IWC Schaffhausen is a Swiss luxury watch company that was founded in 1868 by American watchmaker Florentine Ariosto Jones. Jones was an entrepreneur who wanted to combine the traditional craftsmanship of Swiss watchmaking with the modern manufacturing techniques that were prevalent in the United States. To accomplish this, he moved to Schaffhausen, Switzerland, where he established the International Watch Company, which became known as IWC.
Ingenieur 40 Black Courtesy of IWC
Over the years,
IWC has become known for its high-quality and innovative timepieces. The company has a long history of creating watches that are both functional and beautiful. In 1936, IWC launched the first-ever pilot's watch, the Special Pilot's Watch, which became the blueprint for all pilot's watches that followed. During the 1950s and 1960s, IWC continued to innovate with the introduction of watches that were water-resistant, shock-resistant, and anti-magnetic.
The Ingenieur line was first introduced in 1955, and was designed specifically for engineers and technicians who worked in environments with high magnetic fields. The Ingenieur was the first watch to feature a soft-iron inner case that protected the movement from magnetic fields. The Ingenieur SL, Reference 1832, designed by Gérald Genta in the 1970s, brought a new design language to the line, featuring a screw-on bezel with five recesses, a dial with a special structure, and an integrated H-link bracelet. Today, the Ingenieur line is one of IWC's most iconic collections.
Ingenieur 40 Green Courtesy of IWC
IWC Schaffhausen has revived the iconic Ingenieur watch line, drawing inspiration from Gérald Genta’s legendary Ingenieur SL design from the 1970s. The brand-new Ingenieur Automatic 40 was recently unveiled at the Watches and Wonders exhibition in Geneva. The latest model retains the bold aesthetic codes of the original Ingenieur SL, Reference 1832, while incorporating state-of-the-art ergonomics, finishing, and technology.
The Ingenieur Automatic 40 comes in three stainless steel models and one in titanium. All models are equipped with the IWC-manufactured 32111 calibre, which offers a power reserve of 120 hours. Each watch features soft-iron inner cases to protect the movements from magnetic fields and is water-resistant to 10 bar, making them versatile sports watches for modern times.
One of the most noticeable design features of the Ingenieur is its round bezel, secured to the casing ring with five polygonal screws. Machined from a solid piece of metal, the bezel is exquisitely finished by hand with polished and satin-finished surfaces. The bezel and the dial, with its unique structure, make the Ingenieur a true eye-catcher.
IWC is well-known for its expertise in magnetic field protection, and the Ingenieur Automatic 40 is no exception. The soft-iron inner case, which conducts magnetic field lines around the movement and prevents them from reaching the sensitive components inside, has been a signature feature of the Ingenieur line since 1955.
Ingenieur 40 Titanium Courtesy of IWC
Gérald Genta was the designer behind the iconic Ingenieur SL, which IWC commissioned in the 1970s to redesign the Ingenieur line. The Ingenieur SL, Reference 1832, was launched in 1976 and featured a screw-on bezel with five recesses, a dial with a unique structure, and an integrated H-link bracelet. These aesthetic codes continue to shape the history of the IWC Ingenieur to this day.
In conclusion, the Ingenieur Automatic 40 represents IWC's commitment to blending classic design with cutting-edge technology. This watch is a true testament to the brand's heritage and expertise in watchmaking. Whether you're a professional athlete or simply a lover of elegant and reliable timepieces, the Ingenieur Automatic 40 is sure to impress.