Introduction
While the IWC Ingenieur can trace its origins as far back as 1955, the collection was revamped in a rather significant manner in the 1970s following the popularisation of stainless steel luxury sports watches. Designed by Gerald Genta himself, the new Ingenieur SL featured a slim 40mm ‘Jumbo-sized’ case that was attached to an integrated bracelet, much like Genta’s Royal Oak design. Furthermore, it even featured a bezel with four rivets, much like the Royal Oak’s exposed screws. Designed in 1974 and launched in 1976, the Ingenieur SL was discontinued in 1983 after a 7 year production run. Having sold only 598 examples, the Ingenieur SL was largely seen as a commercial failure, which has inevitably allowed it to become a cult classic within IWC’s catalog and across IWC’s collector circles thanks to its rarity and obscure place within IWC’s heritage. While it might not have boosted the company’s performance, it certainly did lead to subsequent variants that were more successful, and the recent re-issue. Powered by the IWC’s in-house automatic cal. 8541B movement, the ref. 1832 combines Genta’s signature design language with the obscurity of a low production run and an iconic watchmaker in IWC to result in a niche of vintage horology that is a pleasure to experience and a treasure to own.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
V 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Original Box and Papers, Receipts, Service Guarantee
Est. value range
$10,000 – $20,000
The Details
Brand
IWC
Dimensions
40mm
Model
Ingenieur
Movement
Automatic cal. 8541B
Reference
1832
Bracelet
Stainless steel bracelet
Year
Circa 1980
Condition
Excellent
Material
Stainless ssteel
Included
Watch, box, papers, service receipts and invoice
Dial Color
Black (Luminova Service Dial)

THE DIAL
Sporting a stunning jet-black dial, this ref. 1832's display features a subtle cross-hatched pattern that became a signature part of the original Ingenieur SL's aesthetic.

THE CONSTRUCTION
Designed by Genta in between designing the Royal Oak and Nautilus, the Ingenieur's construction features tenets of both of their designs with its exposed screws along its bezel like the Royal Oak and its H-shaped bracelet links being punctuated by oval-shaped center like the Nautilus.

TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Condition
Watch is in excellent overall condition. Case shows some surface wear, but was restored at IWC in the past. The full revision included a new service luminova dial and hand set. There are superficial scratches visible along the case surface and a few tiny marks on the bezel edge. Caseback retains the original serial number and has some light scratches aroun the edge. The bracelet is fitted wtih 12 links total, 3 of which are removable. it currently fits an approx 7 1/2" wrist and comes with 2 additional links. Bracelet shows light stretch. The watch comes with original box and papers, sales receipt, service paperwork.
Our Perspective
An icon from Gerald Genta's portfolio, the Ingenieur is amongst IWC's most sought-after vintage models and rightfully so. However, while its construction fits in with today's ideals, at the time of its launch it was still an extremely avant-garde design that few brands dared to explore.