Matt Clymo 
For Watches & Wonders 2025, The IWC Ingenieur has gone full gold in both 35mm and 40mm models, perfect for a his and hers pair!
The IWC Ingenieur is one of the most recognisable pieces from the Schaffhausen brand. It is also one of the three watches that the famed Gerald Genta designed in the 1970s, along with the Patek Philippe Nautilus and Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. It wrongly may not get as much street cred, or hype as the other two, but it is still a great watch nonetheless. With its re-release in 2023 to much anticipation, there was a renewed focus on the icon, now with more modern lines, refined for the modern-day watch enthusiast. Today, IWC has taken the Ingenieur that one step further and added a touch of 18k 5N Rose Gold to it, and in both 35mm and 40mm sizing.
These new models, like the 2023 release are based on the design codes of the Ingenieur SL, Reference 1832, which was designed by Gérald Genta in the 1970s, and has kept the dimensions and ratios of the 2023 release. The 35mm version is a slimmed-down version of the 40mm, and the designers at IWC have kept the proportions of the 40mm so it adheres to the Ingenieurs design codes, ensuring that the fit remains comfortable for those with smaller wrists, or those that want a smaller piece on their wrist.
The 40mm, like the steel models, has a comfortable fit, but you do feel the weight of the gold. Personally, a weighty gold watch has a completely different feel on the wrist to steel and somehow reminds you that you have something special on the wrist. With the right fit, the watch sits snug and the bracelet design helps to mould to the wrist. Again, even on slightly smaller wrists, the 40mm wears well.
The dial has an emblematic grid pattern, and IWC has designed this in a light gold colour to compliment the rest of the watch. The 40mm retains the black grid pattern found on the steel version, which contrasts with the gold case and bracelet extremely well. Both versions present a different look for the watch, so depending on your style and tastes, you can choose which is right for you. Each features 5N rose gold plated hands and solid 5N gold hand-applied indices filled with Super-LumiNova.
The case and bracelet finishing is what you would expect from IWC, with a combination of brushed and polished surfaces. The case is fine-brushed with polished bevels on the edges of the case and the bezel, and the bracelet follows suit with brushed links and anglage along the edges of the links. The one main difference is the 35mm has polished inner links for a more dressy look, and the 40mm has brushed inner links for a more sporty look.
Inside the IWC Ingenieur 35mm and 40mm models are the 47110 and 32111 calibres respectively. The 47110 inside the 35mm beats at 4Hz and has a 42-hour power reserve. IWC has given this model a 5N gold-plated rotor to complete the look. Inside the 40mm is the 32111, which is the newer movement found in the new steel and titanium models. It boasts a 5-day / 120-hour power reserve and a double pawl winding system to ensure greater efficiencies with the energy transfer. It, like the 35mm model features a 5N gold-plated oscillating weight that is skeletonised to showcase more of the movement off.
Initial Thoughts
Ok, so I’ll be honest and say, I do love a solid gold watch. The feel of it on the wrist is next level, and there’s something special about the feel of the gold and the weight on the wrist. The addition of the 35mm and 40mm 5N rose gold Ingenieurs to the collection is a great one I feel as it takes the Ingenieur out of the steel sports realm and puts it firmly in the luxury watch realm.
For those fans of the IWC Ingenieur who want to add that precious metal version to the collection, then these releases will surely hit the mark. They retain all the charm of the Ingenieur from the original Genta creation in the 70s and gives it an ultra-luxury look and feel for multiple wrist sizes. They do make a perfect his and hers pair if you’re that way inclined, if not, then you have two nice models to choose from to suit your style.
References: IW324903 (35mm) / IW328702 (40mm)
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 35mm x 9.4mm Thick / 40mm x 10.4mm thick
- Case: 18k 5N gold, brushed and polished
- Dial: Gold-coloured or black grid pattern dial. 5N gold-plated hands and solid 5N gold applied hour-markers with Super-LumiNova®
- Crystal: Sapphire crystal
- Case Back: 5N gold with a sapphire crystal caseback
- Movement: 35mm – IWC automatic 47110 calibre / 40mm – IWC automatic 32111 calibre. Both beating at 4hz / 28,800 Vph
- Power Reserve: 35mm – 42 hours or 40mm – 120 hours
- Water Resistance: 100 meters (10 ATM)
- Bracelet: Integrated 18-carat 5N gold bracelet with butterfly folding clasp
