IWC’s latest incarnation of the Ingenieur first dropped in 2023 to widespread rapture and adulation. The modern interpretation of Gérald Genta’s 70s-era Jumbo SL models was a perfectly timed fresh face in the ever-popular integrated sports watch segment. That initial launch was pretty pared back, with only a handful of references, and scarce new developments in the Ingenieur space. Well, all that changed at Watches & Wonders 2025 when IWC opened the floodgates and showed just how versatile the Ingenieur can be.

Of course, we had the black ceramic model, which eagle-eyed fans spotted on the wrist of noted watch enthusiast Ed Sheeran. Then there was the F1 movie tie-in and the first complicated Ingenieur in the form of a hefty perpetual calendar, but the watches that I gravitated to most strongly were the two in 5N (aka red) gold. The 35mm version is one of a trio of new, smaller-sized models, while the 40mm version is unchanged (from a design POV, at least) from the 2023 debut releases.

The new IWC Ingenieur Automatic 40. Image: Revolution ©

The new IWC Ingenieur Automatic 35. Image: Revolution ©

Let’s talk about the Ingenieur Automatic 40 in gold first. As mentioned, it’s a 5N gold case with a black dial and gold hardware. Nothing here is breaking the mould, but it works very well together. All the surfaces of the case and bracelet have a subtle brush that perfectly matches the sporty aesthetic. The black dial is, well, black. This means that the contrast on the hardware is exceptional, but the dial pattern is less apparent. The calibre here is the proven 32111, with 120 hours of power reserve. The Ingenieur Automatic 35 (and I’m specifically talking about the gold version here) is a slightly different beast in that it brings in a few new elements. The most obvious change is the size. This is a great move on IWC’s part — it opens up this watch to a much broader range of wrists, notably women, but we suspect plenty of men, too. Another slight change of tone is the polished centre links, which, especially when paired with the full gold dial, add up to a watch that certainly feels dressier. The other big difference, and one necessitated by the smaller size, is the caliber, called 47110. Details on this movement are sparse at the moment, but it’s notably not marked as IWC-Manufactured and offers 42 hours of power reserve.

Black dial with a “Grid” structure. It consists of small lines and squares, adding texture and depth to the black dial. Image: Revolution ©

The bezel is satin-finished with its outer edges polished. Image: Revolution ©

Both the H-links and centre links of the integrated bracelet are satin-finished. Image: Revolution ©

The integrated bracelet attaches to the case via its middle links, offering an excellent fit on the wrist. Image: Revolution ©

All the new Ingenieurs have been well done, and while it’s too early to tell, we suspect these gold numbers will be fan-favourites.

What we think of the full gold Ingenieurs

I will never get tired of full gold bracelet watches cosplaying as tool watches. No matter how many times I see it, a part of my brain is tickled by the soft, precious alloy being used in designs that feel made for practicality. The dissonance is deeply pleasing. Now, of the two gold models, I spend more time with the 40mm model on my wrist, simply because the 35mm number would have needed an extra link or two. Having said that, I preferred the 35mm model. That’s not a diss on the larger model, far from it. It felt (and looked) great on the wrist, and the movement inside is no slouch. However, the black dial, while striking, is something of a void, and for me, the quality of the Metalam dial is a big part of Ingenieur’s appeal. The tone-on-tone nature of the smaller model really lets that grid pattern shine, and even in my short time with it, I found the gold dial pleasingly mercurial — it shifted from champagne to a deep red hue, depending on the light. On top of that, I think the 35mm dimension is misleading; thanks to its heft and crown, I would have eyeballed this as a 37mm case. The only element of the 35mm watch that I’m on the fence about is the polished centre links, which are absolutely beautifully done, but I do love the single finish of the 40mm version. Either way, this is serious hair-splitting territory as both these precious metal takes on IWC’s Ingenieur are the business.

IWC Ingenieur Automatic 35 in steel (left) and 5N gold. Image: Revolution ©

Tech Specs: Ingenieur Automatic 40

Reference: IW328702
Movement: Self-winding calibre 32111; 120-hour power reserve
Functions: Hours and minutes; central seconds; date
Case: 40mm × 10.4mm; 18K 5N gold; water-resistant to 100m
Dial: Black dial
Strap: Integrated 18K 5N gold bracelet with butterfly folding clasp

Tech Specs: Ingenieur Automatic 35

Reference: IW324903 / IW324901 / IW324906
Movement: Self-winding calibre 47110; 42-hour power reserve
Functions: Hours and minutes; central seconds; date
Case: 35mm × 9.4mm; 18K 5N gold or stainless steel; water-resistant to 100m
Dial: Gold, silver, or black dial
Strap: Integrated bracelet in 18K 5N gold or stainless steel with butterfly folding clasp