70-year-old IWC Ingenieur Watches

In 2023, IWC unveiled the next-generation Ingenieur collection. Featuring classic Gérald Genta designs, it boasts exceptional detailing and an ergonomic fit. Some say it arrived a little late, missing the surge in popularity of integrated bracelet luxury sports watches. If you harbor this sentiment, then I simply don't understand Ingenieur. Luxury replica watches cheap, luxury brands watches like Omega, Audemars Piguet, Breitling, Hublot or TAG Heuer replica watches. Best look alike watches for sale at Lookalikewatchsale.co.

Each generation's rigorous design lives up to its name. Even in today's digital age, it took years of meticulous refinement before its final release. This reminds me of Genta's three classic designs from the 1970s. The Nautilus and Royal Oak were both created in a short period of time, inspired by a sudden inspiration. Only the Ingenieur needed to consider anti-magnetic and shock absorption, requiring four years from project inception to its launch in 1976. Perhaps this is why everyone is once again focusing on the new Ingenieur. It possesses a quality stripped back from ostentation, a purity of design that can only be truly appreciated through experience.

The new 35mm model satisfies women's admiration for the Ingenieur series, while the 42mm all-black ceramic model, with its see-through caseback, exudes a cool, elegant feel. The classic combination of rose gold and a black dial exudes quiet elegance. I believe it would be difficult to choose between these two models if it weren't for the price difference.

With the release of the "F1" movie, the limited edition of 1,000 Brad Pitt's avocado green model sold out worldwide. This in turn attracted increased attention to other basic steel models with dials. I have a watch friend who, unable to get the avocado green model, turned to other dial colors. He ultimately fell in love with both the classic black and pure white dials. He said, "Once you get your hands on this generation of Ingenieur, the exquisite details and comfortable fit make you want to wear it."

This year's new black ceramic Ingenieur is, in my opinion, the most cost-effective and unique model. Before I praise it, I must tell you that it is two millimeters larger than the 40mm size of the basic steel model. The movement is not the 32111 movement with a 120-hour power reserve, but the homemade 82110 movement with a 60-hour power reserve. However, because it is made of all black ceramic, the wearer's appearance is actually smaller than the actual size.

IWC Is Engineering

If you examine the three IWC in-house movement families—the 52, 80, and 89 series—closely, you'll notice that IWC typically designs its movement bridges with a central axis, with all the fixed bridges radiating outwards evenly from this center.  The rotors are also open-worked.  Therefore, when viewed through the transparent case back, the bridge layout appears harmonious and balanced, with the bridges arranged in concentric circles, regardless of the rotor's position. The beauty of IWC movements lies in the meticulous design: each critical gear is securely fixed by a bridge, facilitating easy disassembly and repair; the concentric Geneva wave finishing; and the elegant pearled decoration on the main plate. Best cheap watches online, discover our affordable replica IWC watches collection.

Many people mistakenly believe that the finishing and decoration of movement bridges and plates are purely aesthetic.  In fact, these decorative patterns were originally designed by watchmakers to prevent dust from directly entering the movement.  The patterns create spaces where dust can accumulate, thus protecting the precision of the delicate gear train.  Today, this tradition has evolved into increasingly refined and exquisite finishing. These beautiful decorative techniques, combined with IWC's meticulously designed bridges, ensure the smooth and reliable operation of each gear, infusing the functional precision of the movement with a touch of handcrafted warmth.

The output and transmission of power are crucial for maintaining the amplitude stability of a mechanical movement.  The mainspring barrel is the key component in this process.  A robust mainspring barrel and a stable power transmission mechanism are essential for consistent timekeeping and torque.  IWC movements maintain optimal torque by ensuring an appropriate power reserve, which in turn promotes stable amplitude and thus greater accuracy. A longer power reserve doesn't necessarily guarantee better torque performance. In fact, the torque is often less optimal when the mainspring is fully wound or almost depleted. IWC's renowned 7-day power reserve Caliber 52 series uses two mainsprings to achieve a 7-day power reserve (actual power reserve can exceed 7 days).  With two mainsprings, the torque is consistently and smoothly distributed to the movement, preventing excessive torque that could damage the gears.

Looking at the dimensions, IWC's in-house movements are typically over 30mm in diameter. This larger movement space allows IWC to design and implement technical solutions that enhance functionality and user experience. The clean and balanced design of IWC dials is a result of this larger movement space, providing ample room for layout and design. IWC's date windows are larger and easier to read than those of other brands, again due to the larger movement space, allowing for more flexibility in dial design.

