If you read the title of this article and immediately thought “didn’t IWC already release a blue Ingenieur when they relaunched the collection in 2023?” You are completely correct. They did. However, that original blue model is officially called aqua and it’s more of a teal blue-green tone than a pure blue. Which brings us to the watch I have here for review, the IWC Ingenieur Automatic 40 Blue.
Off rip, if you’ve been hands-on with one of IWC’s current Ingenieurs, you’ve already been hands-on with this one. The case structure and design is exactly the same with a 40mm diameter and broad, integrated bracelet design featuring a wide, flat bezel with visible screws. It’s based on Gerald Genta’s original sketches for the Ingenieur SL when he had a crack at redesigning the collection in the 1970s.
On the wrist it’s very comfortable and with a thickness of 10.8mm there’s very little trouble tucking it under a cuff if required. Though it has such a perfect blend of bold sportiness and refined class that I can’t think of many situations in which you’d want to hide it away (other than perhaps walking around some of the more notorious areas of London). A key part in the cool style of the piece is of course the dial.
It features the same grid-like pattern as its stablemates, which on the white and black editions drew comparisons to a chess board, though that description features a fundamental lack of knowledge in how chess boards works – although as a side note a black and white checkered edition would be awesome. That’s not the case here though as it’s presented in a clear and visually striking blue. It’s a classic mid-tone, not as intense as electric blue, not as pale as the sky nor as dark as navy. Or even as green as aqua. When you hear the world blue, this is the colour you think of.
Turning the watch over reveals a solid steel caseback inscribed with IWC’s full name, International Watch Company, along with Ingenieur and the watch’s water resistance rating. That rating is 100m, a solid amount for a steel sports watch with integrated bracelet giving it great specs for everyday wear.
The IWC Ingenieur Automatic 40 Blue is priced at £10,100, which is in line with the existing models as they are having their prices cut from £10,500 to £10,100. A certain part of me wishes that this launch was a bit more exciting than a colour change on the dial. It’s a bit basic. However, I also appreciate that it is a nice dial and I’ve always been a staunch defender of the idea that giving collectors more choice is only ever a good thing.
Price and Specs:
Model:
IWC
Ingenieur Automatic 40 Blue
Ref:
IW328907
Case:
40mm
diameter x 10.8mm thickness, stainless steel
Dial:
Blue
Water resistance:
100m
(10 bar)
Movement:
IWC
calibre 32111, automatic, 21 jewels, 164 parts
Frequency:
28,800
vph (4 Hz)
Power reserve:
120h
Functions:
Hours,
minutes, seconds, date, chronograph
Strap:
Beige
rubber with textile inlay and titanium pin buckle
Price:
£10,100
More details at IWC.
Oracle Time