IWC
Ingenieur 2005

Introduction:

The IWC Ingenieur, often affectionately referred to as "Inge" by watch enthusiasts, is a watch that needs no introduction. It is one of the most coveted models across all brands and has been a flagship model for the Schaffhausen manufactory for more than 50 years.
It is one of my personal all-time favorites. It represents the spirit of IWC like few other watches; an almost "teutonic" character and several technical highlights set it apart from any other watch in history. Any attempt to cover the whole story of the Ingenieur is futile within this article, yet it may shed a little light on the philosophy behind IWC's latest addition to have a look at its pedigree.

Over time, the model line underwent several changes. The case design slightly changed and of course the movements in use always represented the best IWC´s workshops had to offer, from the first cal. 85 automatic movement to the last iteration cal. 8541 with date.

Flashback: 1976

IWC Ingenieur  reference 1832, 1975/76

The classic round variants were in production for almost twenty years with great success, when in 1975, at the zenith of the quartz crisis, IWC presented the first completely redesigned successor named "Ingenieur SL" (SL referring to "steel line", a trend towards luxurious sports watches since mid 1970´s) .  The large and very unusual timepiece, designed by the famous Gerald Genta, still came with an IWC movement (cal. 8451), IWC´s ingenious shock protection and the antimagnetic shielding the predecessors were so well known for.  case construction IWC reference 1832 But this large watch, measuring 40x38mm in diameter and 14mm in height, was much ahead of it´s time in terms of design and philosophy. And so was the exceptional execution: just to name one detail, the bracelet of IWC´s reference 1832 was forged of solid blocks of steel. While this unusual and elaborate production method resulted in a heavy (145 gramms for the steel version, about 285 gramms for the gold variant) and particularly robust piece, it had it´s price. And this was rather steep, well on par with solid gold watches by other makers. This may partially explain why the demand was such that only a little more than 500 units in steel were sold until 1982. The IWC reference 1832, sometimes called the "Fat Ingenieur" or "Jumbo", and corresponding models in two-tone or solid gold cases are among the most sought after sports watches today and highly collectible pieces. Across all variants, the total number of watches is only 932 pieces.

Flashback: 1982

IWC Ingenieur  reference 3508, 1989

Around 1982 the second iteration of IWC´s classic was introduced; this time significantly smaller in size and for the first time equipped with a movement that was not developed by IWC (cal. 3758, based on the ETA 2892). Like the predecessors the new model reference 3505, nicknamed the "Skinny SL" due to a case of 34mm diameter, incorporated an antimagnetic shielding capable to withstand 40,000 A/m. A particularly rare iteration is reference 3508, which was introduced in 1989 and tested to 500,000 A/m, making this watch probably the most antimagnetic watch ever made. Another unusual watch was introduced around 1982: IWC´s reference 5215, probably the first antimagnetic (40,000 A/m), water resistant (30m) pocket watch ever made. After cease of the small production in early 1990´s, these watches became utterly rare and much sought after collector´s items today. Other noteworthy additions to the Ingenieur line of watches are quartz models, several ladies´ models, a small number of quartz models in Titanium cases (such as references 3350/3360/4508/4550), the famous (and hard to find) 1985 references 9240 and 9245 sporting a mechanical movement with Perpetual Calendar, the 1988 reference 9533 "Ingenieur chronograph", and the 1991 reference 3805/3815 "Ingenieur Alarm Chronograph" which offered a hybrid movement with a mechanical chronograph on a quartz base with alarm function supplied by Jaeger-Lecoultre. In 1992 IWC introduced the successor; reference 3521 was of similar design and size, but this time utilizing a base movement supplied by Jaeger-LeCoultre (cal. 887/2). At the same time and for the first time in IWC´s history, all of these watches were COSC certified chronometers.

IWC discontinued production of an Ingenieur model in 2000, with only the 18K gold reference 9239 being listed as recent as 2002. Since then, the community of followers patiently awaited a successors of IWC´s flagship line, making room for probably more discussions than about any other model by any maker before. 

The wait...

The upcoming iteration was indeed much anticipated and beyond sometimes controverse discussions and speculations, it was common understanding that any new model bearing the famous "Ingenieur" inscription on the dial would need to be another milestone and stand the comparison with it´s predecessors. The bar was raised high, very high.

And so were the expectations among the community of enthusiasts: not "another IWC", but nothing less than the sports watch powered by a manufactory movement that keeps up with the spirit and merits of it´s predecessors.

