I don’t know exactly when this model from the Swiss watchmaker became one of my favourites and I blame my memory for that, but it had to be either when I got more into watches and discovered the work of one of the best designers, Gérald Genta (who, among other great models, brought the Ingenieur to life), or when I actually tried some of the Ingenieur models from the ’70s to early ’90s on my wrist for the first time. Or perhaps it was in 2023, when IWC reintroduced the line in a 40mm case with on-point references to the original design.
Nevertheless, I loved the new 40mm models, but still leaned more towards the vintage ones. Everything changed this year during Watches & Wonders, when the Swiss watchmaker brought out the Ingenieur in a smaller 35mm size. And from the very first moment I tried it on, I knew I wanted to spend more time with it; to see how it fits and feels.
Sized down to 35mm, this new lineup includes two steel models, with either a white or black dial, and a third one in full rose gold. And I picked the rose gold version to spend most of the time with.
All three models are fairly straightforward re-proportionings of the 40mm version. They come with 100 meters of water resistance, a bezel with five screws, a grid-pattern dial finish, and Super-LumiNova markings. Inside is an automatic movement visible through a display caseback, with a power reserve of ‘only’ 42 hours, compared to the bigger version that comes with a 5-day power reserve. The shaped case, with its integrated construction, flows smoothly into the lugs and bracelet – an essential design element in luxury sports watches, first pioneered by Genta.
On the wrist, it gives you that vintage feeling of a smaller watch, but with a modern twist. It doesn’t feel bulky and fits just right for any occasion. I wore it running errands, throughout the day for every activity and even for a dinner event, and every single time it complemented the outfit. There was something a bit more dressier and chic about the 35mm version, compared to the 40mm. No matter if I had on the rose gold or tried the steel one.
I had a great time with this model, and to be honest, I wish I hadn’t… Why? Bear with me. Simply, because it landed straight on my ‘never-ending’ watch wish-list, right next to the vintage one (If you’re wondering what models I’m talking about, search for the ref numbers: IW3506, Jumbo IW1832).
Would I rather buy the vintage model? Probably, yes. But would I still want the 35mm right after? I’m afraid that’s also a yes. Would I change an order? Maybe so, too. You get me here, it’s a looker, no matter if it’s the steel with a white dial or the rose gold.
You can learn more about the model on the official website, or drop by the boutique here in Copenhagen and say a quick hello from me.
Becoming a watch nerd?
- How should the watch fit?
- To give you an idea of how they wear on an average wrist: mine is 18-18.5 mm in diameter (7.1-7.3 inches, size 8-8.5). And even though I primarily wear watches around 38-39mm, I’ve lately started to enjoy wearing even smaller ones.
- If you’re unsure how a watch would fit on your wrist, I always say: put it on and see how it looks and feels for you. That’s the most important part. Sometimes it helps to see it from a third-person view. Just ask someone to take a half-body photo of you wearing it. If you like it too, go for it…
- And please, don’t be afraid of smaller case sizes. After all, that was the standard for a long time. Don’t ask me why we needed to go so big for a couple of decades, but… we did. Luckily, in the past few years, we’ve started to realise that smaller watches can look just as good as the big ones. And sometimes… even better.
- IWC (International Watch Co.) – commonly known as IWC Schaffhausen was founded in 1868 by Florentine Ariosto Jones, an American engineer who aimed to combine U.S. industrial efficiency with Swiss craftsmanship in the town of Schaffhausen. The brand built its reputation on highly functional timepieces, including pilots’ watches, chronographs, and other complications, such as calendars, etc., while also working with advanced materials like ceramics or titanium.
- IWC Ingenieur – was born in the mid-50s as a watch designed for engineers working in magnetic environments (thus the name), the IWC Ingenieur is mostly known for its redesign by Gérald Genta in the 70s, using his classic sports watch concept with an integrated bracelet. Some of the most popular models came out in the late 80s and early 90s, now with the latest version released in 2023.
- Gérald Genta – was a Swiss watchmaker and artist who is known for his eponymous lines of timepieces. Throughout his career, he created some of the most iconic models in the watch world, many of which remain popular to this day. To name a few: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, IWC Ingenieur, Omega Constellation and Patek Philippe Nautilus.
- Bezel – the part of the watch case that surrounds the watch glass, serving as a protective guard and as an aesthetic frame. Rotating dive watch bezels help to track a diver’s bottom time – the total time spent underwater – a reminder to prevent divers from exceeding their diving time with limited oxygen.
- Power reserve – how long the watch can show you the time when it’s not on your wrist.
