IWC Ingenieur Collector’s Guide: All 7 Eras Explained

The 1940’s and 1950’s saw several rapid advancements in science and technology, with increased numbers of professionals working in environments affected by strong magnetic fields. Scientists, engineers, and technicians in fields such as nuclear research, power generation, and aviation faced challenges with traditional mechanical watches losing accuracy or stopping altogether due to magnetic interference. Perhaps watch companies like to romanticize about these engineers using their watches more than they actually did, but alas, the IWC Ingenieur appeared in the mid-1950’s to serve that market. Ingenieur (pronounced somewhat like “in ja newer”) is German for “engineer” and that was the original target demographic. Its soft iron inner cage shielded its movement from magnetic fields of up to 1,000 gauss. Here’s our guide to the IWC Ingenieur lineup, from its origins to today.

Nowadays, the IWC Ingenieur is regarded more as a tough everyday luxury sports watch than a niche professional tool. In fact, the IWC Ingenieur lineup is arguably more famous for its ties to the legendary watch designer Gérald Genta–who designed the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and then the IWC Ingenieur SL in the 1970’s–than its antimagnetic properties. Currently IWC is on what I would call the 7th “era” of Ingenieur models, and I’ll break it down as concisely as I can. Let’s start at the beginning.

Pre-Genta IWC Ingenieur Models (1955-1976)

The saga of the IWC Ingenieur began over 20 years before Gérald Genta’s vision of it was released.

The Original IWC Ingenieur Ref. 666 (36.5mm, 1955-1967)

The original IWC Ingenieur, introduced in 1955, was the first production wristwatch to reach the market officially rated to withstand 1,000 gauss (80,000 A/m), although some Rolex Milgauss prototypes already existed by then. But watches with iron inner cages pre-dated the Milgauss and Ingenieur. IWC calls the Ingenieur “the logical further development of the Mark XI wristwatch,” which was a watch made by various suppliers (including IWC) to the spec of Britain’s Royal Air Force. The Tissot Antimagnetique came even earlier, in 1930, but that didn’t have a Faraday cage and wasn’t rated to any specific level of magnetic resistance.

The original Ingenieur came in two versions: the Ref. 666A, powered by the in-house Calibre 852 (and later 853), and the Ref. 666AD, equipped with the Calibre 8521 (and later 8531), which added a date complication. Both models featured Albert Pellaton’s innovative bi-directional winding system underneath their soft iron magnetic shields.

The ample shock resistance and 100m depth rating (60m for gold versions) of the original steel IWC Ingenieur made it a great choice for everyday wear, although at this point if you own a 666 I would keep it away from water. The just-right 36.5mm case, classy cursive logo, dauphine hands and bold yet softly curved lugs make the original IWC Ingenieur 666 one of the coolest-looking vintage watches you can find for under $4,000 today. Solid 18k gold versions will set you back closer to $8,500. Although those 18k models retain the 666 model number, 14k gold versions have steel casebacks and the 766 reference (and a price point somewhere between the steel and 18k versions). Although the steel version was offered on either a bracelet or a leather strap, the gold IWC Ingenieur 666 (and 766) only came on a strap.

IWC Ingenieur Ref. 866/9120 (37mm, 1967-1976)

The Ingenieur Ref. 866, the second generation, replaced the 666 in 1967. It retained the anti-magnetic capabilities in a slightly larger case (37mm) with improved water resistance (120m). Its lugs have more angular edges, giving it a slightly dressier appearance. Stick hands replaced the dauphine hands, and the hour markers are different: some have Arabic numerals while others have fat sticks resembling the wide boy dials that you might find on a 1970’s Rolex Datejust.

Again it was offered both with date (866AD) and without (866A), but the no-date version is far rarer. Ref. 9120, the gold case option, is rarer still.

Here’s what the back looks like, both with the caseback on and with the caseback off exposing the iron shield:

Note that in 1971, IWC changed their model numbering system, so the 866A became the 1808 while the 866AD became the 1908. There is no actual difference between the 1808 and 866A, for instance, other than year of production. The 1808 and 1908, as they were then called, were discontinued in 1976.

