Revisiting The IWC Ingenieur Automatic 40 With A Blue Dial
When IWC released the Ingenieur Automatic 40 at Watches and Wonders in 2023, it was a return to the classic ’70s-style integrated-bracelet look. It draws heavily upon the Gérald Genta-designed Ingenieur SL ref. 1832 from 1976. These collectible vintage watches are expensive and rare, so having a modern alternative makes sense. Two years after the debut, we revisit the watch and look at the latest blue-dial version.
Keen watch fans in the early 2020s wondered when IWC would return with a moderately sized Ingenieur with an integrated bracelet. After all, brands including Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Chopard, and Girard-Perregaux had great success with their entries during this period. In 2023 at Watches and Wonders, the brand from Schaffhausen answered those questions, and the Ingenieur Automatic 40 debuted in stainless steel and titanium with four dial options. Unfortunately, along with them came messages of limited production, which made buying one challenging.
The blue-dial IWC Ingenieur Automatic 40
Let’s fast-forward to 2025, and the Ingenieur supply chain has finally caught up. This means it’s now possible to see, try on, and buy one of these watches at a local IWC boutique. Plus, since the 2023 debut, IWC has added a classic blue dial to the lineup, so if you’ve been waiting to handle an Ingenieur in person, I suggest you give it a try. I recently had the opportunity to spend some time with an Ingenieur, so it’s the perfect time to share my thoughts.
First, some specs
The IWC Ingenieur with a blue dial is a stainless steel watch with a 40mm by 45.7mm case. It has a reasonable 10.7mm thickness. The watch comes exclusively on a brushed steel bracelet with a push-button butterfly-style clasp. In support of its sporty nature, the Ingenieur is made for everyday life with a 10-bar water resistance rating. Furthermore, it has a soft iron inner case and dial, shielding the movement from antimagnetic fields.
Caliber 32111
Perhaps due to the soft iron inner case, the Ingenieur has a solid stainless steel screw-in case back. The look harks back to the purposeful intent of the original reference 666 launched in 1955. Inside, though, the powertrain is all modern. IWC chose its caliber 32111, an automatic with a beefy 120-hour power reserve and a frequency of 28,800vph.
Critics mention the fact that this “in-house” ValFleurier-produced movement is used in other, less costly Richemont products, but I don’t see a reason to complain when the specs are this good. In addition to the power reserve numbers, the 32111 is adjusted to five positions. The bottom line is that it’s a worthy choice for the Ingenieur.
Ingenieur dial observations
From a distance, the Ingenieur may seem like a relatively simple watch. However, as always, the devil is in the details. The thick, multi-surface bezel contains five small screws. These may look decorative, but they’re used to fasten the bezel and sapphire crystal to the mid-case.
When it comes to iconic ’70s integrated-bracelet watches, the dials are a calling card. The Ingenieur doesn’t disappoint with its alternating grid pattern. To make it, IWC stamps the pattern into the soft iron dial substrate. Then, the dial undergoes a blue PVD treatment. Rhodium is applied to the Super-LumiNova-filled hands, applied indexes, and date frame. Compared to similar dark-dialed competitors, the Ingenieur’s dial brightens considerably in the light. Overall, the watch has a high-end look that seems appropriate in this sub-genre.
A sporty case with polished touches
Once again, in keeping with the tool-watch intent of its vintage counterpart, the Ingenieur Automatic 40 has a less blingy case than the competitive set. This means that the only polished elements are the edges of the case, crown guards, bezel, and bracelet links. I find this look works better for my clothing choices as I tend toward a more restrained appearance. For those looking for more pizzazz, perhaps a lighter dial color is preferable. One detail of note that is different from the ’70s Genta-designed piece is the crown guards. At first, I wasn’t sure about this addition, but in person, I found they helped balance the case.
On the wrist, the Ingenieur is seriously comfortable. Making a good bracelet is no mean feat, but IWC has created a slim, nicely articulating, and well-finished example. It looks great on the wrist, and the flush-fitting clasp doesn’t feel annoying.
Thankfully, the slim case makes this watch a natural choice for everyday wear since it easily slides under a shirt cuff. All in all, while the case size is a bit large on my wrist, the watch will hit the sweet spot for those with a medium-sized wrist.
Final thoughts on the blue-dial Ingenieur Automatic 40
With Watches and Wonders 2025 coming next month, let’s see if IWC adds to the Ingenieur line. Perhaps we’ll see a smaller edition, new materials, or complications. Any of these would be welcome and natural enhancements to the collection. For now, the new Ingenieur Automatic 40 blue dial is worth checking out and adding to the stable if a classically designed integrated bracelet watch is on the shopping list. It took me some time to finally see one, but I’m glad I made the effort. At €12,900, the watch comes with an eight(!)-year warranty and feels like a worthy rival to others on the market. Have a look, and I think you’ll be positively surprised.
