IWC Ingenieur Automatic 40 Green

IWC has a long-standing reputation built on blending precision engineering with distinct design. Founded in 1868 by American watchmaker Florentine Ariosto Jones, the company set up shop in Schaffhausen, Switzerland, leveraging the hydropower of the Rhine River. This unique origin, combining American industrial techniques with Swiss craftsmanship, established a foundation for creating robust, reliable, and technically proficient timepieces. Over the decades, IWC developed iconic watch families like the Portugieser, Pilot's Watches, Da Vinci, Aquatimer, and, central to our discussion, the Ingenieur.

The Ingenieur collection, whose name translates directly to "Engineer" in German, has always been intrinsically linked with technical prowess, particularly resistance to magnetic fields. Its origins trace back to the 1950s, a time when engineers and scientists increasingly worked in environments with strong magnetic forces that could wreak havoc on mechanical watch movements. IWC addressed this challenge head-on, developing the Ingenieur with a soft-iron inner cage to shield the calibre, a feature that remains a defining characteristic of the line today. While early models had a more traditional round shape, the Ingenieur gained widespread recognition in the 1970s.



The pivotal moment arrived in 1976 with the introduction of the Ingenieur SL, Reference 1832, famously designed by the legendary Gérald Genta. This redesign introduced the integrated bracelet, the distinctive screwed-down bezel with five visible recesses (which would later evolve into functional screws), and an overall sportier, more angular aesthetic that captured the spirit of the era. It was this Genta design DNA – the robust construction, integrated form, and technical focus – that cemented the Ingenieur's identity and continues to influence the collection significantly.

Fast forward to the present, and IWC connects its engineering heritage with the high-octane world of Formula One through a unique cinematic collaboration. Apple Original Films' upcoming "F1 THE MOVIE," set for release in 2025, features Brad Pitt as Sonny Hayes, a veteran driver making a comeback. In the film, Hayes wears a specially created watch, a bespoke piece based on the historical Ingenieur SL, Ref. 1832. This prop watch, developed by IWC in partnership with Brad Pitt and Cloister Watch Company, features a distinct green dial, reflecting Hayes' signature color in the movie.

This on-screen timepiece served as the direct inspiration for a new, commercially available special edition: the IWC Ingenieur Automatic 40 Green, Reference IW328908. Launched at Watches and Wonders Geneva 2025, this model translates the movie prop's concept into the contemporary Ingenieur Automatic 40 platform. It’s a limited run, with only 1000 pieces being produced worldwide, immediately marking it as a collectible item for enthusiasts of both IWC and motorsport cinema.

The most striking feature of the IW328908 is undoubtedly its dial. Presented in a vibrant green, it immediately sets itself apart. This isn't just a flat green; the dial features the Ingenieur's signature "Grid" pattern. This textured finish adds depth and plays with light, creating subtle shifts in appearance depending on the viewing angle. The pattern consists of small, raised squares, providing a technical yet visually engaging backdrop for the time-telling elements, echoing perhaps the precision grid of an engineering schematic or the texture of performance materials.



Complementing the rich green dial are gold-plated appliques and hands. This specific color combination mirrors the aesthetic worn by the character Sonny Hayes in the film. The applied hour markers are baton-shaped, coated in gold, and filled with Super-LumiNova®, a phosphorescent material. The hands, also gold-plated, share this luminous treatment. This ensures excellent legibility, not just in broad daylight where the contrast between gold and green pops, but also in low-light conditions where the stored light energy makes the markers and hands glow clearly.

The case of the Ingenieur Automatic 40 Green maintains the modern Ingenieur's dimensions and Genta-inspired lines. Crafted from stainless steel, it measures a versatile 40.0 mm in diameter, hitting a sweet spot that appeals to a wide range of wrist sizes. The case height is a relatively moderate 10.8 mm, allowing it to slip under cuffs while still possessing a substantial presence. The finishing appears to be predominantly brushed on the flat surfaces, emphasizing the tool-watch origins, with polished chamfers and accents adding a touch of refinement.

A defining visual signature of the Ingenieur is its bezel. On the IW328908, this takes the form of a round, brushed stainless steel bezel secured to the case ring by five prominent, functional screws. These screws are not merely decorative; they are integral to the case construction. Their placement and functional nature are direct call-backs to the Genta design language, providing a distinct visual anchor and reinforcing the watch's engineered aesthetic. The circular bezel contrasts nicely with the slight cushion shape of the case middle.

Seamlessly flowing from the case is the integrated stainless steel bracelet. This style, where the bracelet appears as a direct continuation of the case lines rather than a separate attachment, is fundamental to the Ingenieur's design identity. The bracelet features H-shaped links with polished center links, creating a dynamic interplay of finishes that mirrors the case. It's designed for ergonomic comfort and attaches securely via its middle links. The bracelet culminates in a butterfly folding clasp, which provides a secure closure and a neat, almost uninterrupted look on the underside of the wrist. The specified strap width where it meets the case is 14.0 mm, though the bracelet itself tapers for comfort.