IWC Ingenieur SL (1976-1989)

Arguably the most significant IWC Ingenieur model is the original IWC Ingenieur SL, designed by Gérald Genta. It was first released in 1976 with either an automatic movement (ref. 1832) or quartz movement (ref. 3003) in a 40mm “Jumbo” case with an integrated “H-link” bracelet. In the 1970’s, IWC released four “SL” watches, which included the Ingenieur SL as well as the Yacht Club, Polo Club, and Golf Club. But the Ingenieur SL is the only Genta-designed IWC release. As you can see in our guide to who owns IWC, the brand was sold to a German instrument manufacturer (VDO Adolf Schindling AG) at the height of the quartz crisis in 1978, but they were wise enough not to mess with the Ingenieur SL, and it remained in production in various forms for years.

There’s a rather persistent myth that “SL” stands for “Steel Line,” but IWC confirmed with us that it actually doesn’t have an official meaning–although they do hint that they were inspired by a certain popular German sports car. The famously Genta-designed Audemars Piguet Royal Oak first hit the market in 1972, and Genta repeatedly tried (with much success) to replicate that glory with other integrated-bracelet luxury watches. Genta’s IWC Ingenieur SL debuted the same year as his Patek Philippe Nautilus (1976). Although the Jumbo size was the original form of the SL, a 34mm version was introduced later and actually lasted years longer in the lineup. Smaller ladies’ sizes were also added later, but let’s start with the classic Jumbos.

Jumbo IWC Ingenieur SL Models (40mm)

The original 40mm Ingenieur SL was released simultaneously in quartz and automatic form. With robust shock resistance and a 120m depth rating, the Jumbo is a true luxury sports watch, clearly in the vein of the Royal Oak. The black checkerboard dial is most common, but a pleasant brushed silver-plated dial was also an option.

Jumbo Automatic Ref. 1832/9232 (1976-1984)

The automatic IWC Ingenieur SL Jumbo (ref. 1832) was given the IWC Caliber 8541ES movement which still had the Pellaton winding system. According to Marco Schönenberger’s excellent guide, only 543 were made. The gold equivalent of the 1832, ref. 9232, was only made in 55 examples from 1977-1979.

Jumbo Quartz Ref. 3003/9503 (1976-1984)

The 40mm IWC Ingenieur SL ref. 3003 is known as the original “Jumbo Quartz” among collectors. It looks just like the automatic version, except for the word “Quartz” on the dial. As quartz movements grew smaller, the even thinner 3303 eventually replaced the 3003. It is believed that only 335 Jumbo Quartz models were made, including an unspecified amount of two-tone models made from about 1976-1979. The original automatic Jumbo SL was never made in two-tone.

Powering the Jumbo Quartz is the IWC Caliber 2405 based on the ESA 940.011. The IWC Ingenieur Jumbo Quartz ref. 3003 is hard to find, but the solid gold version (9503) is extremely rare.

Skinny Ingenieur SL Models (34mm)

More sizes of the IWC Ingenieur SL appeared in 1980, including a 34mm “Skinny” model–the size that would last longest in the lineup before getting discontinued. The first Skinny models have a magnetic resistance rating of 40,000 A/m (approximately 500 Gauss), which is half that of the original Jumbos, but they have the same depth ratings (120m in steel, 60m in gold).

Skinny Quartz Ref. 3305 (1980-1984)

The first 34mm model was the so-called IWC Ingenieur “Skinny Quartz” ref. 3305, which appeared in 1980. It looks good in either steel or two-tone. It’s not only smaller in width but also thinner (8.8mm) than the Jumbo Quartz. That’s largely thanks to the thinner and newer ETA-based IWC caliber 2250 movement. There are also some solid gold versions of the Skinny Quartz (some of which are gem-set) like ref. 9703, 9720, 9721 and 9730, but they’re exceedingly rare.

Skinny Automatic 3505/3515/9223/9225 (1983–1985)

The first “Skinny Automatic” IWC Ingenieur SL models were ref. 3505 (steel or two-tone on a bracelet) and 3515 (steel or two-tone on a strap), powered by Caliber 375 (ETA 2892). The signature graph-paper dial was a popular option. The solid gold versions (ref. 9223 and 9225) are rarely seen.

