September 15 2026

50 Years Of The Ingenieur SL: IWC Introduces Two Anniversary Editions

MRSTATELESS IWC, NEW RELEASES, Uncategorized 2026, Gerald Genta, Integrated Bracelet, Limited Edition, Sport Watch 0

IWC Schaffhausen celebrates the 50th anniversary of the iconic Ingenieur SL with two limited-edition references that revisit one of the most important designs in the collection. The new Ingenieur Automatic 40 IW328910 and Ingenieur Automatic 35 IW324909 take their inspiration from a rare Ingenieur SL variant from the late 1970s, combining the distinctive integrated-bracelet architecture with a more understated silver dial.

The Ingenieur name dates back to the 1950s, but it was the Ingenieur SL Jumbo Ref. 1832, introduced in 1976 and designed by Gérald Genta, that established the design language that would define the model for decades. Its rounded case, integrated bracelet and functional bezel screws placed the Ingenieur firmly within the emerging category of luxury sports watches.

After several generations and periods away from the market, IWC brought the Ingenieur back in 2023 with a design closely connected to its 1976 predecessor. These anniversary editions build on that current generation while introducing several details that distinguish them from the regular models.

The Case

The two watches share the characteristic Ingenieur case architecture, with the combination of a rounded profile, prominent bezel and five functional-looking screws that has become synonymous with the collection.

The larger Ingenieur Automatic 40 IW328910 measures 40 mm in diameter, while the Ingenieur Automatic 35 IW324909 offers a more compact 35 mm format. Both are produced in stainless steel and feature sapphire crystals.

Despite their different dimensions, the two references maintain the same fundamental proportions and design language, giving the smaller model the character of the larger watch rather than simply being a scaled-down alternative.

There is, however, an important technical distinction between them. The 40 mm model incorporates a soft-iron inner case designed to provide protection against magnetic fields, reflecting the original Ingenieur’s technical and engineering-oriented purpose. It is paired with a closed stainless-steel caseback.

The 35 mm model instead uses a sapphire exhibition caseback, allowing the movement to be viewed from the rear. Both watches provide 100 metres of water resistance.

A Different Dial for the Ingenieur

Perhaps the most noticeable change from the contemporary Ingenieur collection is found on the dial.

Instead of the familiar grid pattern associated with the current production models, the anniversary editions feature a vertically brushed, silver-plated surface. The inspiration comes from a relatively rare version of the Ingenieur SL produced towards the end of the 1970s.

The restrained dial texture gives the watches a more refined appearance while retaining the characteristic technical personality of the Ingenieur.

Applied rhodium-plated hour markers surround the dial, while matching rhodium-plated hands incorporate Super-LumiNova for improved legibility in low-light conditions.

A date display is positioned at 3 o’clock in both watches and surrounded by a frame. On the 40 mm model, the date aperture intersects the 3 o’clock hour marker without completely eliminating it. On the 35 mm version, the smaller proportions require the marker to be omitted where the date window is positioned.

Two Automatic Movements

The two anniversary editions use different automatic movements.

The 40 mm IW328910 is powered by IWC’s Calibre 32111. The automatic movement operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour and provides an impressive five-day, or 120-hour, power reserve.

The movement uses IWC’s pawl-winding system and is hidden beneath the solid caseback, with the soft-iron inner case providing additional magnetic protection.

Inside the 35 mm IW324909 is the Calibre 47110. It also operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour but offers a more conventional 42-hour power reserve.

Unlike the larger model, its sapphire caseback provides a view of the movement, including the gold-coloured central rotor and decorative finishing such as circular graining and blued screws.

Integrated Steel Bracelet

Both watches are delivered on IWC’s integrated three-link stainless-steel bracelet. The bracelet follows the contours of the case and forms an uninterrupted transition between case and wrist, preserving one of the defining characteristics of the Ingenieur SL concept.

The use of the same bracelet architecture across both sizes also reinforces the connection between the 35 mm and 40 mm models, despite their different dimensions and movements.

Limited Editions and Price

The IWC Ingenieur Automatic 40 IW328910 and Ingenieur Automatic 35 IW324909 are each limited to 1,150 pieces worldwide.

The Ingenieur Automatic 35 IW324909 is priced at € 12,800, while the Ingenieur Automatic 40 IW328910 costs € 14,700.