The Journal
All Form und Technik: The Ingenieur Automatic 40
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DISCOVER THE TECHNOLOGY AND CONTEMPORARY DESIGN OF THE INGENIEUR AUTOMATIC 40, INSPIRED BY GERALD GENTA’S ICONIC INGENIEUR SL, REFERENCE 1832
The Ingenieur has long stood as a hallmark of innovation in luxury sports watches, with its groundbreaking design and technical advancements. Originally reimagined by Gérald Genta in the 1970s, the Ingenieur disrupted the watch industry with its bold integrated bracelet, distinctive bezel, and antimagnetic technology.
Today, the new Ingenieur Automatic 40 carries forward this legacy, refining the original design while incorporating modern features like improved ergonomics, enhanced durability, and cutting-edge movement technology. With its sophisticated blend of style, precision, and versatility, the Ingenieur Automatic 40 represents the ultimate stainless steel luxury sports watch.
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CLASSIC DESIGN, FRESH BLUE DIAL
Following the original lineup of the Ingenieur Automatic 40 in titanium and stainless steel with black, silver-plated, and aqua dials, the newest addition Ref. IW328907 features a striking blue dial. Crafted in stainless steel, the case and integrated H-link bracelet showcase polished and satin finishes. At 40mm, the re-engineered case is designed for exceptional comfort, even on smaller wrists. Its bezel, secured by five functional screws, reinforces the watch’s industrial character.
The dial’s unique grid pattern, stamped into a soft iron base and PVD-coated in blue, adds depth and texture. Rhodium-plated hands and markers with Super-LumiNova® ensure flawless readability in all light conditions. Powered by IWC’s 32111 caliber with a 120-hour power reserve, it delivers exceptional performance with timeless design. With magnetic protection, 10-bar water resistance, integrated bracelet and advanced engineering, the Ingenieur Automatic 40 makes a fully versatile sports watch.
— The Ingenieur Automatic 40 Ref. IW328907 with blue dial
— Watch components of the Ingenieur reference IW328901
BUILDING THE COLLECTION – THE FIRST THREE MODELS
The Ingenieur Automatic 40 initially debuted with three stainless steel models featuring black, silver-plated, and aqua dials, alongside a titanium version. Each case and bracelet were meticulously designed for modern ergonomics, with a lug-to-lug distance of 45.7mm and a middle-link attachment for an improved fit.
Unlike the original 1970s Ingenieur SL, the new models feature polygonal screws on the bezel, aligned consistently for a cleaner aesthetic. In contrast, the original 1970s design had five decorative recesses on the bezel, whose positions varied from watch to watch. In the new model, these five screws are functional, serving to secure the bezel to the case.
— The Ingenieur Automatic 40 Ref. IW328902 features a silver-plated dial with the distinctive “Grid” structure
— The case, bezel and integrated H-link bracelet with butterfly folding clasp are made of stainless steel
“While taking inspiration from Gérald Genta’s Ingenieur SL from the 1970s, we invested a lot of time and effort into engineering a new automatic model with perfect case proportions and ergonomics, a high level of detail and finishing, and equipped with modern movement technology. The new Ingenieur Automatic 40 is a versatile luxury sports watch for the 21st century.”
- Christoph Grainger-Herr, CEO of IWC Schaffhausen
GÉRALD GENTA’S DESIGN LEGACY
The Ingenieur owes much of its iconic status to Gérald Genta, who reimagined the watch in the 1970s. Originally launched in 1955 as an antimagnetic technical milestone in watchmaking, the Ingenieur gained a new identity under Genta’s vision. His 1976 Ingenieur SL, Reference 1832, introduced the now-classic elements: a screw-on bezel, integrated H-link bracelet, and textured dial pattern.
While initially ahead of its time, the Ingenieur SL has since become a collector’s favorite. The reissued Ingenieur Automatic 40 stays true to Genta’s design ethos, updating the signature look with modern ergonomics and precision engineering. Genta’s innovative approach to luxury sports watches continues to shape the Ingenieur’s reputation as an enduring icon of design and function.
— Gérald Genta, the visionary designer behind the Ingenieur’s iconic 1970s redesign, which transformed luxury sports watches
GENTA’S VISION, TIMELESS INTEGRITY
The Ingenieur Automatic 40 is a modern tribute to Gérald Genta’s iconic Ingenieur SL, Reference 1832. Genta’s process was pure artistry—precise, fast, and unwavering. He sketched only in actual size, crafting every detail with watercolors. Nature, architecture, and art inspired him, but he avoided looking at other people’s watches to protect his creativity. Genta’s integrity defined him; he never bent his designs to trends. The Ingenieur SL, with its bold integrated bracelet and hexagonal bezel, was a true reflection of his vision. Decades later, the Ingenieur Automatic 40 brings Genta’s genius into sharp focus, proving great design is timeless.
Learn more about the Ingenieur collection and its history.