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Skinny Automatic 3506/3516 (1985-1989)

The 3506 and 3516 models replaced the 3505 and 3515 in 1985, using the improved Caliber 3752 (ETA 2892-A2). Nothing significant changed except the movement.

IWC Lady Ingenieur SL Quartz 30mm (1980-1989)

The IWC Lady Ingenieur SL Quartz 30mm (Refs. 4503, 4509, 4513, 6703, 6720, 6730) first appeared in 1980. Featuring the slim quartz caliber 2249 and antimagnetic protection up to 500 gauss, it stayed true to the original Ingenieur SL’s design. The svelte 7.2mm-thick cases came in stainless steel or 18k gold, some featuring diamond accents.

Several dial options were offered, including rhodium-finished dials, white dials with Roman numerals, and “graph paper” dials. Steel 30mm Ingenieurs retain the usual 120m water resistance, with gold ones rated to 60m.

IWC Lady Ingenieur SL Quartz 26mm (1980-1989)

The smallest IWC Ingenieur SL of all was the 26mm lineup (Refs. 4501, 4502, 4508, 6704, 6721, and 6724). The 26mm Lady Ingenieur SL has a depth rating of only 50m, but it maintains the same 500 gauss resistance as the 30mm version.

Ingenieur Pocket Watch Ref. 5215 (1982-1989)

Ref. 5215, the only Ingenieur pocket watch ever made, was produced in very small numbers with a 30m depth rating and the customary Faraday cage. Few pocket watches are designed to be shock- and water-resistant. For a definitive guide to the IWC 5215 Ingenieur pocket watch, I recommend this guide by Derjonk.de.

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The Post-SL Era (1985-2001)

IWC first started moving past the “SL” moniker in the mid-1980’s, and the lineup began to change.

IWC Ingenieur Perpetual Calendar Ref. 9240/9241 (37.5mm, 1985-1992)

The IWC Ingenieur Perpetual Calendar (ref. 9240) debuted in 1985 with a 37.5mm case diameter, making it the biggest Ingenieur made at the time, as the Jumbo had recently been discontinued. You might even hear the 37.5mm Ingenieur Perpetual Calendar called a “Jumbo,” as there is also a smaller (34.5mm) version, but some collectors strictly use that term for vintage 40mm models.

Made only in solid yellow gold with a striking white lacquer dial, ref. 9240 has both a perpetual calendar function and a moonphase complication. The “night sky” in the moonphase indicator is represented by a piece of blue aventurine, which is a nice touch. If you want a diamond bezel, you can go for the 9241 model–if you can find one.

The impressive Caliber 35782 movement is actually based on an ETA 2892-A2 with a Kurt Klaus-made perpetual calendar module added. Klaus’s perpetual calendars are completely controlled by the crown–no pesky little buttons to push on the case to correct different complications. The beautiful integrated bracelet is somewhat different from the old H-link style–it’s more akin to today’s Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF. As of 2025, you can pick up a used 9240 for not much more than $20,000–a pretty competitive value for such a complicated gold watch.

IWC Ingenieur Perpetual Calendar Ref. 9245/3540 (34.5mm, 1987-1992)

By the time the 34.5mm IWC Ingenieur Perpetual Calendar came out in 1987, a couple of revisions had been made to Kurt Klaus’s brilliant perpetual calendar module. This smaller Ingenieur perpetual calendar was also offered with a leather strap (ref. 3540).

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Post-SL Skinny Models (34mm)

The 34mm (“Skinny”) post-SL models look pretty much the same as the SL ones.

IWC Ingenieur 500,000 A/m Ref. 3508 (1989-1993)

The first non-SL Skinny Automatic (the third generation of Skinny Automatic overall) was a special one. The 34mm IWC Ingenieur Ref. 3508 (also known as the “500,000 A/m” model) launched in 1989, capable of withstanding magnetic fields up to 500,000 A/m (~6,300 gauss) using niobium-zirconium hairsprings. We take antimagnetic hairsprings (like Rolex’s similar Parachrom Bleu hairspring) for granted now, but IWC was way ahead of the curve. Although IWC conservatively rated the watch at 500,000 A/m, they claim it was “tested in an MRI scanner and withstood an incredible 3.7 million A/m.” That’s about 46,500 gauss!

