The Ingenieur is one of the most iconic IWC watches ever introduced. While it has not received a major redesign in the past few years, it remains relevant and nothing short of in-demand these days, owing to its classic appeal and advanced technical features.
The first Ingenieur was introduced in 1955. With reference no. 666, it was a classic round watch that sports an impressive degree of precision and resistance to shock, water, and magnetism. It also had a Pellaton winding system, which was advanced for its time.
In 1976, Gérald Genta revamped the line by introducing the Ingenieur SL. It had a streamlined look and sported a new bezel with five openings. It transformed the Ingenieur from being a line of classical watches to an entirely new and innovative collection, which is largely the Ingenieur that we know today. Continue reading for the story of an iconic watch.
5 Interesting Things to Know About IWC Ingenieur
1. The IWC Ingenieur was made for scientists and technicians
The term Ingenieur is a French word that translates to engineer—a name that is appropriate for a line of mechanical watches designed for scientists and technicians. It is equipped with all the required specifications when working in a field, including water resistance, high precisions, and anti-magnetism.
At the time of its release, other brands like Rolex also introduced watches with anti-magnetic features. What it came with is the now iconic Milgauss with the ref. 6541. It was a stainless steel watch that houses an Oyster case and a rotating bezel. It offered protection against 1.000 gauss magnetic fields.
2. The first Ingenieur watch was introduced under two references
The reference 666 had two versions, the 666A and 666 AD, which featured the Calibre 852 and Calibre 8521 movements, respectively. As said earlier, both were equipped with the Pellaton winding system, which uses pawls instead of a rotor and barrel. They can withstand exposure to magnetic fields of up to 80,000 amperes per meter (A/m), which is 16 times the resistance required in Swiss antimagnetic watches.
The two references had an uncanny resemblance, both featuring hours, minutes, and a central second. The only key difference is that the 666 AD version had a date window at 3 o’clock. They are available in the classic stainless steel bracelet version and another in gold with a leather strap. Overall, these were highly accurate watches that were not disturbed by external factors.
3. The Gérald Genta design brought new life to Ingenieur
After designing the Audemars Piguet Oak in 1972, Genta updated the Ingenieur, reintroducing it with a completely new design. For example, its case sported a tonneau shape with a 5-hole bezel and the guilloché dial with its distinct graph-paper structure.
It also featured some of the signature Genta elements such as an integrated bracelet and a large 40mm case, hence its nickname, “Jumbo”. This 1976 Ingenieur was limited to just 1,000 pieces, rendering it a highly collectible watch.
4. The IWC released the latest Ingenieur collection in 2017
The last time IWC redesigned the Ingenieur was in 2017 when it released a line of vintage-inspired watches that pay homage to the 1955 Ingenieur collection. These include an automatic model and a chronograph watch, each with three different versions as well as a limited-edition sports chronograph watch and a perpetual calendar.
The highlight of the 2017 collection is arguably the complex version of the Chronograph Perpetual Calendar Digital Date-Month which is limited to just 100 pieces. It features two window displays for the month and date. The rest of the sub-dial displays are for the hours, minutes, and chronograph seconds, all presented in a silver-plated dial with black hands and appliqués. It is presented in a 45mm x 17.5mm 18K red gold case and a black leather alligator strap. It is powered by the Caliber 89800, finished with a gold rotor.
5. These watches still rely on the signature Genta design but with several complicated features
As we can expect from the IWC Ingenieur, the latest collection continues to rely on the Genta design. But, as said above, alongside the classic automatic edition, it is presented in several other complicated watches including the perpetual calendar and the chronograph sports watches.
These watches almost have a vintage feel without the heavy vibe of many modern watches today. The good news? You can get an IWC Ingenieur watch at relatively affordable prices and each offers great value for what you get. As we conclude, below are some of the best Ingenieur watches to consider getting today.
3 Best IWC Ingenieur Watches
Ingenieur Automatic Silver Dial Ref. IW357001
This model features a silver dial and polished silver-tone hands in a 40mm stainless-steel case. Its movement is powered by the Caliber 35111 and like the rest of the Ingenieur watches, it sports a date window display. With its black alligator straps, it has an overall sophisticated look fit for modern gentlemen.
Ingenieur Automatic Black Dial Ref. IW357002
A black dialed watch with a 40mm stainless steel case and a matching bracelet, this Ingenieur automatic watch looks both classic and stylish. It runs on a Caliber 35111 movement with 42 hours of power reserve, making it a rational choice of a functional yet statement-making accessory.
Ingenieur Chronograph Automatic Blue Dial IW380802
Besides silver and black, a blue dial watch looks classic on the wrist. But, what sets it apart from the two is that it also adds a pop of color to your ensemble—and this particular chronograph watch can do this and more. It features a 42.3mm stainless steel case and a matching bracelet. It’s powered by the Calibre 69375 movement with 46 hours of power reserve.
Takeaway
In addition to the Ingenieur, IWC offers a wide range of timepieces designed for people with active lifestyles. From catering to the needs of professionals, it has evolved to also become a fashionable choice for everyone in the watch-loving community. This guarantees that you’ll find an IWC piece that matches your lifestyle and preferences.
Which of these IWC Ingenieur watches is your favorite? Let us know by leaving a comment below.