The IWC Ingenieur Automatic 40 Gets a Classic Blue Dial

Born in the mid-1950s as a watch designed for people working in magnetic environments (hence its name), the IWC Ingenieur is mostly remembered in its 1976 shape when IWC released the SL Jumbo reference 1832, designed by Gerald Genta using his classic integrated luxury sports watch concept. It took some years for IWC to finally come back with a modern iteration, but in 2023, the Schaffhausen-based brand released this: the Ingenieur Automatic 40. Following a titanium version and three stainless steel editions in black, silver and aqua blue, IWC now adds a new dial colour to the collection, a classic dark blue – a.k.a the most expected tone of the category.

We’re not here to re-do the entire history of the collection or to recap all the details behind the return of the classic IWC Ingenieur. For that, you can consult our in-depth article and video here. What’s important to know is this: in 2023, IWC released the long-anticipated Ingenieur watch in its most classic shape, with an integrated bracelet and an overall design harking back to the shape once conceived by Gerald Genta in 1976 – including the screw-on bezel with five recesses, the stamped anti-magnetic dial with a unique pattern, and the integrated H-link bracelet, but with modern implementations too.

A contemporary interpretation of the SL Jumbo, the modern IWC Ingenieur Automatic 40 is housed in a barrel-shaped case with a rounded, raised bezel, which includes 5 slots (always positioned in the same place) and classic brushed surfaces adorned with polished bevels. The dimensions are modern, too, with a 40mm diameter, a compact length below 46mm and a thickness of 10.8mm (not the best on the market). It’s all pretty refined and more elaborate than the 2010 versions, for the best. There are more curves, too, yet the screw-in crown retains large guards, and the water resistance is rated at 100m. Due to antimagnetic needs, the caseback is solid steel.

The real (and only) novelty with this Ingenieur Automatic 40 reference IW328907 is the dial. Welcome dark blue to the collection, along with black, silver and aqua blue – the latter being a bit different with its polished mid-links. It retains the classic yet enlarged grid pattern of Genta’s 1976 SL Jumbo, yet now more pronounced and in negative relief. The dial is actually a stamped soft iron blank, later PVD-coated to obtain this new dark blue colour – a classic of the genre, which suits the Ingenieur rather well. Applied luminous markers and hands complete the display, with a framed date window and a double-digit disc.

No changes are to be reported on the side of the bracelet. Still nicely integrated within the whole design, it’s presented in a full-brushed version (like the black and silver models), with polished lateral bevels and a concealed butterfly clasp. The bracelet is nicely finished and comfortable – thanks to articulated first links – but we still have to report the absence of a micro-adjustment system and quick-release mechanism.

As for the mechanics, the blue IWC Ingenieur Automatic 40 is powered by the manufacture calibre 32111, a modern automatic movement with a pawl winding system sharing its architecture with other brands from the Richemont group. It beats at 4Hz and stores up to 5 days of power reserve. A soft-iron inner case shields it.

Now available from the brand and not limited, the new IWC Ingenieur Automatic 40 Blue dial reference IW328907 retails, like other steel models, for EUR 12,700, CHF 12,000 or USD 11,700. It is not revolutionising the concept, but it’s a nice addition to the collection, bringing a classic colour next to the other family members.

For more details, please visit IWC.com.