The IWC Ingenieur 40, Now in Classic Blue
A modern take on Gérald Genta’s Ingenieur SL.
IWC’s sports watch with an integrated bracelet, the Ingenieur Automatic 40, now gets a dial in dark blue, arguably the quintessential dial colour for such watches. Modelled on the Ingenieur SL designed by Gérald Genta’s in the 1970s, the modern day Ingenieur was released last year in several dial colours, including black and silver.
The new model with a blue dial retains the exact same design, including a bezel secured by five functional screws, an integrated H-link bracelet, and a grid-patterned dial.
Initial thoughts
As a classic colour for such a watch, the blue dial was long expected. It’s arguably the most appealing Ingenieur, though the titanium model has an edge (at a much, much higher price).
While it is hard to find fault in the execution of the Ingenieur, it was released somewhat late, as the fad for integrated bracelets already lost steam last year. This new addition is arriving even later, though the upside is it will be more easily available than before.
The blue dial model is priced the same as the earlier versions, making it a little expensive considering the entry-level movement inside. Most sports watches with integrated bracelets in the same price segment rely on more sophisticated calibres.
Textured blue
The new version has specs identical to its siblings in the collection. The stainless steel case is 40 mm in diameter and 10.8 mm thick. Featuring brushed surfaces with polished bevels, the case has the 1970s Ingenieur elements of a circular bezel and an integrated H-link bracelet.
The dial continues with the “grid” pattern found on the earlier versions, but now in dark blue. The pattern is stamped on the soft iron dial blank, then finished with physical vapour deposition (PVD) to create a metallic blue finish.
The dial is ringed by snailed chapter ring with a white-printed minute track, while the date employs a matching blue disc.
Below the solid back is the cal. 32111, IWC’s entry-level in-house movement. It’s equipped with the efficient Pellaton double pawl winding system and boasts 120 hours of power reserve. But it’s still the brand’s most basic in-house calibre, and mostly found in watches half as expensive as the Ingenieur.
Consistent with the Ingenieur’s history as an engineer’s watch, the movement is surrounded by a soft iron cage to shield it from magnetic fields. This is made up of the dial on the front, and a soft iron inner case back under the screw-down steel back.
Key facts and price
IWC Ingenieur Automatic 40
Ref. IW328907
Diameter: 40 mm
Height: 10.8 mm
Material: Steel
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 100 m
Movement: Cal. 32111
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, and date
Frequency: 28,800 beats per hour (4 Hz)
Winding: Automatic
Power reserve: 120 hours
Strap: Steel integrated bracelet
Limited edition: No
Availability: Now at IWC boutiques and retailers
Price: US$11,700
For more, visit iwc.com.