However, while technologically groundbreaking, the watch faced production challenges due to the complexity of manufacturing its unique balance springs. This resulted in high rejection rates and limited production numbers, with only about 2,700 units made before it was discontinued in 1993 according to Revolution.

The Last Skinny Automatic, Ref. 3521 (1993-2001)

Ref. 3521, the last true “Skinny Automatic,” is essentially the normal-hairspring successor of the 3508. It has the same sporty unisex 34mm case, and although it doesn’t have the extreme magnetic resistance of the 3508, it does gain the full magnetic resistance of the original Jumbo-size models (1,000 gauss). It also adds a Rolex-like date cyclops, and a very proud Rolex-like declaration on the dial that it is an officially certified chronometer. Its automatic Jaeger-LeCoultre Caliber 889 movement has also been used in Audemars Piguet and Vacheron Constantin watches, replacing the ETA movements found in earlier Skinny Automatic models. Ref. 3521 would remain in production until 2001, closing out the IWC Ingenieur’s post-SL chapter. For its final few years, it was the only Ingenieur in the lineup. The Ingenieur wouldn’t reappear until 2005.

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32mm IWC Ingenieur Models Ref. 3350/9727/9737/3351/3360/3361 (1985-1989)

The 32mm IWC Ingenieur shares the Tonda-like bracelet style of the perpetual calendar version. All 32mm Ingenieurs have quartz movements.

IWC made the world’s first watch with a full titanium bracelet in 1981, and the first titanium Ingenieur models appeared in 1985. 3350 is the reference number for the 32mm titanium Ingenieur (or “Ingenieur titan”) on bracelet.

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Ref. 9727, 9737, 3351, 3360, and 3361 are all different material combinations of the 1980’s 32mm Ingenieur.

Post-SL Lady Ingenieur Ref. 4413/4414 (30mm, 1986-1993)

While the 25mm and 32mm models of the post-SL generation got the new bracelet, titanium options, and quartz movements, the 30mm ref. 4413/4414 has none of those things. It often gets called a Lady Ingenieur SL, but it isn’t technically an SL model. It sports an automatic Frédéric Piguet caliber (rebranded by IWC as caliber 320 or 3201). Here’s an interesting example of a two-tone 30mm model (sometimes listed as 31mm) with a Khanjar dial, shown next to a Jumbo:

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It was the only automatic Ingenieur they would ever make that was under 34mm in diameter.

Post-SL Lady Ingenieur Ref. 4550/4551/4561/6727 (25mm, 1985-1989)

The 26mm quartz ladies’ Ingenieur SL models were replaced by updated 25mm models in 1985, which were given the updated Parmigiani Fleurier-esque “post-SL” bracelet. To be clear, IWC did this bracelet style before PF, I just don’t know a better way to describe it. The 25mm models pretty much look just like the 32mm models but smaller.

Although the ref. 4550 with a full titanium bracelet is probably the most well-known, a two-tone version (which is actually titanium and gold, like the 32mm two-tone models) shares the same model number. There’s also a titanium version on leather (ref. 4561), a yellow gold version on leather (ref. 4551), and a yellow gold model with a solid gold bracelet (ref. 6727).

Lady Ingenieur Moonphase Ref. 6757 (26mm, 1985-1987)

The only Ingenieur with a moonphase other than the perpetual calendar models is ref. 6757. It’s a two-hand quartz ladies’ watch with a clean white dial and a yellow gold case and “post-SL” bracelet.

Ingenieur Chronograph Models

Two types of quartz IWC Ingenieur chronographs were made in the post-SL era: a straightforward 30mm three-register chronograph, and a 34mm alarm chronograph.

