Watchmakers from all over the world (but mostly Switzerland) have been clamoring to debut their new timepieces at this year’s Watches & Wonders show in Geneva. However, few have had the sheer volume of releases as IWC. For this year, the luxury brand has focused heavily on the Ingenieur watch, with several new editions that are worth a look…
IWC Ingenieur Perpetual Calendar
Headlining the set is easily the Ingenieur Perpetual Calendar. Following the resurrection of the Ingenieur in 2023 as a time-date model, this is the first to add a new complication — and, boy, is it a good one. Redesigned by design legend Gérald Genta in 1976 after a couple of decades already on the market, the Ingenieur today is highly reminiscent of that version.
However, this version of the Ingenieur includes something special that was designed for IWC in 1985 by Kurt Klaus for the Da Vinci Perpetual Calendar model. The highly-precise perpetual calendar module won’t need to be corrected until the year 2100 and can be entirely adjusted via the crown. Even the moonphase indicator will only deviate by one day every 577.5 years.
Housed in a 41.6mm stainless steel case, the Ingenieur Perpetual Calendar sports the same perpetual calendar module with the in-house Calibre 82600 automatic movement, powering the trio of calendar indicators on the radiant blue dial. With 60 hours of power reserve, it’s visible through the caseback window. Finally, the watch is given an integrated stainless steel bracelet.
The Ingenieur Automatics
The rest of the new Ingenieurs feature the standard time-date model that was reissued in 2023. This includes a 40mm version in 18k gold, a 42mm version in black ceramic, a 35mm version in different case materials, and a limited-edition 40mm steel version with a green dial inspired by Brad Pitt’s character in the upcoming F1 movie.
Aside from the case sizes, case materials, and movements, these watches all feature the same design language. The 42mm black ceramic and 40mm gold have the same exact black dial, with matching cross-hatched patterns.
The black ceramic has a definite monochromatic look with even the crown, crown guards, and integrated H-link bracelet given the black zirconium oxide ceramic material. At 2mm larger than the standard 40mm revival watches, this brings even more modernization to the classic watch. It’s powered by the IWC manufacture calibre 82110 automatic movement.
With a similar IWC caliber 3211 automatic movement, the 18k gold version delivers a nice contrast between light and dark. That watch, too, gets a matching integrated bracelet in the case material. Gold was a case material with the Genta’s 1976 Ingenieur so it’s a fitting choice here.
A Smaller Option
For smaller wrists, the Ingenieur 35mm is a good choice. Available in stainless steel or 18k gold with matching bracelets, the watch is powered by the same calibre 82110 automatic as the 40mm. For the gold version, it has a gridded dial to match, while the steel option comes with either black or silver-plated gridded dials.
Also, a Watch for Movie Lovers
Bringing some serious vintage charm to this revival Ingenieur is this limited-to-1,000 version of the 40mm model with a stainless steel case, taking inspiration from Sonny Hayes (Brad Pitt) in the upcoming F1 movie, which hit theaters this June. Featuring a radiant olive green dial, the watch gets a splash of color thanks to its gold hour markers and handset. I especially love the green date window, which feels like an extra mile taken by IWC to ensure that this is a special release.
Spec Sheet
Model: Ingenieur Perpetual Calendar
Case Size: 41.6mm
Case Thickness: 13.4mm
Case Material: Stainless steel
Water Resistance: 100m
Movement: IWC Caliber 82600 automatic with Kurt Klaus perpetual calendar module
Band: Integrated steel bracelet
Limited Edition?: No
Price: $36,900
Model: Ingenieur Automatic
Case Size: 42mm, 40mm, 35mm
Case Thickness: 11.6mm,10.4mm, 9.4mm
Case Material: Black ceramic (42mm), 18k gold (40mm or 35mm), stainless steel (35mm)
Water Resistance: 100m
Movement: IWC Caliber 82110 automatic (42mm, 35mm), IWC Caliber 32111 automatic (40mm)
Band: Integrated bracelet in black ceramic, 18k gold, or stainless steel (depending on case material)
Limited Edition?: No
Price: $19,500 (42mm), $46,600 (40mm gold), $9,950 (35mm steel), $37,500 (35mm gold)
Model: Ingenieur Perpetual Calendar
Case Size: 40mm
Case Thickness: 10.4mm
Case Material: Stainless steel
Water Resistance: 100m
Movement: IWC Caliber 32111 automatic
Band: Integrated steel bracelet
Limited Edition?: Yes, 1,000
Price: $12,900
Pricing & Availability
All of the Ingenieur watches above are available now from IWC, ranging in price from $9,950 for the 35mm steel to $46,600 for the 40mm gold. Only the green-dialed automatic is a limited edition (out of 1,000).
Recap
IWC Ingenieur Automatics & Perpetual Calendar
IWC unveils new Ingenieur Automatics, including the first Perpetual Calendar complication and a prop watch from a Brad Pitt movie.