This is an enormous heritage for the brand and probably a most challenging model for the development team of designers and technicians, both in a technical and an aesthetic perspective. 
Therefore it may not be surprising to learn the new Ingenieur is the result of a long-term development project that started years ago. It was not later than 1996 when Günther Blümlein, at that point CEO of IWC and one of the most important key persons in the watch industry, encouraged the development teams to reach out for a worthy successor to the then highly sought after Ingenieur models.

Fast forward: October 2004

In October 2004, IWC and AMG (a division of Mercedes-Benz) announce a partnership and the press release emphasize the focus of both makers on high tech:
"Both companies are strong in engineering and show a great passion for advancing the bounds of technology. Both companies thrive on the enthusiasm of their employees. Their deep commitment permits outstanding performances. Both engage in "precision engineering" at the highest level."
CEO of IWC Georges Kern comments: "As an engineering brand, IWC Schaffhausen has a natural affinity with the puristic performance culture that AMG pursues so successfully. We also share a sense of understatement and discrete exclusivity. IWC is not interested in outward show, but focuses on the essential nature of what is on the wrist."
Instantly rumours about a new Ingenieur spread - could it be a new version will top off the new partnership?

Fast forward: Finally, March 2005...

IWC Ingenieur Automatic
reference IW3227, as of March 2005

Here it is. The new Ingenieur family.

IWC´s new flagship is introduced in three basic references: a regular model (reference IW3227), a mid-size model (reference IW4515) and, for the first time in the Ingenieur line, a mechanical chronograph (reference IW3725). The line-up is completed by two "Edition AMG" variants with Titanium cases.

To each his own - as we will see, all of them are special.

Starting with the regular model, on first view the Ingenieur Automatic is a very modern approach.
It is a large watch representing design elements known from the reference 1832 "Jumbo" model, such as an integrated bracelet, a large bezel featuring the typical five holes and a clear legible dial. Thus it is easily identified both as an IWC Ingenieur and bearer of a real heritage, while being new and innovative at the same time. This combination is not easily achieved by every recent successor of a well known model and while the Ingenieur clearly is not a watch for everyone, personally i regard it a very successfull bridge between tradition and innvation. Therefore odds are good the design will seduce not only followers of the post-1976 Ingenieurs, particularly as large watches, such as the "Portugieser" range, are nothing new in the portfolio of IWC.

The dimensions of 42.5 mm in diameter and 14.5mm in height certainly cater the current preference for larger cases and a decidedly masculine look.
But the Ingenieur is not intentionally large only; the external qualities do speak for themselves, including a solid three-part stainless steel case with integrated IWC metal bracelet, both screw-down back and crown and a sapphire glass bearing antireflective coating on both sides.

It would not be a true IWC watch if it were not well in line with IWC´s philosophy and traditions in the field of sports watches.
And thus it is no surprise to learn the large case of course offers hidden values justifying the size, even when considering the "heart" of the new Ingenieur measures 30mm in diameter only.

Ingenieur case, reference IW3227

The new Ingenieur Automatic offers traditional key features of the Ingenieur range; first of all it is highly protected against magnetic fields, which are apt to influence the proper function and accuracy of the movement. This antimagnetic shielding is achieved by use of a soft-iron inner case, which is typical for Ingenieur models of past 50 years. Like early models of the Ingenieur range, the antimagnetic protection of the new Ingenieur Automatic does include the dial and thus forms a "Faraday cage", which guarantees protection against magnetic fields of up to 80,000 A/m (amperes per metre). This result considerably surpasses the required Swiss standards for antimagnetic watches of 4800 A/m. In addition, the case and crystal is water-resistant up to 120m depth and, much like the famous MK XI model, low pressure (which can cause displacement of the crystal in case of a drop in air pressure).

Therefore it can and should be noted the casework of the Ingenieur is unusually elaborate and almost understated, with many of the features hidden behind the solid back. It is a piece of classic Schaffhausen craftmanship and engineering. And it is a substantial piece: the weight of the new Ingenieur Automatic including the bracelet of 216 gramms does not make this a light watch.
Nonetheless, the true value is the new movement caliber 80110, representing a first for IWC and the watchmaking world in several aspects.

Inner values: IWC manufacture caliber 80110

IWC caliber 80110

The highlight of IWC´s new flagship certainly is the new manufacture made caliber 80110 automatic movement.

The new caliber 80110 does represent a major achievement for the Schaffhausen brand in many aspects. Historically, it is the first newly developed manufacture movement with less than 37mm diameter since four decades ago. And it is the latest family member in a line of movements which made IWC famous, with it´s brethren, such as the famous caliber 8541, frequently referred to as some of the technically best movements ever made.

As we will see, the new caliber 80110 does follow this tradition; but rather than being a retro-design, it offers some new and surprising solutions including the use of new materials.

