IWC Ingenieur Watches
The perfect blend of style and technology, IWC Ingenieur watches have been fascinating enthusiasts and collectors alike since the very beginning. Its revolutionary design and robust construction, such as its visible screws and famous anti-magnetic properties have made the collection one of the manufacturer’s most beloved collections. The exceptional combination of style and functionality has helped IWC reach international fame with no end in sight.
The History of IWC Ingenieur Watches
Since launch, IWC Ingenieur watches have been synonymous with scientists and technicians. Boasting high precision, anti magnetic properties, and water resistance, they were some of the manufacturer’s most complex creations.
It came onto the market in 1954, and was capable of reaching more than 16 times the resistance required for Swiss antimagnetic watches. In addition, the timepiece could also go to depths of 100m, something that was still a rarity at the time.
Perhaps the most defining moment for the Ingenieur collection came in the 1970s, when legendary watch designer Gérald Genta, was chosen to bring the timepiece up to date. He did this by giving the wristwatch a completely new shape and a large 40mm casing, giving it the Jumbo nickname. Only 1,000 pieces were created, making them incredibly sought after on the pre-owned market.
The year 1983 saw the release of the Ingenieur SL, a thinner and smaller watch. It featured a 21 karat gold rotor and superlative finish, and was the first to use an outsourced movement. Six years later, the manufacturer launched an impressive version of the Ingenieur, which was based on a collaboration with military forces. Built to withstand strong magnetic fields, only 3,000 units of the Ingenieur 500,000 A/m were ever made.
A sportier update of the Ingenieur was released in the early 1990s, the Automatic AMG range. While still utilising Genta’s original design, they were more heavily influenced by the world of motorsports. Examples of these include the Automatic AMG Reference IW322703, the Automatic AMG Black Series and the Automatic Carbon Performance.
Over the years, many different iterations of IWC Ingenieur watches have been released, each with various degrees of complications and staying true to the Genta design. Whatever you like, you are sure to find something with this impressive collection.
A Truly Legendary Design
Perhaps one of the most famous examples of IWC Ingenieur watches is the result of a collaboration between the manufacturer and legendary designer Gérald Genta. Renowned for creating the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, Genta drew inspiration from a diver’s helmet to design the IWC Ingenieur SL that was launched in 1976. Instead of concealing the screws and bores that hold the wristwatch together, Genta decides to keep them exposed, something that would prove to be quite the achievement.
The term SL in the name stands for ‘Steel Line’, which is a hint at the material that was used to create the timepiece’s rugged aesthetic. Its 40mm casing contains a Pellaton winding mechanism, establishing it as a real favourite amongst collectors.
A successor to the SL was released in the 1980s, dubbed the IWC Ingenieur SL Skinny. Although it does not feature in-house movements, it still proved to be incredibly popular thanks to the fact it easily complemented smaller wrist sizes.
Ideal for Technophiles
If you are a fan of all things complex, IWC Ingenieur watches are ideal for you. The use of high-quality and strong materials such as carbon, stainless steel, and titanium, give the collection a masculine and rugged feel, while its exceptional design grants the timepiece a touch of sheer elegance. This outstanding combination has propelled the range to international fame.
Right from the outset, the Ingenieur was an extremely important step for watchmaking as a whole. It was one of the very first timepieces that offered protection against magnetic fields, while also being incredibly precise and coming with improved water resistance.
Even more complex versions of the Ingenieur include the Constant Force Tourbillon from 2013, which featured a small seconds dial, power reserve indicator and a precise moon phase display that covers both the northern and southern hemispheres. Another example is the Perpetual Calendar Digital Date-Month, which has a flyback chronograph, perpetual calendar, and oversized date and month displays.
Whichever model you choose, you are sure to be overjoyed by the effortless combination of style and complexity.