The arrangement of information on the dial is closely related to the movement. This explains why some watch enthusiasts dislike "small movement, large case" designs, where the dial elements are crammed together. By using a larger movement as a foundation, IWC can better layout various dial functions and accommodate different case sizes. This design philosophy considers readability, functionality, and aesthetics. Design is never arbitrary; it starts with functionality and then evolves into a balanced aesthetic, which is one of the most compelling aspects of IWC watches. The power source of a mechanical watch is the mainspring, which needs to be wound either manually (by hand) or automatically (by the wearer's wrist movements).  Automatic winding systems are particularly demanding, as the wrist movements are constantly at unpredictable angles, and with modern lifestyles being less active, the force exerted on the winding system is often less.  IWC recognized this need over half a century ago and developed its iconic Pellaton bidirectional winding system, also known as the "woodpecker" winding system.  This ratchet-based winding mechanism, designed by IWC's then-technical director Albert Pellaton in the 1950s, uses a rotor that is not directly connected to the winding mechanism. Instead, it is attached to a cam, which is then attached to a ratchet wheel. Two ruby ​​rollers on either side of the ratchet wheel engage with the cam, and two pawls alternately engage the gears to wind the mainspring.

The IWC Pellaton winding system is undoubtedly one of its most famous and proudest achievements. However, true to IWC's philosophy of designing movements for specific functional needs, the Pellaton system, with its numerous components, limited the potential for reducing movement thickness.  Therefore, some movements, such as the 69 series and the latest 32 series, use a dual-pawl winding system. This system uses a Y-shaped lever to directly connect the rotor shaft to the reduction gear. When the rotor rotates clockwise, the right arm of the Y-shaped lever pulls the reduction gear clockwise to wind the mainspring, while the left arm remains idle. When the rotor rotates counterclockwise, the left arm pushes the reduction gear, also in a clockwise direction, to wind the mainspring. This system, with its similar operating principle to the Pellaton system, efficiently winds the mainspring and allows for a thinner movement, making it more suitable for integrated chronograph movements like the 69 series and the versatile 32 series base movement.

Super Powerful - IWC Portuguese Grande Complication

The IWC Portuguese Grande Complication watch features a 45mm diameter round case and a thickness of 16.5mm. This collection comprises two models: the platinum case (IWC377401) and the 18K rose gold case (IWC377402). Both watches feature a world map engraved on the silver-plated dial, showcasing the extreme complexity of their construction, and are limited to 50 pieces per year. The rose gold model comes with a brown leather strap, while the platinum model features a black alligator leather strap. Best cheap watches online, discover our affordable replica IWC Portugieser  watches collection.

The retrograde date display is a highly practical feature, far from being merely decorative. Had IWC simply used a standard date disc, the flying tourbillon, the watch's most captivating element, would have been overshadowed. A power reserve indicator on the right side of the dial shows the remaining power in the mainspring. The automatic Caliber 51900 movement provides a seven-day power reserve. The movement has 44 jewels and a frequency of 19,800 vibrations per hour.

The movement can be admired through the sapphire crystal case back. The front crystal is also made of sapphire. The Portuguese Tourbillon Retrograde Mystery Time watch is water-resistant to 30 meters. Similar to the previously mentioned watch, this collection also has two different models, distinguished by their materials, but with the same dimensions (44.2mm diameter, 15.5mm thickness). The rose gold model (IW504402) with a silver-plated dial and black alligator strap is limited to 500 pieces per year; the rarer model (IW504401) with a rhodium-plated black dial and black strap is limited to 250 pieces per year.

Classic IWC Watch - Portofino Stainless Steel IW356527

This IWC Portofino Automatic watch features a stainless steel case, blue hands and appliqués, a silver-plated dial, and a blue alligator leather strap, adding to its allure. With a 40mm diameter, it's a perfect entry-level dress watch for any occasion. Best cheap watches online, discover our affordable replica IWC Portofino watches collection.

 IWC Portofino Stainless Steel IW356527

Movement: IWC Calibre 35111 automatic movement, based on a Sellita SW300.
Case: 40mm polished stainless steel case with a 9.5mm thickness.
Dial: Silver dial with a date display at 3 o'clock, blue leaf-style hands, and applied blue Roman numeral and index hour markers.
Strap: A blue alligator leather strap with a tang clasp.
Crystal: Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal.
Water Resistance: 30 meters / 100 feet.

 

Day Display - IWC Pilot's Performance Chronograph 41 AMG IW388305

Its design is classic pilot style: a black dial, Arabic numerals, and luminescent hands ensure clear and intuitive reading. The dial features a three-eye chronograph with a day-date aperture at 3 o'clock. The watch measures 41.1mm in diameter, but the only noticeable difference is its thickness of 14.8mm, making it a bit thick on the wrist, a characteristic of pilot watches. The titanium case is lightweight and durable, and paired with a black rubber strap, the watch feels comfortable yet robust. It's powered by IWC's in-house 69385 movement, which beats at a standard 28,800 vibrations per hour and boasts a 46-hour power reserve. 