Ingenieur Chronograph Ref. 3733/3734/9533 (30mm, 1988-1993)

While the lineup of 30mm Ingenieur chronographs made from 1988-1993 doesn’t technically have the “SL” designation, it very much retains the original Genta SL style. Available in stainless steel, two-tone, or 18k gold, these post-SL IWC Ingenieur chronographs are powered by the Jaeger-LeCoulte Caliber 631, which is a mechaquartz movement. That means it’s a quartz movement with a mechanical chronograph module added on. With 25 jewels and 233 components, it’s a rather complex hybrid movement. Although the running seconds hand only ticks once per second, the chronograph seconds hand ticks four times per second.

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The 30mm IWC Ingenieur Chronograph was offered on a bracelet or strap (note that two-tone bracelet versions seem to have been given all-steel bracelets for this model).

IWC Ingenieur Chrono Alarm Ref. 3805/9515 (34.5mm, 1991–1997):

Ref. 3805 also has a Jaeger-LeCoultre movement based on Mechaquartz technology, this time with an alarm function and a decidedly unisex 34.5mm stainless steel case. IW9515 is the solid gold equivalent, made in both yellow gold and white gold.

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Using the alarm is very intuitive: Just pull out the 10 o’clock crown and set the red skeletonized hand to the time you want. Push the crown back down and you should hear “beep-beep,” which means the alarm is on. You can simply press the 10 o’clock crown to turn the alarm off (“beep”). When the alarm goes off, it goes in 8-beep spurts.

Like the smaller chronograph, the 3805/9515 features the classic SL-style bracelet, reminiscent of a Girard-Perregaux Laureato or Patek Philippe Nautilus.

The Bulky Relaunch Era (2005-2013)

In 2005, the IWC Ingenieur was relaunched, looking like an SL but bulkier. Some new larger sizes and complications entered the lineup. The classic 34mm midsize option reappeared, but there were no ladies’ sizes, nor even a 40mm model.

Ingenieur 42.5mm

Upon the 2005 relaunch, 42.5 essentially became the “standard” size of the IWC Ingenieur, and it kept the signature Faraday cage. If I asked you “What if a watch company in 2005 re-imagined the Ingenieur SL?” your guess would probably be close. It looks similar to the original Ingenieur SL, and similar to today’s Ingenieur as well. But that’s not a bad thing–after all, how “different” is today’s Rolex Submariner than one from a few decades ago?

IWC Ingenieur Automatic Ref. 3227 (42.5mm, 2005–2009)

Offered in either stainless steel or titanium, the 42.5mm time-only IWC Ingenieur ref. 3227 was a worthy “reimagining” of Genta’s Ingenieur SL.

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Ingenieur Chronograph Ref. 3725 (42.5mm, 2005–2009)

While many sporty chronographs are overly thick, ref. 3725 managed to stay under 14mm. It has an ETA-based but perfectly capable IWC Caliber 79350 movement. I think this model looks more dated than the non-chronograph version of this generation, but it’s still a good-looking watch.

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Pre-owned 42.5mm Ingenieur models can be found for under $4,000 in either chronograph or three-hand form, so it’s a great GADA watch for the price.

Ingenieur Ceramic Bezel Models (44mm, 2007-2009)

The oft-overlooked IWC Ingenieur IW3234 series was produced between 2007 and 2009, pairing 44mm stainless steel cases with ceramic bezels. Four variants were produced.

The standard IW3234-01 (strap) and IW3234-04 (bracelet) models have black dials. The Zinedine Zidane edition, limited to 1,000 pieces, features an electric blue dial with a red “10” hour marker, and the Ingenieur Automatic Climate Change version shown above was also limited to 1,000 pieces.

Big Ingenieur Models

The so-called “Big Ingenieur” is, well, aptly named.

Big Ingenieur Ref. 5005 (45.7mm, 2007–2012)

The time-only Big Ingenieur was made in stainless steel (IW500505), platinum (IW500502) and 18k rose gold (IW500503). It has an impressive 7-day power reserve thanks to its in-house IWC Caliber 51113 movement, which is visible through its display caseback.

There’s also a power reserve indicator at 3 o’clock. The “wicker basket” texture in the center of the dial is pretty cool, too.

