IWC Schaffhausen celebrates the return of an icon: the Ingenieur Automatic 40 in blue
By The Time Place Magazine
Delving into niche markets takes both bravery and experimentation, be it in life or in the field of luxury watchmaking. For one renowned haute horologist, however, bravery comes like second nature and this time it has returned with a new face.
When many watch brands were focused on refining their craft in the mid 20th century, IWC Schaffhausen took a bold step to develop its first Ingenieur watch, which at that time was direly needed by professionals who were frequently in the presence of magnetic fields. Since its first unveiling in 1955, the Ingenieur collection has grown rapidly with its most recent addition being the Ingenieur Automatic 40 in blue.
Equipped with the IWC-manufactured 32111 calibre, the robust Ingenieur Automatic 40 beats at a 4 Hz frequency. Though its appearance may exude effortless luxury, its movement is anything but, what with the groundbreaking technology used. The exemplary Ingenieur Automatic 40 has a remarkable 120-hour power reserve, making it a competitive timepiece in the world of watchmaking. True to its origins, the timepiece is just as niche as its original design. In the case of the new Ingenieur Automatic 40, its unyielding inner case is made of soft-iron, thus protecting it against magnetic disturbances that may hamper with its mechanics.
Clad in a stunning cool-toned persona, the reinvented wristwatch has a sleek and versatile charm fit for business or everyday use. The once nearly monochromatic timepiece now boasts a beautiful blue dial that is nestled in a stainless steel case. Though the 40 mm timepiece is slim in its entirety, the thick bezel featuring five polygonal screws appears to add both structure and weight to the timepiece. Additionally, the wide polished and satin-finished integrated bracelet also seamlessly blends with the main body and contributes to the versatility of the new Ingenieur Automatic 40.
Departing from conventional finishes, IWC Schaffhausen adds character to the timepiece by embellishing its dial with an intricate “grid” motif. The alternating horizontal lines and minute squares were first stamped onto its iron foundation before the blue PVD lacquer was painted on top of it. Just outside of the intricate motif is a slim border that also displays the small hour/minute markers. With such an intricate geometric dial as its backdrop, it was only natural for the haute horologist to complement the model with minimalist décor.
Laid atop of the Ingenieur Automatic 40 are stainless steel hour appliques, the centre of which are made of SuperLuminova. Except for the double-barred 12 o’clock mark, all of its hour appliques are indicated by a single bar. As for its other details, the haute horologist uses a similarly bold shape for its rhodium-plated hour and minute hands, and a lither silhouette for the seconds hand. The simplicity of its design even extends to the delicate date window that can be spotted at the 3 o’clock mark.
In addition to the anti-magnetic properties of the Ingenieur, IWC Schaffhausen has made many breakthroughs in the field of luxury watchmaking since its establishment in 1868. With remarkable dexterity, the powerhouse has crafted treasured collections ranging from the Portugieser to the Pilot’s Watches. Among its numerous achievements, the haute horologist’s forte lies in its ability to engineer formidable yet user-friendly novelties whilst still upholding respectable values. Aside from its commitment to the ethical sourcing of its materials, IWC Schaffhausen has also joined hands with organisations to lend valuable support for children and the younger generation.