On first view, IWC´s latest addition seems to be surprising similar to previous movements. This visual relation is probably not uncalled for; according to the details known so far, it is designed to be a sturdy, reliable, effective, service-friendly and long-term accurate micro-machine.
In this the new caliber 80110 follows the same principles as earlier creations by the Schaffhausen brand, which may be regarded corner stones of the brand´s fame.

The new caliber 80110 again makes use of Albert Pellaton´s ingenious invention, the famous winding system with rockers and pawls that is know from earlier movements by IWC, but recent additions like the 5000 caliber family as well. The Pellaton winding is widely regarded as a most effective and reliable bi-directional winding system; 50 years of use do speak for themselve in this regard.

IWC Pellaton winding

As we see, a key issue during development was shock protection and as we will see later, it is achieved by unique solutions. IWC claims the result to be the "definite improvement of the integrated shock-absorbing system" and the new caliber 80110 automatic movement to come with "the most effective protection against jolts and jarring".

Another familiar feature is the special shock protection by means of a flexible rotor bridge; the rotor bearing rests on a "S-shape" bridge which allows bending in case of lateral and horizontal shocks. This is achieved by mounting the rotor bridge with two attachment points only; this way, the S-shaped "arm" positioned on the opposite perimeter remains flexible. Again, this is a construction known from early IWC automatic movements and it´s proven to work exceptionally well.

IWC shock-protection rotor bridge

But the visual similarity ends on closer view.
The first major difference is, much like the case, the size of the movement. A comparison may clearify:
IWC last manufactory-made automatic caliber 8541 was measuring 12.5 ligne (28mm) in diameter and 5.9mm in height; the new caliber 80110 does exceed these dimensions, measuring 30mm in width and 7.20m in height.

And again, the additional space does not remain unused.
Apparently all parts are significantly thicker than their predecessors; an aspect usually indicating a more sturdy construction. But it would not be IWC to increase the mass only, without caring for the details; an example is the re-designed rotor, which now is crafted with cut-out sections that increase flexibility in case of severe horizontal shocks.

In this regard, a magic formula is Delrin®.
DuPont Delrin® acetal polyoxymethylene (POM) resins are highly versatile engineering polymers that bridge the gap between metals and ordinary plastics; a sturdy yet flexible material known of applications such as break pads for inline skates.
IWC went out of the box and placed "bumper pads" underneath the rotor; this way, the flexible rotor weight may touch the movement plate and bridges in case of extremely severe impacts on the watch case, but due to the use of the Delrin pads no harm can happen to the plates themselves.
It is an application much in the spirit of IWC; seemingly simple and most effective. It is the first application of this kind in any watch movement and promising to work extremely well; a material sturdy enough to be used as a break pad is likely to withstand the forces in a watch movement even more easily, while being flexible enough not to scratch any other parts. From my perspective this makes a perfect addition to the especially shock-protected layout of caliber 80110 and to my understanding it is an inventions that really makes a lot of sense, with some real value added for any future customer.
The only downside - hardly any owner will be able to see the new pads, as they remain invisible in the assembled movement.

As we see, IWC´s new Ingenieur Automatic comes with a stunning number of improvements and features!

Ingenieur Automatic Ref. IW3227 Features Mechanical movement Pellaton automatic winding mechanism shock-absorbing system date indicator center second with stop device Movement Calibre: 80110 Vibrations: 28,800/h Jewels: 28 Power reserve: 44h Winding: automatic Case Material: stainless steel Inner case: soft iron for protection against magnetic fields Glass: sapphire, antireflective, resistant against pressure drop Crown: screwed Water-resistant: 12 bar (120 m) Diameter: 42.5 mm Height: 14.5 mm Weight Watch and bracelet in stainless steel 216 g

And so does the second addition to the Ingenieur family, the new Ingenieur Chronograph

The Ingenieur Chronograph, named reference IW3725, comes with a variety of features descriped above, such as the antimagnetic inner shielding.
This model is powered by IWC´s caliber 79350, a highly modified movement based on the well-known Valjoux 7750 which itself is a synonym for sturdyness, accuracy and reliability.
The measurements of the Ingenieur Chronograph are almost the same as the Ingenieur Automatic; just the height is reduced by one mm, as the movement is a little thinner than IWC´s new caliber 80110. A noteworthy detail: the chronograph pushers are integrated into the case, a construction much like the Ingenieur with chronograph and alarm (and hybrid quartz-mechanical movement). It is another detail that is proven to work very well and in terms of the design, no better solution could be found.
This first automatic chronograph in the history of the Ingenieur line is promising to become a much appreciated addition.

