussing integrated bracelet sports watches to always mention Gerald Genta. But, if the cap fits and all that. Genta truly was the godfather of this genre that is, as I’ve written about quite a lot over the past couple of years, a hot area for collectors. The Ingenieur story actually begins back in the mid-1950s, when it was produced as an antimagnetic watch intended for scientists. In the 1970s, however, with the advent of quartz watches, which were pretty much immune to magnetic forces and recovered straight away once exposure to the magnetic force was over, scientists and other people who might experience such elements could buy a cheap quartz watch and not be too troubled. However, IWC was convinced that the Ingenieur could still be relevant and asked Genta to give it a makeover.
The dial also takes its lead from its 1970s forefather, with lines offset at 90 degrees that are stamped into the iron dial and then the dial is galvanised. This gives lovely structure to the dial, which itself is key to the watch’s antimagnetic properties. The three steel references have different dials, including black, silver-plated and aqua. The titanium model has a grey dial and black hands that accentuate the matte grey look of the watch, according to IWC.
The new Ingenieur Automatic 40s take all of the styling cues of the SL and presents them in a delightful homage that will undoubtedly lead to some pretty impressive sell-outs and waiting lists. Forget that the market is telling that modern watches are softening. This will be a smash hit have no doubt. SO go on, get on the phone to your AD, there will be queue!
Tech Specs
IWC Ingenieur Automatic 40
References: IW328901 (steel black dial) IW328902 (steel silver dial) IW328903 (steel aqua dial) IW328904 (titanium gey dial)
Movement: IWX 32111 automatic movement with 120 hour power reserve
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds and date.
Case: 40mm stainless steel or titanium
Dial: Black, silver plated or aqua for steel and grey for titanium.
Strap: Integrated steel or titanium bracelet with butterfly clasp.
Price: TBC