Introduction
We know how much Gérald Genta’s influence changed the watch industry in the seventies. Replica IWC Ingenieur Automatic 40 is the re-edition of one of the masterpieces created in that period by the master of design, the man who essentially invented the steel sports watch and a series of models that today cover the largest share of collectors’ interest and enthusiasts. It was the crisis of that historical period of watchmaking that gave birth to a new category of watches, of which IWC Ingenieur became a noble representative.
The first Ingenieur debuted in 1955, as the brand’s first antimagnetic watch, equipped with a soft iron case inserted around the movement to protect it as much as possible from the influence of magnetic fields. Although the reference 666 is the forerunner of the collection, only in 1976 did the Ingenieur become part of the small group of luxury steel sportsmen and this last reference remained forever imprinted in our imagination.
The reference 1832 SL was introduced in 1976 and, although it received a lukewarm welcome, like other sports watches designed by Genta in their embryonic commercial phase, time has taken its course and it is today one of the most desired vintage sports watches with prices approaching 40,000 euros. The Ingenieur 1832 SL model is still highly sought after and it is from this example that the designers took inspiration to officially return to the segment of sports watches with integrated bracelet, a category that in our opinion they have left uncovered for too long.
The Ingenieur Automatic 40 mm collection
The re-edition operation confirms a broad project within the manufacture; the 40 mm size is back in vogue in Schaffhausen as demonstrated by the recent presentation of the Portofino Perpetual Calendar and reverses a trend that has understandably seen IWC focus on models from the Pilot’s Watches collection and on generally larger sizes. The new IWC Ingenieur Automatic 40 brings the center of gravity back to an era more in line with the vision brought by the great Günter Blümlein and to a more classic watchmaking which we hope will permanently fill the brand’s catalogues.
The designers have reinterpreted the original 1832 SL in a very faithful way, creating a watch with clean lines, perfectly unisex, with an H-shaped link and bracelet integrated into the case. In redesigning it, designers and technicians did not commit excessive nostalgia although they could have given the exceptional relevance of the original lines; rather they dressed the watch with decidedly modern features such as the crown protection shoulders, already present on relatively recent editions such as Ingenieur Mission Earth, for example.
In the same way, the edge of the case rotated towards the bracelet in the area of the lugs has been preserved, an aesthetic motif whose objective is to enhance the best possible adhesion to the wrist. If we exclude these references to the most recent creations, the new IWC Ingenieur Automatic 40 aim to recover the spirit of the famous progenitor, which is clearly perceived, with some further updating.
The screws on the bezel are no longer an aesthetic feature but play a functional role, now helping to secure the bezel to the case, and they are all perfectly oriented. The grid motif or “damier” if you prefer (it is the term that best describes it in our opinion) returns and in a more evident geometry than in the past. There are three colors available: white, black (like the original) and a new shade called Aqua, which recalls the AMG Petronas colors, and which we only saw in images before the fair. It’s our favorite at the moment.
IWC will also provide a fourth variant in titanium alloy, but this last one was also not available at the time of the photo session, so we will add them at a later time. The grid pattern you see is obtained by molding on a soft iron base, and then subjected to a subsequent galvanization process.
Both the “IWC Schaffhausen” logo and the “Ingenieur” writing are clearly visible and appear to float on the base. Observing the case, whose dimensions are 40 mm wide and just 10.8 mm thick, one notices a delicate and pleasant alternation of brushed and polished surfaces, with the most refined touch represented by the subtle polishing at the base of the bezel which recalls the one on the central links of the bracelet.
Once worn, you appreciate the excellent comfort and naturalness with which the bracelet and case wrap around the wrist. Reduced thickness and homogeneous design from the case to the integrated clasp make the IWC Ingenieur Automatic 40 perfectly balanced on the wrist. You have the feeling of having worn it forever, the best result achieved by the development team in our opinion.
Inside the case beats the 32111 caliber with 4 Hz and five days of autonomy on a full charge. It is an evolution of the caliber 32110, finished with Côtes de Genève and perlage, with escape wheel and anchor in silicon, bidirectional ratchet winding system and an autonomy almost double compared to the original 72 hours.
Final thoughts
The new IWC Ingenieur Automatic 40 reawaken the most classic contemporary soul of IWC and add one of the most beautiful examples of the season that brought mechanical watchmaking out of the quartz era. The authentic Ingenieur, after several more or less successful attempts, is back and it is very likely that it will be a great success also for the price which promises to be in the 11,000 Euro area, not absolutely low for a single sports time but definitely more lower than many mainstream and independent competitors and competitive considering name and pedigree.
It is an instant classic where the few areas of improvement lie in the finishing of the internal part of the butterfly clasp. We would have appreciated more effort in this area, and the writing “IWC Schaffhausen” when opening the clasp but, excluding this aspect, today is a beautiful day for all sports watch enthusiasts.