True to form, IWC has expanded the Ingenieur Automatic 35 with two new references: a blue dial that completes the mid-sized lineup’s colour palette, and the first gem-set Ingenieur of the modern era.

Both are straightforward line extensions but should prove commercially successful, especially in the context of current trends favouring smaller watches.

Initial thoughts

Vintage watch enthusiasts and buyers with smaller wrists will appreciate these additions to the catalogue, though many mainstream watch buyers dismiss any watch under 36 mm out of hand. That instinct is understandable, but misleading here: integrated bracelet watches wear more substantially than their diameters tend to suggest, and the Ingenieur 35 is a watch best understood on the wrist rather than on paper.

With the introduction of a diamond-set two-tone reference, it appears IWC is positioning this size as the unisex choice for both men and women while exploring new formats for a broader appeal.

New references in the Ingenieur lineup have arrived in a recognisable pattern. Reintroduced in 2023, the current-generation Ingenieur draws on the design language of Gerald Genta’s original but in a 40 mm steel case, offered from launch with silver and black-dialled variants.

The ever-popular blue dial joined the 40 mm lineup a year after the collection’s refresh. The 35 mm size is following a similar pattern after launching last year with black and silver dial options.

Inevitably blue

The ref. IW324907 will be welcomed by collectors who’ve been waiting for a compact Ingenieur with a blue dial — doubtless the most popular colour for integrated-bracelet sports watches across all brands. In that sense, the blue debut was inevitable.

The dial itself features IWC’s “Grid” pattern, oscillating between a deep navy within the grooves and a rich, royal blue at the surface. It’s a radiant colour and is paired with a colour-matched date wheel that helps integrate the complication seamlessly into the design.

Beyond the new dial it’s business as usual, with identical specs — including an appealing 9.4 mm case thickness — and the now-familiar integrated H-link bracelet with butterfly clasp.

Sporty and sparkly

Joining the Ingenieur 35 lineup is the first contemporary Ingenieur to feature gemsetting. The normally smooth bezel is made of 18k red gold and set with 45 white diamonds. The total weight of the stones is just 0.7 carats, a detail that positions the ref. IW324911 at the more accessible end of the gemsetting spectrum.

Crucially, the five signature bezel screws remain on display, providing visual balance to the diamond-set ring while preserving the Ingenieur’s function-first design DNA. Both edges of the gold bezel are polished, drawing out the lustre of the luxurious material.

No-frills calibre

Like its predecessors, the Ingenieur 35 is powered by the familiar cal. 47110, derived from sister brand Cartier’s cal. MC 1847. The use of this more mainstream calibre differentiates the smaller Ingenieur from its larger 40 mm sibling, which is large enough to house the superior cal. 32111.

Though neither movement is exclusive to IWC, the cal. 32111 features an especially long 120-hour power reserve. For collectors fixated on specifications, this difference alone might justify a move up to the larger size.

That said, the rest of the specs are pretty similar, as both movements are modern 4 Hz automatic calibres with hacking seconds and a date. In addition, the Ingenieur 35 features a sapphire crystal case back to provide a view of the gold-plated winding mass.

Key facts and price

IWC Ingenieur Automatic 35
Ref. IW324907 (stainless steel with blue dial)
Ref. IW324911 (gem-set)

Diameter: 35 mm
Height: 9.4 mm
Material: Steel; 18k 5N red gold
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 100 m

Movement: Cal. 47110
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, and date
Frequency: 28,800 beats per hour (4 Hz)
Winding: Automatic
Power reserve: 42 hours

Strap: Matching integrated bracelet

Limited edition: No
Availability: Now at IWC boutiques and retailers
Price: CHF10,500 (steel) excluding taxes (gem-set upon request)

For more, visit iwc.com.