Big Ingenieur Chronograph Ref. 3784/3796 (45.5mm, 2009–2012)

The stainless steel Big Ingenieur Chronograph ref. 3784 was released two years after the time-only version came out. The 3796 then came in titanium, with special editions made for both Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton. To minimize clutter, the date window is nested inside the running seconds subdial.

The blocky fonts and 45.5mm look a bit dated now, but in a charming way. Inside is the IWC Caliber 89361 in-house flyback chronograph movement (meaning it can be reset even if it’s not stopped).

Ingenieur Mission Earth Ref. 3236 (46mm, 2009-2012)

Although the 46mm “Mission Earth” Ingenieur models from 2009-2012 aren’t officially named “Big Ingenieur,” they are certainly big. The standard Mission Earth has a textured black dial, either on a black rubber strap (IW3236-01) or a steel bracelet (IW3236-04). Two “Mission Earth Plastiki Edition” models (IW3236-03 and IW3236-08) are slightly more colorful.

Every Mission Earth Ingenieur has a 46mm stainless steel case, crown guards, and the IWC Caliber 80110 movement.

Ingenieur Midsize Ref. 4515 (34mm, 2005–2009)

Ref. 4515, available in steel or rose gold, would prove to be the final IWC Ingenieur midsize model. It was only produced for about four years, and was gone by 2009. If you’re looking for a sporty unisex integrated bracelet luxury watch for under $5,000, it’s worth considering.

Vintage Ingenieur Automatic 1955 Ref. 3233 (42.5mm, 2008-2012)

The Vintage Ingenieur Automatic 1955, released in 2008, is an upsized (42.5mm instead of 36.5mm) reinterpretation of the original 666AD model. I love the dauphine hands. A variant called the Laureus Edition was released in 2011 with a very nice sunburst blue dial, limited to 1,500 pieces. There’s also a white gold special limited edition of only 100 pieces for Italy, plus a bronze-dial version made for the UK. Powering this tasteful reissue is the IWC Caliber 80111.

Advanced Materials Era (2013–2017)

Between 2013 and 2017, IWC introduced a wide range of Ingenieur models as part of a major redesign tied to their partnership with Mercedes-AMG. Sometimes you’ll hear this time period called the “Mercedes-AMG era” of the Ingenieur, but IWC has done Mercedes-AMG stuff both before and since, so I find the term “advanced materials era” more descriptive. This era saw a focus on advanced materials (namely ceramic, carbon fiber and titanium), plus a couple of high-complication timepieces. Regular steel cases were part of the lineup too, though, so let’s start with the core model of the era.

Ingenieur Automatic

Midsize models are absent from this chapter of IWC Ingenieur history, but the classic 40mm diameter returned.

Ingenieur Automatic 40mm Ref. 3239 (2013-2017)

Crown guards became standard for the Ingenieur when the 3239 debuted. Other variants lost their Faraday cages in this era, but the 3239 kept that tradition alive, along with its classic 40mm size.

Ingenieur Automatic 46mm Ref. 3224/3225/3246 (2013-2017)

Although 46mm luxury watches seem like a niche product now, in 2013, big sizes were still in vogue. You might hear these unofficially called “Big Ingenieur” models, but officially that nickname only applied to 45mm models of the generation before this.

The 46mm IWC Ingenieur IW3224 was offered in a few limited editions with carbon fiber cases and subtle colorful accents. The 3225 comes in two versions, both in black ceramic: one with an all-black dial (IW3225-03) and another with a brown dial and tan accents (IW3225-04). A titanium version celebrating the Mercedes-AMG GT (ref. 3246) was released in 2015.

Ingenieur Dual Time Ref. 3264/3244 (43-45mm, 2013-2016)

The Ingenieur Dual Time is a classic GMT watch, with a 24-hour hand, a date display, and an independently adjustable hour hand for easy time-zone jumps. It first appeared in 2013 in a 45mm titanium case on a strap (ref. 3264).

A 43mm steel version was added soon after (ref. 3244), this time on a bracelet. All Dual Times were discontinued in 2016.

High-Complication Models

Six IWC Ingenieur models with high complications have ever been made, including the two aforementioned perpetual calendars. Three came during the advanced materials era. Let’s start with the most expensive one of all.

