IWC Schaffhausen adds another classic colour to the Ingenieur Automatic 40 collection, making the signature checkered dial stand out even more beautifully!
IWC Schaffhausen is bringing, most likely, the last update to the Ingenieur collection this year with a new blue dial variant for the Automatic 40 timepiece. IWC Schaffhausen currently has a variety of colours available in the Ingenieur Automatic 40 collection; however, adding the blue dial variant finishes off the three standard colour offerings of black, white and blue dials. In addition to these colours, IWC Schaffhausen also offers a beautiful and unique aqua dial and a grey dial.
The all-new IWC Schaffhausen Ingenieur Automatic 40 Blue Dial
The IWC Schaffhausen Ingenieur has quite the heritage too. For those new to the world of horology, the Ingenieur represented a shift in watchmaking for the luxury Swiss watchmaker when it was first released in 1955. IWC Schaffhausen introduced the Ingenieur as a response to the increasing magnetic fields in everyday life, particularly in professional environments. To combat this, The Ingenieur featured an anti-magnetic soft iron inner cage, which protected the movement from magnetic interference. This was a crucial innovation especially for engineers and scientists, now allowing them to wear timepieces in their professional environment.
Unlike most heritage lines in the world of watchmaking, the original design of the Ingenieur didn’t carry through the ages. In 1976, the Ingenieur collection went through a major update and facelift. The famous watch designer Gerald Genta took hold of the Ingenieur and gave it his magic touch, just like he had done with the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak a couple of years prior. When you look at the two designs, you will certainly see similarities between the Royal Oak and the Ingenieur, from the tonneau-shaped case to the bezel with screws design to the integrated bracelet. From this point forward, both these models will go on to be iconic in the world of horology and become signature timepieces for both brands.
Related Reading: Masters of Time: The IWC Journey Through the Ages
This latest version of the IWC Schaffhausen Ingenieur Automatic 40 (Ref. IW328907) comes with a 40mm case, bezel and integrated H-link bracelet that is all made from stainless steel. IWC Schaffhausen have re-engineered the case to be more ergonomic to ensure excellent wearability. To enhance the visual aesthetics of the timepiece, IWC Schaffhausen has given the Ingenieur Automatic 40 multiple different finishes.
The bezel itself features a brushed finish on the surface, while the side profile has a polished finish. The case then features vertical brushed finishing (in the opposite direction to the bezel), and like the bezel, the chamfered edges have a polished finish. Finally, the bracelet follows suit, with the surface being a vertical brushed finish to match the case, while the chamfered edges are polished. This ultimately creates a timepiece that plays beautifully with light. The varied finishing of brushed to polish also lets the polished surfaces stand out more, creating an elegant timepiece.
The dial of this latest Ingenieur Automatic 40 keeps the signature and characteristic “grid” structure dial, which consists of small lines and squares stamped into a soft iron base using high pressure. Afterwards, IWC Schaffhausen applies this gorgeous new blue colour with a PVD coating. The rhodium-plated baton hands and the applied metal marker are all filled with Super-LumiNova® luminescent mass to ensure perfect legibility in all lighting conditions.
The engine inside powering this new Ingenieur Automatic 40 is the IWC-manufactured 32111 calibre movement. This self-winding automatic movement features an efficient double-pawl winding system. What is a double-pawl winding system, you may ask? Well, simply put, it’s a system that uses two pawls (levers) instead of one to engage with the ratchet wheel or similar. This effectively ensures a smoother operation and increases reliability since both pawls/levers can contribute to winding the mainspring. The 32111 calibre movement with this system can offer up to 5 days (120 hours) of power reserve.
Final Thoughts
If you are after a more “affordable” dress watch that has the looks, mechanical prowess and a rich history, then the IWC Schaffhausen Ingenieur Automatic 40 is an ideal candidate. The timepiece fits well on the wrist thanks to the integrated H-link bracelet. The design is also iconic; the true work of Gerald Genta is still kept intact after almost 50 years, bar resizing of the timepiece to suit modern standards. If you want a full hands-on review of this model besides the dial colour change, Mario has done a deep dive into the aqua-coloured IWC Schaffhausen Ingenieur Automatic 40 released during Watches & Wonders this year.
Related Reading: REVIEW: Hands On With The IWC Ingenieur
This new blue dial variant brings a classic colour that stands out beautifully. Like the aqua dial version, the blue has a sunburst finish, which gives the dial different shades of blue depending on the light angle. The rhodium-plated hands are filled with white Super-LumiNova, which not only aids in nighttime visibility but also provides a stark contrast against the blue dial during the daytime. The IWC Schaffhausen Ingenieur Automatic 40 reflects bold aesthetic codes and has high ergonomics, wearability, finishing and movement technology standards while also now finished in an attractive blue dial.
Reference: IW328907
Specifications
- Case Size: 40mm case diameter x 10.7mm thickness
- Case Material: Brushed and polished Stainless steel
- Dial: Blue with a checkerboard pattern
- Water resistance: 100m (10 Bar)
- Movement: Automatic Cal. 32111 movement
- Movement Frequency: 4Hz (28,800 VpH)
- Power reserve: 120 hours (5 days)
- Bracelet: Stainless steel with sequential butterfly folding clasp
