The New IWC Ingenieur Automatic 35

IWC’s Ingenieur collection has been slated for growth this year, welcoming new sizes, materials, and complications. Representing the most compact member of the family to date, the new 35mm Ingenieur is a smart move to conquer more wrist sizes in the ever-expanding unisex sector. Presented in three variants, the smallest descendants of Gérald Genta’s design for the Ingenieur uphold their heritage in style.

In 2023, IWC staged the return of a famous watch designed by Gérald Genta in 1976, the Ingenieur SL reference 1832 or Jumbo, as it came to be known because of its large 40mm case. The first Ingenieur model of 1955 was deceptively classic, with no telltale signs of the robust soft-iron cage protecting the movement from electromagnetic fields. Adopted by scientists and engineers, the demure looks of the Ingenieur were given a radical makeover by Genta, transforming it into his vision of a luxury sports watch. With its large 40mm case (to accommodate the protective case), a wide bored bezel with five functional screws, a sculpted integrated H-link bracelet and grid dial, Genta’s design is enjoying a second lease of life. First appearing in 40mm steel and titanium cases, the Ingenieur opens to the doors to smaller wrists.

Available in a luxurious 5N red gold case and bracelet with a gold-coloured dial, the new 35mm Ingenieur also comes in stainless steel cases with integrated bracelets with black or silver-plated dials. The good news is that the thickness is under 10mm, coming in at 9.44mm, slightly thinner than the 40mm Automatic.

Despite being smaller, the genetic markers are respected with the rounded bezel with five functional screws, polished to catch the light. The cases are decorated with the same finishes as the 40mm Automatic: a circular brushed bezel with brightly polished chamfers, a vertically brushed case, crown guards and bracelet links with polished bevels throughout and a fully polished central link.

The signature grid dial, consisting of alternating blocks of lines and squares in negative relief, adds dimension. Like other Ingenieurs, the indices are hand-applied to the flange and suspended over the movement. In the case of the 5N gold model, the indices are solid gold. In every variant, the indices and hour and minute hands are treated with Super-LumiNova. The framed date window at 3 o’clock has a background matching the dial colour, and the lightning bolt logo of the Ingenieur is at 6 o’clock.

Unlike the 40mm models, the caseback has a sapphire crystal, revealing the 47110 automatic calibre. The base movement is sister brand Cartier’s 1847 MC with a bespoke gold-plated rotor and a power reserve of 42 hours. The price is EUR 11,300 in steel and EUR 41,800 in gold. More information at iwc.com.