The IWC Ingenieur SL ref. 1832 was designed by Gérald Genta and launched in 1976. Several iterations of this icon followed, some good and some, not so-good. In 2005, almost 30 years after its launch, our favorite updated Ingenieur reference IW322701 was launched and from that point forward, IWC tried way too many times to maintain this icon alive. However, we have to say that the new IWC Ingenieur Automatic 40 is the closest successor to the original Ingenieur SL in terms of proportions and looks.
The new Ingenieur Automatic 40 is being released with three different dials: black, silver-toned, and aqua. We do have to say that our pictures don’t portray the Aqua dial accurately as it is more greenish than blueish.
The case in stainless steel measures 40 mm in diameter and remains faithful in design to the original Ingenieur with five points on its bezel and the soft-iron inner case for magnetic field protection the movement. The integrated bracelet is seamlessly connected to the case for unparalleled ergonomics and this time the middle link and overall bracelet construction —including the clasp— have been redesigned to improve the fit on the wrist. Also when compared to other iterations of the Ingenieur, the new Ingenieur Automatic 40 is less thick than its predecessors and is equipped with newly developed crown guards.
The Ingenieur Automatic 40 is powered by the IWC-manufactured 32111 caliber. Consisting of 164 components, this automatic movement is remarkably robust, reliable, and precise. The anti-magnetic silicon escapement improves its resistance to magnetic fields. The automatic pawl-winding system builds up a power reserve of 120 hours in the barrel. A solid case back protects the movement.
On the wrist, the new IWC Ingenieur Automatic 40 wears true to its size and a lot like the original Ingenieur from 1976. The new dials are very nice but we prefer the pattern on the dials from the Ingenieur from 2005. A great resurrection of an icon after so many attempts to keep this icon alive.
Sticker Price $11,700 USD. For more info on IWC click here.