Ingenieur Constant-Force Tourbillon Ref. 5900 (46mm, 2013-2016)

Tourbillon watches are some of the most expensive watches on the market, but lots of brands make them. The most impressive thing about the IWC ref. 5900 is the constant-force mechanism integrated into the tourbillon.

“The patented constant force mechanism is integrated into the tourbillon, ensuring a stable amplitude of the balance – visible through 1 second jumps of the tourbillon. After having run for 48 hours, the constant force mechanism is decoupled and the tourbillon will move in regular 1/5th of a second intervals. It furthermore features a day/night indication, double moonphase display and a 96 hour power reserve.”

–WatchBase

The photorealistic moonphase is a nice touch as well. The expansive manual-wind movement is visible through the caseback, and although the IWC Ingenieur Constant-Force Tourbillon originally retailed for $290,000, you would likely pay much less secondhand (if you can find one).

Ingenieur Perpetual Calendar Digital Date-Month Ref. 3792 (46mm, 2013-2016)

Carbon and ceramic aren’t the only interesting materials IWC experimented with during the advanced materials era. The Ingenieur Perpetual Calendar Digital Date-Month debuted in 2013 with a titanium aluminide case. A rose gold bezel was optional, but the movement is the star of the show here. Like the post-SL perpetual calendars, it features a crown-operated Kurt Klaus design that requires no corrector buttons on the case. And the digital date-month display takes it to the next level.

“At the end of the year, no fewer than five display discs need to be advanced synchronously. On New Year’s Eve, thanks to the three semi-transparent totalizers, the entire dial is set in motion.”

-IWC

You can find used 3792 models for sale for about $16,000, making them just about the biggest horological flex you can find for under $20,000.

Ingenieur Double Chronograph Ref. 3765/3865 (45mm, 2011-2016)

The Ingenieur Double Chronograph ref. 3765 debuted in 2011, and it was replaced by the 3865 model (with a newer but almost identical movement) within two years. Not only are these titanium watches rattrapante (split-seconds) chronographs, but they also feature the day and date for good measure. Some prefer the 3865 to the 3765 because of its black day/date discs.

Other design differences between the 3765 and 3865 include changes to the hour markers and hands, a slightly shorter lug width, a somewhat sharper lug angle, and stronger blue numerals on the rehaut of the 3865, but ultimately they’re very similar watches. Both are popular among large-wristed collectors in the know, and for now the Ingenieur Double Chronographs are among the best luxury watches under $5,000 on the pre-owned market. It’s pretty thick (16mm), but not overly so given the split-seconds chrono functionality.

Ingenieur Chronograph Racer Ref. 3785 (42mm, 2011-2016)

The Ingenieur Chronograph Racer, at 42mm, is more wearable than the Double Chronograph for many watch fans. It was offered in a variety of colorways, my favorite of which is the Mercedes-inspired “Silver Arrow” design.

Dressy Transitional Era (2016-2023)

Beginning in 2016, IWC leaned away from the Genta/SL influence for a few years. There were four models made during this time, separating the advanced materials era from the current era. They ranged in size from 40-45mm.

Ingenieur Automatic Ref. 3570 (40mm, 2017-2023)

Ref. 3570 is a classic-looking 40mm three-hand date model with a vintage-inspired design reminiscent of the 866, available in stainless steel or red gold. It’s a nice-looking watch, but not particularly distinctive. Visually it wasn’t different enough from the rest of IWC’s lineup, in my opinion. If you told me this was a Da Vinci, I’d believe you.

Ingenieur Chronograph Ref. 3808 (42mm, 2016-2023)

Ref. 3808 is a very clean 42mm chronograph, offered in stainless steel or red gold. Although it has the same basic case shape as the 40mm automatic 3570 model, the prominent slanted rehaut with a tachymeter scale makes it look a bit more sporty.

The dressy transitional-era IWC Ingenieur Chronograph is powered by the in-house Caliber 69375, a column-wheel chronograph movement with a 46-hour power reserve, which was an upgrade even over their existing in-house chrono movements. Non-chronograph Ingenieurs (except for the Dual Time) have had in-house movements since 2005, but a true in-house chronograph movement (at least one that’s materially superior to a Valjoux 7750) is a serious feat to develop.

