What is the power of the IWC Ingenieur Automatic 40? A wear review of the hotly talked about watch that has excited watch fans!

A hands-on review of the green dial model of the IWC Ingenieur Automatic 40. Not only does it inherit the characteristics of the Ingenieur SL, designed by Gérald Genta, but it also boasts the same practicality as previous models, such as a five-day power reserve and high magnetic resistance, making it a highly user-friendly masterpiece.

A hands-on review of the hottest titles of 2023

　Watches & Wonders Geneva 2023, a watch festival held last year, saw many attractive new products announced by many brands, but one of the most notable news items was the relaunch of the IWC Ingenieur.

　The previous model, the Ref. 3570, which was released in 2017, abandoned the long-standing integrated bracelet case and adopted a simple round case inspired by the original Ingenieur Ref. 666, released in 1955. With a dress watch-like appearance and 12 bar water resistance, the Ref. 3570 was a versatile model suitable as an everyday watch, but I remember that there were many voices lamenting the 2017 model change, as integrated bracelet cases, so-called luxury sports watches, were in vogue at the time.

　Six years have passed since then, and now in 2023, the new Ingenieur Automatic 40 was suddenly announced, and it has brilliantly lived up to those expectations, so it's no wonder that many fans were in a frenzy. The long-awaited new Ingenieur. What does it really perform?

A captivating blue-green dial

　The checkered dial pattern is a feature of the Ingenieur SL, designed by the master Gérald Genta. While the color is officially described as "green," it has a slight bluish tint, and would be more accurately described as blue-green or teal-green. The brand logo at 12 o'clock and the Ingenieur logo at 6 o'clock are embossed and printed in white, so they don't get lost in the background pattern. Perhaps the most pleasing feature is the return of the Ingenieur logo, which disappeared with the previous model.

　The indexes are bullet-shaped with rounded edges that blend in with the circular bezel. The index at 12 o'clock is doubled, allowing you to instantly determine the orientation of the watch.

　The pencil-shaped hour and minute hands have a ridge in the center that creates a shadow when light hits them, improving visibility. The counterweight on the second hand, resembling a boat oar, gives a slightly flat impression, but any burrs have been carefully removed, giving it a satisfying texture.

　The hour and minute hands are coated with pure white luminous paint, ensuring high visibility day or night. The three hands reach the indexes and minute markers to which they should point, giving the watch a practical feel.

　The date display is located at the 3 o'clock position. A nice touch is that the date ring is finished in the same color as the dial. This maintains the balance of the neat dial, which is composed of simple elements. The date is always displayed in two digits; for example, if it is the 5th, it will be displayed as "05." This is the same specification as the previous Ref. 3570.

A return to Genta design: a case with an integrated bracelet

　The five-hole circular bezel and the integrated bracelet case are unmistakably part of the lineage of the Ingenieur SL by Gerald Genta. The crown guards are a feature of the Ref. 3239 from two generations ago, but compared to the Ref. 3239, which had a case and bracelet with sharp lines, this model has an overall rounded design that is closer to the original.

　The flat bezel has five holes. Originally, these were used to hold a tool when screwing the bezel onto the middle case, but this function was lost during the model change and they became one of the design elements that symbolizes the Ingenieur. While the Ref. 3239 had only holes, this model has screws to secure the bezel.

　The case is composed of gentle lines without using many edges. The curves are visually striking, such as the case sides that bulge to match the bezel and the curve of the top of the lugs that drop down towards the bracelet. At 10.7mm thick, it's so thin you'll forget that it contains a soft iron inner case that increases anti-magnetic properties.

　The bracelet, with its connected H-shaped links, is a design that is strongly reminiscent of the original. A polished link in the center adds a sense of contrast. The clasp is a double-opening type that opens and closes with a push button, but there is a specific order in which it must be folded, with the side with the IWC logo on top. It is best to operate it while looking at it until you get used to it.

　The links are connected by thick pins. As is common with IWC, the ease of removing the links is appealing: simply press the inner button and slide the pin sideways. Although there is no fine adjustment mechanism, it is nice that the user can easily adjust the fit around the wrist.

