The New IWC Ingenieur Automatic 42 Black Ceramic (Incl. Video)

IWC staged the much-anticipated return of its Ingenieur in 2023, an iconic reference designed by the late Gérald Genta. Recovering genetic traits of Genta’s well-known 1976 Ingenieur SL Jumbo reference 1832, the present assortment was rekindled with a good-looking, totally built-in 40mm Automated in metal and titanium. The most recent Ingenieur Automated is barely bigger and wearing black ceramic from head to toe for a sharper, extra technical look. One other side that distinguishes it from the common 40mm Automatics is the incorporation of IWC’s in-house 82110 calibre.

Developed in 1955 for technical and scientific functions, the Ingenieur was water and shock-resistant and fitted with a soft-iron cage to guard the motion from magnetism. The watch’s authentic Fifties gown watch aesthetics got a radical overhaul by Gérald Genta in 1976. With its massive 40mm case, large bored bezel with 5 practical screws, sculpted built-in H-link bracelet and grid dial, Genta’s Ingenieur SL Jumbo ref. 1832 has served because the blueprint for its revival.

The brand new Ingenieur 42 is executed in black zirconium oxide ceramic, together with add-on elements just like the crown and the crown guards. As talked about, the case is 2mm bigger, and its 11.6mm thickness is above the 10mm top of the ‘common’ Ingenieurs. Nevertheless, being black visually attenuates the size. The three-part ceramic case development – case ring, bezel and caseback – required a number of diversifications to make sure the proportions and angles of the watch have been revered whereas making certain structural integrity.

For the reason that bezel and caseback are secured to the case ring with practical screws, a titanium ring was wanted inside. The ring holds the screws, back and front, and the motion, whereas contributing to the 100m water-resistance. As an alternative of being held by the titanium ring, the sapphire crystals over the dial and caseback are pressed straight into the ceramic elements.

Zirconium oxide ceramic has a hardness of about 1,300 Vickers and may solely be processed with supplies as laborious or more durable, akin to diamond-tipped instruments. Replicating the brushed and polished finishings of the Ingenieur is not any imply feat. The parts of the case and bracelet have been satin-brushed after which sandblasted to acquire a easy really feel, contrasting with the polished bevels. The signature grid dial is recreated in black with alternating blocks of strains and squares. Pursing the monochromatic scheme, the fingers and utilized indices are additionally black however handled with Tremendous-LumiNova. At 3 o’clock is the date window aperture with a black background and white numerals, and the historic lightning bolt brand seems at 6 o’clock.

The watch is powered by IWC’s computerized manufacture Calibre 82110. A step up from commonplace outsourced engines, the motion options the model’s Pellaton winding system, beats at 4Hz and delivers a strong 60-hour energy reserve. The worth of the brand new Ingenieur Automated 42 in black ceramic is EUR 21,500.

For extra info, please go to Iwc.com.