In 2018, IWC launched its “Custom” program for the Ingenieur Chronograph, offering enthusiasts an online configuration platform through which they could personalize their watch by choosing from various case materials, dial designs, hand configurations, and strap options. You could even customize the caseback design. It might have been more interesting if they offered more colorful choices, but it was mostly shuffling around shades of white/black/grey, so the Custom program petered out after a couple years.

Ingenieur Chronograph Sport Ref. 3809 (44mm, 2017)

The 44mm Ingenieur Chronograph Sport ref. 3809 was more than just an upsized 3808 model. It was only offered in titanium, and it’s a flyback chronograph with a simpler two-register dial layout. Plus the lightning small seconds hand hints that the Faraday cage has returned for this model.

Ref. 3809 was only made in two limited editions in 2017. 500 had black dials, while the white-dial Ingenieur Chronograph Sport Edition “50th anniversary of Mercedes-AMG” version was limited to 250 pieces.

Ingenieur Perpetual Calendar Digital Date-Month Ref. 3817 (45mm, 2017)

IWC also reimagined the Perpetual Calendar Digital Date-Month during the Ingenieur’s transitional Genta-influence-avoiding period. Only 100 examples were made in rose gold, and nowadays they’re worth about $26,000.

The IWC Caliber 89802 found in the 3792 is only a slight revision of the previous Caliber 89800.

The Current IWC Ingenieur

The Ingenieur lineup was relaunched in 2023, and it was a simple lineup at first: just a 40mm time-and-date model in stainless steel. A titanium model was soon added. Then the 2025 IWC releases added more options like a 35mm model, a 41mm perpetual calendar, and a 42mm ceramic model. Let’s start with the Automatic 40.

IWC Ingenieur Automatic 40 Ref. 3289 (2023+)

Stainless steel models are offered with a silver, black, blue, turquoise, or dial for $11,700. A green “Sonny Hayes” edition, new for 2025, is listed at $12,900. The 18k red gold version ($46,600, also new for 2025) comes with a black dial while the titanium model ($14,600) comes with a grey dial. The turquoise (aqua) one steals the show for me, but they all look good.

IWC Ingenieur Automatic 35

A midsize Ingenieur rejoined the lineup in 2025, offered in both stainless steel ($9,950) and red gold ($37,500).

The Ingenier Automatic 35 has a sapphire caseback, which means no Faraday cage. The 35.1mm case could certainly be considered unisex.

IWC Ingeniuer Perpetual Calendar 41

It makes sense that IWC again released a perpetual calendar version of the Ingenieur in 2025, given their excellent Kurt Klaus-based button-free perpetual calendar movements. But unlike the Ingenieur Perpetual Calendar models that debuted in the 1980s, the modern version is available in stainless steel.

With a case diameter of 41.6mm and a price tag of “only” $36,900, the Ingeniuer Perpetual Calendar 41 is one of very few perpetual calendar sports watches on the market.

IWC Ingenieur Automatic 42 Ceramic

Most ceramic watches come with fabric, leather, or rubber straps, because machining a ceramic bracelet is difficult. But a growing number of brands are offering models with full ceramic bracelets, and IWC is on that list. The ceramic Ingenieur Automatic 42, launched in 2025, is made of black ceramic and comes with a matching black grid-pattern dial.

The dark accents on the movement, visible through the sapphire caseback, match the black aesthetic nicely. IWC’s first ceramic Ingenieur comes with a $19,500 price tag.

IWC seems to be at peace with embracing Genta-esque Ingenieur SL design cues again. While most IWC’s can be found with significant discounts on the pre-owned market, these new Ingeniers hold their value pretty respectably.

I think that just about covers everything a collector should know about the evolution of the IWC Ingenieur. I have to give a shout out to Goldammer.me, Moeb.ch, Grail-Watch.com and Watch-Wiki for their excellent IWC Ingenieur resources. And if I’ve forgotten any Ingenieur models, please let me know in the comments!