Review: the New IWC Schaffhausen Ingenieur Automatic 40 with a Blue Dial

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Seems like we are chasing away the post Christmas blues with a comprehensive review of the new IWC Schaffhausen Ingenieur Automatic 40 with a Blue Dial!

Review: the New IWC Schaffhausen Ingenieur Automatic 40 with a Blue Dial

The IWC Schaffhausen Ingenieur Automatic 40 with a Blue Dial retails at SGD 16,600 including GST.

Yes, it’s the day after Christmas and certainly that burly old man in red suit didn’t come up with the gifts for me. But in a more pleasant twist, we managed to have a hands on review with the latest IWC that was just released recently. Many would be wondering, didn’t Peter reviewed this last year? Indeed he has but the essence of Deployant is for collectors and by collectors, each of us would have a different take on the watch. And this dial is new, released just in December (here is the release article). So here’s my take on the latest IWC and boy I was swooning over it like a dog in heat.

First Impression/ The Case

When IWC announced the latest Ingenieur during Watches and Wonders 2023, I literally drooled all over the Press Release photos. I have always been a fan of the Gerald Genta and IWC’s Ingenieur. It is one of the nicest and more underrated Genta watch that is available in the market. However, it wasn’t the first Ingenieur variant. The Ingenieur watch was first released in 1955 and Genta’s Ingenieur SL was only born in 1976 where the godfather of the integrated bracelet sports watch added his own flavour in it. That is the Ingenieur that inspired this current generation.

The latest iteration of the Ingenieur gives the iconic watch an updated looks and masculine vibe. The case and bracelet are both in stainless steel. Partly due to the short lugs on the case (to accommodate the integrated bracelet). The finishing of the case has the signature exposed screws on the dial, in this case 5 screws secure the round bezel to the case. The sides of the bezel are chamfered and polished, while the top carries a circular graining. 

The 40mm diameter watch fits well on my 6.25mm wrist partly due to the short lugs on the case (to accommodate the integrated bracelet).

The Dial

Continuing the language of the current range of Ingenieur, the latest blue dial features the “grid” structure – lines and squares that was “frappé” onto a soft iron base. The new blue colour-way is then coated on the dial by physical vapour deposition (PVD).

The “frappé” dial makes an interesting texture which is very attractive. The rhodium-plated baton hands and applied metal markers are all filled with Super-LumiNova® luminescent to ensure that even in the darkest night, the watch would still illuminate to tell us the time.

The movement

Powering the rhodium-plated baton hands is the IWC-Manufactured 32111 caliber. It is a self-winding automatic movement which features a double pawl winding system. The double pawl winding system is part of the IWC Pellaton winding system that was invented by IWC watch mater Albert Pellaton in the late 1940s. Basically, it features two pawls, one which pulls the wheel and the other glides over it until the roles are reversed. This winding system is beneficial to the wearer as it can use the smallest movements of the rotor in either direction to wind the mainspring to build up to a power reserve of 120 hours.

The case back is closed, and is not changed from the launch models of 2023, as shown here.

The movement is being shielded from the effects of magnetic fields by a soft-iron inner case which is also present in the original Ingeniuer SL. Though IWC does not specify the antimagnetic levels the watch is able to withstand, we think this will still be a very useful feature.

The Bracelet

Wrapping the watch around our wrist is the integrated H-link bracelet with butterfly folding clasp. Interesting clasp, me thinks. Why not the micro-adjustable deployant clasp that comes with other IWC watches. In this case, possibly to retain the handsome clean lines of original.

This H-link bracelet is comfortable around the wrist, when fitted correctly, the watch hugs the wrist like it meant to be.

Competitive Landscape

Now, at the price range of SGD 16k, the IWC Ingenieur with Blue dial isn’t exactly the cheapest integrated sports watch on the block. But it is certainly one of the most attainable Genta designed sports watch in the market. Here are some possible competitors.

First up, the Piaget Polo. The Polo is a Jorg Hysek design and it too has had a long and illustrious history with Piaget. It is a luxury sports watch that one will always associate with the rich and famous.

The second watch on our consideration list is the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. The Royal Oak is synonymous with the Gerald Genta name and is the “inventor” of a luxury sports watch genre. Ticks all the boxes, but in reality, the availability off the shelf, is often associated with a stroke of luck.

Finally, the last watch that is featured in the competitive landscape is IWC’s own Mark XX. Why? Many may ask. Well basically, the Mark XX features the same IWC caliber 32111 movement and soft-iron inner case that is on the Ingenieur. Just a totally different case style in line with the different collection line. It’s just like going into Mercedes Benz choosing between GLC63AMG or GLS63AMG. Both having the same powerplant just different body.

Concluding Thoughts

The IWC Ingenieur Automatic 40 with a blue dial is still very much a watch I would drool over. The history that it has with Gerald Genta and the gorgeous navy blue dial really hit every single soft spot for me.

However, there are some parts that perhaps it could be done better. One of which is that the anti-magnetism rating is omitted. Yes we know that there is a soft iron core protecting the movement but if it can be quantified, I am very sure they will attract more individuals who are in need of watches that withstand magnetism, or just like the idea…even as a flex. After all, competitors like those from Omega proudly wear the antimagnetic specifications on their sleeve. And indeed IWC used to certify this specification. Like in their Ingenieur Ref. 3508.

All in all, despite my little nitpicks, I feel that it will be a great for many who is looking for a one and done timepiece due to the versatile looks and the sturdiness of the watch as a whole. All in all, great job IWC Schaffhausen!

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