While not impressive in today's world of three- or five-day power reserves, it's more than adequate for everyday use. This movement also features a column-wheel chronograph mechanism, which feels pleasant in the hand and is highly practical for a chronograph. It also boasts 100-meter water resistance, a transparent caseback, and a sapphire crystal, all essential features, and meticulous attention to detail. Buy IWC Pilot clone watches online, buy replica watches at twatchclone.ru.

IWC Pilot's Performance Chronograph 41 AMG IW388305
Diameter: 41.1 mm
Case Thickness: 14.8 mm
Movement Type: Automatic
Caliber Model: 69385
Case Material: Titanium
Water Resistance: 100 meters

Light Blue IWC Pilot Top Gun Chronograph Watch

The IWC Pilot's Top Gun Chronograph 41 Miramar IW389409 features a light blue ceramic case with a matching dial and water-resistant rubber strap. Limited to 1,000 pieces, the blue hands are coated with Super-LumiNova® for exceptional legibility even at night. The production of a colored ceramic watch is a remarkable feat of materials engineering. Zirconium oxide must be combined with various metal oxides in precise proportions. Because the ceramic changes color during the firing process, achieving the desired specific color requires repeated experimentation. A particular challenge was extending the new color to other components, such as the dial and rubber strap. Each component has its own unique properties and dedicated manufacturing process.

 The IWC Pilot Miramar Top Gun 41mm IW388117 marks the first time IWC has used a color developed in collaboration with Pantone in a stainless steel watch. This chronograph features a 41mm stainless steel case, a TOP GUN "Miramar" light blue dial, and a rubber strap. Rhodium-plated hands filled with Super-LumiNova® significantly enhance readability.

Both chronographs are powered by the IWC-manufactured 69000 caliber. This chronograph movement is built on its core strength, reliability, and precision. Its column-wheel chronograph control ensures each stage of the switching sequence is clearly defined, and its pushers are easy to press. An efficient bidirectional pawl-winding system accumulates a 46-hour power reserve for the mainspring. The dial features IWC's classic vertical layout, with the minute counter at 12 o'clock, significantly enhancing readability. The stainless steel model features a transparent sapphire crystal case back, allowing the beautiful engineering of the movement to be fully admired, while the ceramic model features a titanium case back engraved with the "TOP GUN" logo. Furthermore, the movement is protected against magnetic fields by a soft iron inner case.

Buy IWC Pilot clone watches online, buy replica watches at twatchclone.ru.

IWC Watches in F1 Movies

F1: The Movie was created by IWC and Apple Original Movies, and starred by Brad Pitt. Throughout the movie, the two IWC Ingenieur watches worn by the protagonist Brad Pitt impressed me the most. One is the original green-disc Ingenieur SL model 1832, and the other is the new Ingenieur with a green disk and rose gold hands and scales. The original model is classic, but if you want to buy it, you can only try your luck at the auction! Since the original model is not available, let's take a look at the new model. The biggest change of the new Ingenieur is that the wearing comfort has been greatly improved. By increasing the distance between the bezel and the lugs to achieve a larger total distance between the lugs, it ensures that the integrated lugs can have a larger curvature. At the same time, the double-axis link connection between the bracelet and the lugs also makes the bracelet more flexible. Best cheap watches online, discover our affordable replica IWC Ingenieur watches collection.

In the past two years, I have had more contact with the new Ingenieur, which has made me deeply feel that it is not only the only integrated sports watch that can match the comfort of the Nautilus among all integrated sports watches with chain and case, but also surpasses the five-bead chain Journal. Of course, the new Ingenieur can be so comfortable, and another major contributor is the 32111 movement with a thickness of only 4.2 mm and a power of up to 120 hours. The thinner movement thickness finally makes the thickness of the new Ingenieur successfully controlled at 10.8 mm. 

In addition to the two Ingenieur watches with a strong aura of the protagonists, another watch that impressed me was the rose gold pilot chronograph worn by another protagonist, Damson Idris. The biggest change of the Pilot Chronograph compared to the regular Pilot Chronograph is the addition of a ceramic tachymeter bezel. The addition of the tachymeter bezel not only makes the Pilot Chronograph look larger than the regular Pilot Chronograph in terms of visual volume, but is also more scratch-resistant than the polished bezel of the regular Pilot Chronograph in daily wear, and can also measure speed!