Powering this special edition Ingenieur is the IWC-manufactured 32111 calibre. This is an automatic, self-winding movement, meaning it harnesses the wearer's natural motion to wind the mainspring. Visible advancements in IWC's movement technology are evident here, particularly in the power reserve. The 32111 calibre boasts an impressive 120 hours of power reserve, equivalent to five full days. This extended duration is highly practical, allowing the owner to take the watch off for a weekend and find it still running on Monday morning.

The movement operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (VPH), or 4 Hz. This beat rate is standard for modern mechanical watches, contributing to the smooth sweep of the central seconds hand and ensuring good timekeeping accuracy. The calibre is constructed with 163 components and incorporates 21 jewels, which serve as low-friction bearings for rotating parts, enhancing durability and efficiency. Although hidden behind a solid case back, the movement features Côtes de Genève decoration, a traditional pattern of parallel stripes applied to movement bridges, indicative of quality finishing.

True to its heritage, the Ingenieur Automatic 40 Green incorporates protection against magnetic fields. This is achieved through the use of a soft-iron inner case that surrounds the movement. Soft iron is highly permeable to magnetic fields, effectively channeling them around the delicate movement components rather than letting them pass through. This shields the balance spring and escapement – the parts most susceptible to magnetization – preserving the watch's accuracy when exposed to everyday magnetic sources like smartphones, laptops, and speakers.

Protecting the detailed dial is a convex sapphire crystal. Sapphire is favored in quality watchmaking for its exceptional scratch resistance, second only to diamond. The crystal on the IW328908 is also treated with an anti-reflective coating on both sides. This coating significantly reduces glare and reflections, ensuring maximum clarity and legibility of the dial from various angles and under different lighting conditions. The convex shape adds a subtle vintage cue and contributes to the watch's overall profile.



Practicality extends to the watch's water resistance. The Ingenieur Automatic 40 Green is rated water-resistant to 10 bar, which is equivalent to approximately 100 meters or 330 feet. This level of resistance, aided by the screw-in crown, makes the watch suitable for swimming and snorkeling, though not for scuba diving. It ensures peace of mind during daily wear, protecting the movement from splashes, rain, and accidental immersion.

Other functional features include a date display, neatly integrated into the dial at the 3 o'clock position. The date aperture is typically framed, providing easy readability. The watch also features a central hacking seconds function. This means that when the crown is pulled out to the time-setting position, the seconds hand stops completely. This allows for precise synchronization of the watch to a reference time source. Additionally, IWC specifies that the glass is secured against displacement by a drop in air pressure, a feature originally developed for pilot's watches but speaks to the robust overall construction.

Visually, the watch presents a compelling blend of technical design and eye-catching color. The stainless steel case and bracelet provide a cool, metallic frame for the vibrant green dial. The grid pattern adds texture that prevents the dial from looking flat, while the gold hands and markers introduce a warm, contrasting element. The five bezel screws serve as strong focal points, asserting the watch's engineered character. The integrated design creates a unified, flowing shape from case to bracelet, enhancing its presence on the wrist as a cohesive object.

This model will likely appeal to several groups. Existing fans of the IWC Ingenieur, particularly those who appreciate the Genta design lineage, will find the classic form appealing. The connection to the upcoming Formula One movie starring Brad Pitt adds another layer of interest for motorsport fans and movie buffs. Furthermore, the unique green and gold color scheme offers a bold alternative to the more common black, blue, or silver dials found in the standard Ingenieur Automatic 40 range, attracting those looking for a statement piece.



"F1 THE MOVIE" adds a narrative dimension. Directed by Joseph Kosinski (known for "Top Gun: Maverick") and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and Lewis Hamilton, among others, the film aims for authenticity, using real race cars and Grand Prix locations. The inclusion of an IWC Ingenieur, specifically a green-dialed variant inspired by the historical SL model, ties the watch directly to this ambitious production and the world of elite motorsport it portrays.

The IWC Ingenieur Automatic 40 Green (Ref. IW328908) is priced at $12,900 USD. As a special edition limited to just 1000 pieces, acquiring one will depend on availability through IWC boutiques and authorized dealers. Given the limited nature and the connection to the highly anticipated film, prospective buyers should anticipate strong interest upon its release.

Case: Stainless steel case, 40.0 mm diameter, 10.8 mm height. Features include a screw-in crown, soft-iron inner case for magnetic field protection, and a convex sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both sides. Water resistance is rated at 10.0 bar. The glass is secured against displacement by drops in air pressure.

Movement: IWC-manufactured 32111 Calibre, automatic winding. Provides a 120-hour power reserve and operates at a frequency of 28,800 VPH (4 Hz). Composed of 163 components and 21 jewels, with Côtes de Genève decoration. Includes a central hacking seconds function.

Dial: Green "Grid"-patterned dial with gold-plated appliques and gold-plated hands. Hands and markers are filled with Super-LumiNova for legibility. Features a date display.

Strap: Integrated stainless steel bracelet with a butterfly folding clasp. The strap width where it connects to the case is 14.0 mm.

Price: $12,900

Reference Number: IW328908

Notes: This is a special edition limited to 1000 pieces worldwide. It draws inspiration from the bespoke watch worn by the character Sonny Hayes, portrayed by Brad Pitt, in Apple Original Film’s upcoming "F1 THE MOVIE".