IWC Ingenieur

Since the 50s, the IWC Ingenieur is one of the most popular models of the Swiss watch manufacturer. Initially represented by two models, various versions are now offered for different purposes. Common to all models is a timelessly classic case that is pleasantly large but not ostentatious. The cases are pleasantly flat compared to other models from the upscale segment. Thus, the watches can be worn under shirts and jackets without any problems. IWC's Ingenieur models are available in various material combinations. This ranges from stainless steel cases for the standard models to rose gold cases for upscale models. In some cases, the undersides are made of crystal glass, through which the mechanics of the watches are visible.

New requirements for a new age

Nowadays, watches have to meet a wide range of requirements. As many functions as possible should be available in a small case, but the watch should also be light and attractively designed. One can sometimes get the impression that a watch is designed more for appearance than for accuracy. The Ingenieur models from IWC are designed for just this accuracy. After all, the IWC Ingenieur was developed on the premise that electronic fields have no influence on the mechanics of the watch. Perhaps IWC's watchmakers had prophetic powers when they launched the first generation of the Ingenieur in the 1950s. For the time, the watch was quite unspectacular and limited to the usual. Nevertheless, the Ingenieur was a revolution for the time. This revolution was the design, where magnetic fields no longer affected the accuracy of the watch. Today, you might smile about it, but in the 1950s, magnetic fields were hardly an issue. Smartphones were still a long way off and other electrical devices were not yet widespread. That's why watchmakers didn't think it was necessary to shield their creations specifically against magnetic fields. However, the engineering profession depended on watches that were very accurate and not affected by magnetic fields.

The origin of the Ingenieur and today's models

The original Ingenieur was created by Albert Pellaton, IWC's technical director in the 40s and 50s. However, the appearance of today's models dates back to Gerald Genta, who completely overhauled the look of the watch in the 1970s. The multi-part cases of the watches remain round, but take on a tonneau shape. Different movements are used in the watches. The standard Ingenieur gets the cal. 79350, the large Ingenieur Chronograph gets the cal. 89360 movement. Special models of the luxury watch like the "Vintage Collection" or "Mission Earth" are equipped with movements in cal. 80111 and cal. 80110 respectively. Almost all models of the luxury watch Ingenieur are amagnetic up to 80,000 A/m. However, this applies only to models with a solid bottom. In the models where the back is made of sapphire crystal, one accepts a reduction in resistance to magnetism. Other features of the watches are the automatic Pellaton winding with shock-absorbing spring bridge and as sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating. In addition, the watches are water resistant up to a water pressure of 12 bar. This corresponds to a water depth of 120 meters, which also allows divers to enjoy the Ingenieur. Depending on the model, the cases are made of stainless steel, white gold or red gold. Limited editions are sometimes also offered in platinum. The bracelets are made of stainless steel, rubber or alligator leather.