IWC Ingenieur SL Turns 50 with Two Limited Editions

A Gérald Genta Design Revisited

Introduced in 1976 as reference 1832, the Ingenieur SL was designed by Gérald Genta at a pivotal moment for luxury sports watches with integrated bracelets. Although the model was not an immediate commercial success, its distinctive design gained recognition among collectors decades later. IWC produced just 598 examples between 1976 and 1983. The modern Ingenieur, introduced in 2023, takes up key elements of Genta’s design, including the integrated bracelet, grid-pattern dial and bezel secured by five functional screws. For the 50th anniversary, IWC brings these details together with a brushed argenté-colored dial inspired by a rare version of the original Ingenieur SL.

Two Sizes, One Distinctive Dial

The Ingenieur Automatic 40 50th Anniversary (Ref. IW328910) and Ingenieur Automatic 35 50th Anniversary (Ref. IW324909) are each limited to 1,150 pieces. Their most noticeable difference from the other current Ingenieur models is the dial. Rather than the familiar textured “Grid” pattern used across the modern collection, the anniversary editions feature a smooth, brushed argenté-colored surface. 

The dials are complemented by rhodium-plated hands and applied hour markers filled with Superluminova. IWC has also made a subtle change to the logo: the characteristic lightning bolt normally positioned beneath the “Ingenieur” name is replaced by the number 50 as a discreet reference to the anniversary. The characteristic bezel is satin-finished with polished edges and secured to the case by five screws. A domed, double-sided anti-reflective sapphire crystal protects both dials.

Both watches feature stainless-steel cases and integrated bracelets. The latter attach directly to the case through its center links, while a combination of satin-finished and polished surfaces adds definition to the design. The 40mm version has a fully satin-finished bracelet, while the center links of the 35mm model are polished. Both watches are water-resistant to 10 bar.

120 Hours of Power in the 40mm Model

The 40mm Ingenieur measures 10.8mm thick and is powered by IWC’s automatic Caliber 32111. Its bidirectional pawl-winding system provides a power reserve of 120 hours. The watch incorporates a soft-iron inner case to protect it from magnetic fields, echoing an important technical feature of the original Ingenieur SL. It comes with a closed case back.

A More Compact Version

The Ingenieur Automatic 35 50th Anniversary measures 35mm in diameter and 9.4mm in height. Inside is the IWC Caliber 47110, an automatic movement operating at 4 Hz and offering a 42-hour power reserve. Unlike the 40mm model, the 35mm version has a sapphire-crystal case back, revealing the movement’s decoration with perlage and Geneva Stripes as well as a gilded rotor. 

The Ingenieur Automatic 40 50th Anniversary is priced at $15,000, while the 35mm version retails for $12,900, with both prices excluding VAT. Both models are limited to 1,150 pieces.