To accomplish this, Reference 1832 was selected as the foundation for engineering a new automatic model with perfect case proportions, ergonomics, a high level of detail and finishing, and equipped with modern technology. When IWC embarked on this project, Knoop admitted that they had no idea of the time and effort it would require. In hindsight, he states that this was likely the most complex and challenging engineering and development project he has ever undertaken during his years at IWC.
Every year, IWC Schaffhausen spotlights a particular pillar on which they focus their time and efforts. In recent years, they have highlighted the Pilot’s Watch, the Portugieser and, before that, the Portofinos and Da Vincis. This year, the IWC Ingenieur takes centre stage, with the IWC Ingenieur 40. This timepiece was inspired by Gérald Genta’s Ingenieur SL, Reference 1832, which was launched in 1976.
To provide us with insight into the collection is Christian Knoop, a trailblazer when it comes to defining the future of the IWC brand. Knoop plays a pivotal role in his pursuit of crafting state-of-the-art timepieces that set industry standards. The chief design officer says: “It was an open secret in the watch industry that we were contemplating bringing back the Ingenieur design from Gérald Genta. IWC aficionados had been speculating about this comeback for years. However, it was out of the question for us to simply issue a remake of Genta’s Ingenieur SL.”
To continue reading our premium articles,
Upgrade your subscription to as low as $8.33/month to gain unlimited access to ALL of our premium articles!
Have an account? Sign In
