- The new IWC Ingenieur Automatic 40 pays homage to Gérald Genta’s legendary work.
- IWC combines Genta’s bold, industrial aesthetic with ergonomic updates for today’s watch enthusiasts.
- Powered by IWC’s in-house calibre 32111, the Ingenieur boasts a 120-hour power reserve.
Few names resonate as profoundly in the world of haute horology as Gérald Genta; the legendary designer, recognised for his immeasurable contribution to contemporary watchmaking, left an indelible mark in the world of haute horlogerie with iconic pieces like the Patek Philippe Nautilus and the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, that still resonate with enthusiasts and collectors to this day.
The late great Swiss designer was considered an artist within his field – the “Picasso of watchmaking”, some say – known for defining a pivotal era in watchmaking through the 20th century and pioneering the now ubiquitous sports watch market.
Genta’s first IWC watch, released in 1976, was the Ingenieur SL Automatic Ref. 1832 – a modern retouch of one of the Swiss brand’s most popular collections. At the time, the Ingenieur was still a spectacular release, featuring a classic, understated look that was largely popular with the collectors of the time. Of course, the standout feature of the Ingenieur was its soft-iron inner case which protected the movement from magnetic fields – technology that is still used to this day.
The Swiss designer gave new life to the IWC favourite, introducing a legacy as one of the first luxury stainless steel sports watches with an integrated bracelet. Although this piece didn’t see instant success, no doubt owing to its bold, industrial look that has since earned this piece a cult-like following within the world of watchmaking – there’s something to be said about an artist not being appreciated in their own time – this piece quickly became a cornerstone of IWC’s design legacy.
Related Stories
Now, the Swiss brand pays homage to Genta’s lasting impact with the latest addition to its Ingenieur Automatic 40 line.
The IWC Ingenieur Automatic 40
The new Ingenieur Automatic 40 boasts the hallmarks of the first watch designed by Gérald Genta in the 1970s: a stainless steel case, integrated bracelet and the collection’s iconic dial pattern. Yet, whilst today’s iteration carries much of the legacy first established half a century ago, the Swiss brand has given it a contemporary glow-up, suitable for the needs of today’s watch fans.
The case is presented at that “just right” 40mm sizing, featuring the classic round bezel, adorned with five polygonal screws, which is both functional and aesthetic, ensuring the watch retains its bold character within the sports watch market.
With all IWC pieces, the devil is certainly in the details: each component of the case and bracelet has been painstakingly finished with a mix of polished and satin-brushed surfaces. IWC has also taken care to redesign the Ingenieur’s middle-link attachment, making it suitable even for slimmer wrists.
A Blue Dial That Captures the Imagination
The standout feature of this new release is, of course, the stunning blue dial, accentuated by this collection’s signature “grid” texture, which is achieved through a combination of lines small lines and squares, meticulously stamped under high pressure – a lasting tribute to Genta’s original design.
This has been treated with PVD, similar to the collection’s other releases in white, black and aqua, giving the dial an inherent vibrancy and depth with every fleeting glance. Similarly, IWC has treated the rhodium-plated hands and indices with Super-LumiNova®, guaranteeing excellent legibility even in low light.
An IWC-Manufactured Movement
Under the hood, IWC has continued to utilise the in-house manufactured calibre 32111 seen in other Ingenieur pieces: a self-winding movement equipped with a double pawl winding system that boasts a remarkable 120-hour power reserve and an effective water resistance of up to 100 metres, ensuring reliability for days on end.
Available at IWC boutiques and online, this new release is a celebration of a revered designer’s legacy – timeless, bold, and masterfully reimagined for the modern connoisseur. It’s a stunning release that has added a bold new chapter to Gérald Genta’s legendary legacy.
