Inspired by classic cars and conservatively attired, the new IWC Ingenieur Chronograph also boasts the new calibre 69370, an automatic movement designed to replace the Valjoux 7750.

The latest in-house IWC movement makes it debut in a trio of limited edition Ingenieur chronographs featuring a new look that’s a drastic departure from the oversized, chunky form characteristic of the model. Unveiled at the 74th Goodwood Members’ Meeting, a classic car event open to members of the eponymous automobile club, the new Ingenieur chronographs have a suitably restrained style, unlike recent Ingenieur watches that are bulked up descendants of the Ingenieur SL “Jumbo” designed by Gerald Genta. The back-to-basics revamp should have a positive effect on the popularity of the modern Ingenieur, which has always enjoyed niche appeal.

The first of the in-house calibre 69000

Inspired by motorsport but in a subtle manner, the new Ingenieur Chronograph is 42 mm in diameter, with sub-dials are meant to evoke dashboard gauges and a quilted leather strap. Beyond the facelift, the Ingenieur Chronograph is also powered by a newly developed movement, the calibre 69370. The first of the 69000 series, the movement is meant to gradually replace the Valjoux 7750 used in entry-level IWC chronographs.

The calibre 69370 has exactly the same dimensions as the Valjoux 7750 – 30 mm wide and 7.9 mm high – but is superior in terms of construction, featuring a column wheel (instead of the basic cam in the 7750), efficient “Magic Lever” winding mechanism and a 46-hour power reserve. Though the calibre 69370 has a similar dial layout to the 7750, there is one distinct difference: the sub-seconds are at six o’clock instead of at nine as on the 7750.

Versions and pricing

Three versions of the new Ingenieur Chronograph are available, starting with the top of the line Ingenieur Chronograph Edition “74th Members’ Meeting at Goodwood” (ref. IW380703), a 74-piece limited edition in red gold with a black dial priced at US$17,200 or S$28,500.

The next one is named after the 1930s European racing champion is the Ingenieur Chronograph Edition “Rudolf Caracciola” (ref. IW380702), a 750-piece limited edition in stainless steel. This has a grey dial with red accents and faux vintage Super-Luminova, along with a price tag of US$7150 or S$10,900.

And the Ingenieur Chronograph Edition “W 125” (ref. IW380701) is inspired by the Mercedes-Benz W125 “Silver Arrow”, the legendary race car Caracciola used to win the 1937 European Championship. Made of lightweight titanium and featuring a silver-plated dial with black markers and hands, the W125 Ingenieur is also limited to 750 pieces and priced at US$7250 or S$11,200.

Update March 25, 2016: Pricing in Singapore dollars added.

Correction April 6, 2016: The calibre 69000 has bidirectional winding, but does not have ceramic winding wheels as previously stated.