IWC INTRODUCES THE NEW INGENIEUR AUTOMATIC 40

IWC Schaffhausen revises Gérald Genta’s iconic design with the new Ingenieur Automatic 40, making its debut at the Watches and Wonders fair in Geneva. Numéro had the opportunity to see the new Ingenieur Automatic 40 first-hand and create a story together with Guillaume Philibert, ambassador of the brand. 

This newly designed automatic model reflects the bold aesthetic codes of Gérald Genta’s Ingenieur SL, Reference 1832, from the 1970s while meeting the highest standards of ergonomics, finish, and technology. The Ingenieur Automatic 40 is powered by the IWC manufactured caliber 32111 with a power reserve of 120 hours. All new models have soft iron inner cases to protect the movement from magnetic fields and are water resistant to 10 bar, making them versatile sports watches for the 21st century.

For IWC Schaffhausen, the 1970s were a particularly challenging decade. The dollar went into a tailspin, the price of gold skyrocketed, and the rise of quartz watches seemed inexorable. It was a constant struggle for survival. Giving place to something unique to arise – the creation of the Ingenieur SL. 

With its strong aesthetic codes, the Ingenieur SL ranks among Gérald’s most important creations from this era. To this day, the Reference 1832 perfectly embodies Genta’s vision of a robust yet elegant steel sports watch. The Swiss luxury watch manufacturer has now enhanced his iconic design to produce a modern interpretation, perfected down to the smallest detail. But the Ingenieur Automatic 40 does not only reflect the bold aesthetic cues and unique character of the original. The new automatic model also meets the highest standards regarding ergonomics, finishing and technology. 

One of the most notable changes for the new model is the introduction of functional, polygonal screws on the bezel. For the Ingenieur SL, a bezel with five recesses was screwed onto the case. As a result, the cutouts ended up in a different place for each watch. On the Ingenieur Automatic 40, the bezel is attached to the case with five screws. The screws now have a technical function and are therefore always in the same place. In addition, the dial has a distinctive “Grid” structure, which creates a balance with the technical and highly sculptural case design. It consists of small lines that are at 90 degrees to each other and is pressed into the raw iron case before it is electroplated. Finally, luminescent markings provide extra depth and good legibility, even at night.

The overall dimensions of the cabinet have been carefully revised and improved down to the smallest detail. The lug-to-lug distance of 45.7 millimeters ensures perfect ergonomics and excellent portability, even for a slim wrist. While the 1970s Ingenieur SL had nose-shaped horns, the new Ingenieur Automatic 40 has a redesigned center notch. This new solution, which is aesthetically similar to the Ingenieur SL, improves ergonomics and provides an even better fit on the wrist. The curved case ring also provides even better ergonomics.

All new Ingenieur Automatic 40 models are available at selected IWC boutiques. In addition, the model is eligible to register under the ‘My IWC care’ program, which extends the standard international limited warranty of 2 years by 6 years.