　This model, with its case integrated with a bracelet, has a design typical of a luxury sports watch. However, after a quick look, it seems to have a much more subdued luxury element compared to other models in the same genre from other companies. The reason for this is likely due to the satin finish that is predominant. Only the sides of the bezel, the edges of the case, and the center of the bracelet are polished, while the rest is almost entirely satin-finished. It gives off a more solid image than a flashy one.

Cal. 32111 with a power reserve of approximately 120 hours

　This model is equipped with the automatic mechanical movement Cal. 32111. This is an in-house movement developed in collaboration with Val Fleurier, a movement manufacturer that belongs to the same Richemont Group as IWC. Throughout its history, the Ingenieur has alternated between general-purpose and in-house movements, but this model marks a return to in-house production.

　Its functions are standard, with an hour, minute, second, and date display, but the use of a silicon escapement provides high magnetic resistance and a long power reserve of approximately five days. When one thinks of IWC's current simple three-hand movements, the Caliber 82000 series comes to mind, but this slim Ingenieur boasts approximately twice the power reserve and is equipped with the more compactly designed Caliber 32111, which is what made it possible. The previous Ref. IW3227 was equipped with the large and robust Caliber 80110, which required a large, thick case.

　In addition to the solid case back, this model also has a soft iron inner case encasing the movement, so if you want to see the movement, it may be difficult to do so.

　Operation is the same as with a typical three-hand movement. Unscrew the crown and leave it as is to wind the mainspring, pull it out one notch to adjust the date, and pull it out two notches to adjust the time. The crown itself is large and easy to grip, so your fingers won't get in the way of the crown guard.

Stable fit that won't disappoint

　In addition to the reduced thickness of the case itself, the thin case back also gives the watch a low center of gravity, making it feel stable on the wrist. The lack of protruding lugs and the wide end pieces of the bracelet also contribute to the improved wearing comfort. It doesn't move around even when you swing your arm around a bit.

　On the other hand, the feeling of the watch clinging to your wrist is likely to be a matter of personal preference. The thin case back increases the area that comes into contact with your skin, creating a heavy feel, almost like a board wrapped around your wrist. If you prefer a light feel that makes you forget you're wearing it, this is something you should carefully consider by trying it on.

　Visibility is also excellent. The checkered pattern shines in the light, but the Super-LumiNova-coated indexes and hands give it a strong presence, helping you to read the time accurately.

　The case and bracelet are primarily satin-finished, so even when you turn your wrist while wearing it, it doesn't reflect light as dazzlingly as other luxury sports watches. For those who want a high-quality watch that doesn't stand out too much, this model, which fits easily under the cuff and doesn't assert too much presence, is sure to be an attractive choice.

"A discreet and versatile timepiece"

　The Ingenieur SL was born in 1976, around the same time as other masterpieces that marked the dawn of luxury sports watches, such as the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak of 1972 and the Patek Philippe Nautilus of 1976. However, there is one big difference between these and the Ingenieur: the Ingenieur was originally a practical watch developed for engineers.

　This influence can be seen in the movements used up to now. While there have been models equipped with thin Jaeger-LeCoultre movements, most Ingenieur models to date have been equipped with general-purpose movements from ETA or thick, durable movements made in-house. This shows how much importance was placed on robustness and reliability compared to the Ingenieur. At one point, the high antimagnetic properties that had been its identity were abandoned and a more dynamic design was adopted, but shock resistance and water resistance still remained at a high level.

　With this background, the Ingenieur Automatic 40 can be said to be a model that remains true to its origins, combining a design befitting a practical watch with a high level of fundamental strength. The subdued polished exterior and the Cal. 32111 movement, which offers both reliability and ease of use, create a stoic character that is perfectly suited to the wrist of an engineer dedicated to research. This is evident from IWC's description of this model as a "modest and versatile timepiece."

　The new Ingenieur was announced at a time when the market enthusiasm for luxury sports watches was beginning to die down. In fact, some people have expressed the opinion that its release was a little late. However, if I were to express my personal opinion, what is important is that before it is a luxury sports watch, this model is undoubtedly a genuine "Ingenieur." I would like to congratulate it on that first and foremost.