With IWC focusing so much of their effort on pilot watches over the past few years, fans were wondering if an Ingenieur refresh would ever happen. The collection had been left untouched for quite some time and it seemed puzzling to see a watch with so much competitive potential, fall by the wayside. Now at Watches & Wonders 2023, IWC has just unveiled an updated version of its Gerald Genta design era Ingenieur. The new IWC Ingenieur Automatic 40 is available in both steel and titanium versions and a handful of fresh dial colors to choose from. Oh, and they are NOT cheap by any means. But we thought these would be interesting to highlight as we continue to see an expansion of the competitive landscape that encompasses integrated bracelet sport watches.
Integrated bracelet sport watches are some of the hottest in the industry now and it’s been that way for a while. You can see this spanning across models like the Patek Philippe Nautilus all the way to the Tissot PRX at under $400. With all that buzz, it’s about time IWC took this step and I think taking a small break from crazy pilot watch updates might do the brand some good. Inspired by the original Ingenieur SL from 1976, this new Ingenieur Automatic 40 retains so much of that 70s Genta design character and my hope (above all) is that these will actually be available for purchase, unlike similar offerings from Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Vacheron, etc.
The 40mm case paired with those cool functional bezel screws and the new grid-pattern dial propel this watch into the modern age. And it doesn’t take much, considering the design was so ahead of its time originally. And I can only imagine how comfortable that modern H-Link bracelet must feel. The stainless steel versions are available with a few dial options: black, silver-plated, and aqua. The titanium version comes at a premium over the steel models and features a grey grid-pattern dial.
IWC Ingenieur Automatic 40 Specs
- Case diameter: 40mm
- Case thickness: 10.8mm
- Lug-to-lug: 49mm
- Water resistance: 100m
- Case material: Stainless steel or grade 5 titanium
- Movement: IWC Cal. 32111
- Power reserve: 120 hours
- Crystal: Sapphire
- Bracelet: Matching H-Link bracelet
- Price: $11,700 (stainless steel) $14,600 (titanium)
I’ve also gotta say that movement-wise, that’s pretty impressive with 120 hours of power reserve. The 32111 movement, that bracelet, that dial, and the nice water resistance have me feeling like this may be my favorite Watches & Wonders 2023 release so far. Maybe my days of lusting over stainless steel Royal Oaks is finally over. I am, after all, an IWC fanboy and maybe this is the logical progression for me if I were ever to sell off my collection and settle on one watch. Again, that’s if these new IWC Ingenieur Automatic 40 can actually be purchased at retail. I’m not feeling optimistic.
Co-Founder & Senior Editor
Michael Peñate is an American writer, photographer, and podcaster based in Seattle, Washington. His work typically focuses on the passage of time and the tools we use to connect with that very journey. From aviation to music and travel, his interests span a multitude of disciplines that often intersect with the world of watches – and the obsessive culture behind collecting them.
Sorry, but no thank´s.
This is visually the best release from IWC since the turn of the century but over 10 grand for a steel three hander – no way (and I dont care if it has a gazillion hours of power reserve).
It is a great looking watch with perfect sounding proportions from a heritage brand with real Genta pedigree (please read in snobbish voice). It is also 10+ grand for a simple steel watch with a garden variety movement that can be found in another IWC Watch for half the price (the new type XX). And the kicker: this Ingenieurs predecessor the 3239 was (and still is) a very similar watch that goes for half the price. So to put it to the point: what’s not to hate?