Ingenieur Chronograph Ref. IW3725 Features Mechanical chronograph movement small second with stop device Movement Calibre: 79350 Vibrations: 28,800/h Jewels: 31 Power reserve: 44h Winding: automatic Case Material: stainless steel Inner case: soft iron for protection against magnetic fields Glass: sapphire, antireflective, resistant against pressure drop Crown: screwed Water-resistant: 12 bar (120 m) Diameter: 42.5 mm Height: 13.5 mm Weight Watch and bracelet in stainless steel 205 g

Measuring 34 mm in diameter, the Ingenieur Midsize is the smallest variant and offered in steel only.

It sports an IWC caliber 30110, which goes back to the well-tested movements based on ETA ebauches known from the post-1992 Ingenieur watches. Therefore, it is promising to work as accurate and reliable as it is expected from a classic IWC sports watch.
The Ingenieur Midsize is equipped with a silvered dial, which sets it apart from the larger models and, as IWC puts it, "radiates a discreet elegance".
It is not only promising to find enthusiasts in the male followership as the dimensions are comparable to earlier models like reference 3521, but it may find technical-minded female fans as well. In any case, it will serve both genders well!

Ingenieur Midsize Ref. IW4515 Features Mechanical movement, date indicator center second with stop device Movement Calibre: 30110 Vibrations: 28,800/h Jewels: 23 Power reserve: 42h Winding: automatic Case Material: stainless steel Glass: sapphire, antireflective, resistant against pressure drop Crown: screwed Water-resistant: 12 bar (120 m) Diameter: 34 mm Height: 10 mm Weight Watch and bracelet in stainless steel 132 g

IWC Ingenieur, Edition AMG variants

IWC´s "Edition AMG" line offers two remarkable pieces; these are the first models to represent the new partnership and focus on the use of a material well known both in watchmaking and automotive applications: Titanium.

IWC does have a leading role, as it is the first brand to ever make use of this metal for watch cases and has done so since 1980. This experience pays; the general properties of the Ingenieur AMG cases match their steel counterparts in terms of shock protection and antimagnetic features.
Yet these watches are significantly lighter, a benefit for all who enjoy a less heavy, but still dominant watch.
Another special aspect of the Ingenieur Edition AMG is the different design of the dials, which result in a decidedly sporty look with a somewhat "instrumental" appearance. The new cooperation is represented by a special engraving; it should be noted this is not a limited edition.

All other key elements and features equal the steel models, therefore the notes above apply.

Ingenieur Automatic AMG Ref. IW3227 Features Mechanical movement Pellaton automatic winding mechanism shock-absorbing system date indicator center second with stop device Movement Calibre: 80110 Vibrations: 28,800/h Jewels: 28 Power reserve: 44h Winding: automatic Case Material: titanium Inner case: soft iron for protection against magnetic fields Glass: sapphire, antireflective, resistant against pressure drop Crown: screwed Water-resistant: 12 bar (120 m) Diameter: 42.5 mm Height: 14.5 mm Weight Watch in titanium with titanium bracelet 154 g Watch in titanium with soft strap 109 g

Ingenieur Chronograph AMG Ref. IW3725 Features Mechanical chronograph movement small second with stop device Movement Calibre: 79350 Vibrations: 28,800/h Jewels: 31 Power reserve: 44h Winding: automatic Case Material: titanium Inner case: soft iron for protection against magnetic fields Glass: sapphire, antireflective, resistant against pressure drop Crown: screwed Water-resistant: 12 bar (120 m) Diameter: 42.5 mm Height: 13.5 mm Weight Watch in titanium with titanium bracelet 141 g Watch in titanium with soft strap 95 g

In the mood for IWC´s new Ingenieur family?

Over all, IWC´s new star is certainly the Ingenieur Automatic sporting the new manufactory made caliber 80110. Whether the regular steel variant or the AMG Edition, it is a timepiece that represents serious efforts in pushing the envelope in the field of antimagnetic shock-resistant sports watches.

It is most probably not a watch for everyone and neither the dimensions nor the design is intended to cater every taste; yet it is a watch every serious enthusiast should not miss to see in nature.

The Ingenieur Chronograph models certainly fill a gap in the portfolio by IWC. The dimensions of the Ingenieur Midsize are comparable with cases of preceeding models, which do work well for many owners, thus it is likely to find enthusiasts and collectors not only among those familiar with recent models.

As the chance to encounter a new Ingenieur model in nature hopefully will arise soon and more details, particularly in terms of the thorough field testing all these models underwent, will be available, it is is most likely another report based on first-hand impressions is to follow.

Yet, based on paper specs and apparent features, to me it seems IWC created a new classic and milestone.

Peter Conrad