The Return of the IWC Ingenieur SL through the New Ingenieur Automatic 40
IWC revives its iconic 1976 Ingenieur SL watch designed by Gérald Genta.
Launched for the first time in 1955 under the reference 666, the IWC Ingenieur over the years has known new interactions, with the second generation arriving in 1967 with the reference 866 and it was already during the 70s that the first prototypes of the third generation appeared already under the baton of the famous watch designer Gérald Genta.
The third generation of the IWC Ingenieur with the reference 1832 known by the nickname “Jumbo” due to its new 40mm case, impressed inside and out, internally for its integrated shock protection system that “protects” the calibre 8541 of automatic movement and protects it against magnetic fields up to 80,000 A/m. Externally by the case with a screw-on bezel with five recesses and an integrated steel bracelet, and also by its distinctive dial pattern.
Like other luxury stainless steel sports watches designed by Gérald Genta, despite being innovative for their time, they only became successful many years later, being today one of the most sought-after among enthusiasts and collectors.
Today IWC unveils the contemporary version of this watch, the new Ingenieur Automatic 40, which maintains the main features and design of the Ingenieur SL reference 1832 by Geráld Genta. The new Ingenieur, which is very similar to the original, now comes in a stainless steel case with a diameter of 40mm and a lug-to-lug distance of just 45.7mm, which allows it to be adjusted to the smallest wrists, a bezel with recessed functional polygonal screws, sapphire glass front, fluted crown at 3 o’clock that now adds crown guards, screwed case back and 100m of water resistance. The integrated steel bracelet that maintains its original design against its H-shape links comes with a butterfly clasp.
Also, its characteristic original dial has not been forgotten, featuring the new Ingenieur a “Grid” structure, made of small lines offset by 90 degrees to each other, which serves as the basis for applied baton hour markers and pencil hands all filled with luminescent material, a date window now framed and finally the logo of the brand and “Ingenieur” at 12 o’clock and 6 o’clock respectively.
Inside now operates the modern manufactured Caliber 32111 with automatic movement, based on a soft-iron inner case that protects it against magnetic fields, operating at 28,800 Vph and offering up to 72 hours of power reserve.
The new IWC Ingenieur Automatic 40 is offered in three variants, Ref. IW328901 that comes with the black dial, Ref. IW328902 which features a silver-plated dial and Ref. IW328903 is distinguished by its aqua (green) dial.
Our Opinion
At a time when the cult for steel sports watches with integrated bracelets continues to live, we are not immune to this trend, and it is in this sense the return of the Ingenieur SL is good news.
From what we know so far, it seems that IWC has done a good job in keeping the lines of the Ingenieur “Jumbo” and at the same time modernizing it in a smart way, the 45.7mm of lug-to-lug distance is a good example.
Of the three new variants, we’re not sure which one we like the most, but we’re still counting on having it on our wrist today and then we’ll tell you which one we liked the most.
