When IWC released the Ingenieur Automatic 40 in Watches and Wonders in 2023, it returned to the classic “70s style integrated bracelet look.” Ingenieur SL Ref designed by Gérald Genta. From 1832 and 1976. These collectible vintage watches are expensive and rare, so it makes sense to have a modern alternative. Two years after our debut, we revisit the watch and see the latest blue dial version.
Avid watch fans of the early 2020s wondered when IWC would return with a moderately sized Ingenieur with integrated bracelet. After all, brands like Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Chopard and Girard-Perregaux were hugely successful with entries during this period. In 2023 at Watches and Wonders, the Schaffhausen brand answered these questions, and the Ingenieur Automatic 40 debuted in stainless steel and titanium with four dial options. Unfortunately, with them, a limited production message was born, making it difficult to buy one.
Blue Dial IWC Ingenieur Automatic 40
Fast forward to 2025. The Ingenieur Supply chain is finally catching up. This allows you to see, try and buy any of these watches at your local IWC boutique. Plus, since its debut in 2023, IWC has added a classic blue dial to its lineup, so if you’ve been waiting to handle Ingenieur directly, we recommend giving it a try. I recently had the opportunity to spend time with Ingenieur, so it’s the perfect time to share my thoughts.
First, some specifications
With a blue dial, the IWC Ingenieur is a stainless steel watch with a 40mm x 45.7mm case. It is reasonably 10.7mm thick. This watch is available only on brushed steel bracelets with push button butterfly style clasps. To support its sporty properties, Ingenew is made for everyday life with a water resistance rating of 10 bars. Additionally, there is a soft iron inner case and dial that protects movement from coercive fields.
Caliber 32111
Probably due to the soft iron inner case, Ingenieur has a solid stainless steel screw case. The look returns to the intentional intent of the original Reference 666, which began in 1955. However, inside, the powertrain is all modern. IWC chose the Calibre 32111, an automatic with a powerful power reserve of 120 hours and a frequency of 28,800VPH.
Critics have mentioned the fact that this “in-house” Valfleurier-produced movement is used in other, low-cost Richmont products, but there is no reason to complain when specs are this good. In addition to the power reserve number, the 32111 is adjusted to five positions. The bottom line means that it’s a valuable choice for Ingenieur.
Observation of the Ingenieur dial
From afar, Ingenieur may look like a relatively simple watch. But as always, the devil is in detail. The thick, multi-faceted bezel includes five small screws. These may look decorative, but are used to secure the bezel and sapphire crystals to the midcase.
When it comes to the iconic 70s integrated bracelet watch, the dial is a calling card. Ingenieur will not be disappointed with its alternating grid patterns. To make it, IWC stamps the pattern onto a soft iron dial board. After that, the dial will receive a blue PVD treatment. Rhodium applies to hands filled with Super Luminova, applied indexes, and date frames. Compared to its competitors with similar dark dials, Ingenieur’s dial is considerably brighter in the light. Overall, this watch has a high-end look that appears appropriate for this subgenre.
A sporty case with a sophisticated touch
Again, in line with the intent of the vintage counterpart tool watch, the Ingenieur Automatic 40 has a less sparkly case than a competitive set. This means that the only polished elements are the links on the edge of the case, the crown guard, the bezel and the bracelet. This look is good for my choice of clothing as it tends to go towards a more restrained look. For those looking for more pizza, the lighter dial color is probably desirable. One of the highlights that differs from the works designed by gentlemen in the 70s is the Crown Guard. At first, I wasn’t sure about this addition, but in reality I found that they helped balance the case.
On the wrist, the Ingenieur is extremely comfortable. While making a good bracelet is by no means a feat, IWC has created a slim, neatly clear, and well-finished example. It looks great on the wrist, and the flash-fit clasp is not a nuisance.
Thankfully, the slim case slides easily under the cuffs of a shirt, making this watch a natural choice for everyday wear. Overall, the wrist case size is a bit larger, but the watch hits the sweet spot for those with medium size wrists.
Final Thoughts on the Blue Dial Ingenieur Automatic 40
Let’s see if IWC will be added to the Ingenieur line when next month’s clock and wonder 2025 arrives. You’ll probably see a small edition, new material, or complications. One of these is welcome and is a natural enhancement to the collection. For now, the new Ingenieur Automatic 40 Blue dial is definitely worth checking out and adding to the stable one if you have a classically designed integrated bracelet watch on your shopping list. It took me a while to watch in the end, but I’m glad you put in effort. At 12,900 euros, the watch comes with an eight-year warranty, making it feel like a worthy rival for others on the market. Look, and I think you’ll be positively surprised.
