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First Modern Purchase in 8 Years - IWC Ingenieur 3239-09

  1. MikeMan2727 Mar 12, 2021

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    I have been collecting vintage watches exclusively for the last 8 years or so. My last modern purchase was an Omega Seamaster 2254.50, which I still wear regularly. Most modern offerings have not impressed me enough to make a purchase. Recently, however, I have been losing interest in vintage watches and have sold some watches from my collection.

    For those who have seen my posts before, you know that I have a focused interest in anti-magnetic watches. I have owned and enjoyed vintage IWC 666A, 666AD, and 866AD as well as Omega Railmaster. These watches are all smaller than 40mm and offer a thin profile on the wrist.

    Modern iterations of the Ingenieur have all been quite thick and large on the wrist. For example, the IW3227 Ingenieur case is approximately 43mm wide and 15mm thick. I have a 6.75" wrist and these watches would never work on me.

    While searching eBay last week, an Ingenieur reference came up that I had not seen before - IW3239. This reference was first introduced in 2013 and offered in 3 dial combinations - black, white with silver markers, white with gold markers. There was also a special Laureus Sport for Good Foundation limited edition introduced in 2015. This watch came with a blue dial and red second hand. The total release was limited to 1500 pieces. When I saw this watch, I fell in love with it.

    Looking at previous eBay listings and Watchrecon, the Laureus edition does not come up too often. Luckily there was an active posting and the watch was with me two days later.

    The dial is a matte blue with slightly recessed inner track and highly polished applied markers. A small amount of lume is present in the markers and hands. With indoor lighting, the dial looks like a dark navy blue. In direct light, the dial is a brighter, almost electric blue.

    20210312_180717.jpg 20210312_205342.jpg 20210312_205359.jpg 20210312_205440.jpg

    The case is 40mm wide and approximately 42-43mm with crown. The watch is quite thin at 10mm and wears very close to the wrist. The case style pays homage to the Genta-designed "jumbo" IWC reference 1832 with well-executed brushed and polished surfaces. The majority of the case is brushed with thin polished chamfers that reflect light beautifully.

    20210312_205501.jpg 20210312_205516.jpg

    Like a typical Genta watch, the bracelet is integrated and flows nicely from the case. This is a watch that will look appropriate on both small and large wrists due to the tapering. Polished accents are present along the sides of the bracelet as well as the center links. Sizing is easy with a unique push button and pin system.

    The movement is the IWC 30110, a modified ETA2892-A2, which allows for a thinner case. The prior reference 3227 had an IWC in house movement but resulted in a 15mm thick case. I don't mind the outsourced movement - it is accurate, easy to service, and results in a thinner more attractive watch.

    Importantly for me, this watch stays true to its roots and remains anti-magetic with soft iron cage. The water resistance is also very good at 120m. Overall, it is a perfect daily modern watch for me. With sky-high prices of the Patek Nautilus and AP RO, this reference also offers Genta styling at a palatable price.
     
    Edited Mar 15, 2021
  2. timoss Mar 13, 2021

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    Nice. Always liked these.
     
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  3. Shabbaz Mar 13, 2021

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    Good write up. Thnx. And nice looking watch!
     
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  4. RealFire Mar 13, 2021

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    Nice watch for sure
     
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  5. Vercingetorix Spam Risk Mar 13, 2021

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    I thought these used a modified ETA 2892A2 i.e. IWC 30110?
     
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  6. MikeMan2727 Mar 15, 2021

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    Thanks for checking! I initially couldn't find movement specifications on the IWC website since this reference is no longer in production. A few big watch blogs including Fratello mentioned Sellita, which is what I used to get more information.

    You are correct though, I found a link on IWC referencing the 30110, which is based on the ETA 2892A2 as you mention. I have updated the original post.
     
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  7. Ron_W Mar 15, 2021

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    A good watch for sure ! Congrats .
     
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  8. dinexus Mar 16, 2021

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    These are definitely getting harder to find – very nice pickup.
     
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  9. shaun hk Fairy nuffer Mar 16, 2021

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    Very nice, I had my eye on an IWC in this style for a long time, looking at yours makes my wonder why my attention moved elsewhere. One day.....
     
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  10. scapa Mar 16, 2021

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    Congrats -- what a stunner. One of my all-time faves in the modern IWC collection, and made to last, in both design and build.
     
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  11. maanu Mar 16, 2021

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    Congratulations!! Surprised that you pulled the trigger on a modern IWC for sure.
     
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  12. JohnRaz Mar 17, 2021

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    Gorgeous piece, congratulations ! This matte blue with steel is an awesome colors association :thumbsup:
     
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  13. kyle L Grasshopper Staff Member Mar 17, 2021

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    Nice pickup! I also really like these Ingenieurs but I too have a smaller wrist. I recently picked this older 34mm 4515 which fits really well for me. I do prefer the crown guards on the newer pieces like yours though!

    IMG_9035 (1).jpg
     
  14. spin_transistor Mar 17, 2021

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    Congrats! My first nice watch was the 3239 black dial / wonderful watch.

    Kept it for 5 years before moving it on. I didn’t like it less but found that I wanted something else more.
     
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  15. Vercingetorix Spam Risk Mar 17, 2021

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    I sort of want an IWC IW3227, but IWC dropped the ball on the dial imho. Can’t get past the 10. FD75533F-BD96-4ED4-8000-3FEA37B25D80.jpeg
     
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  16. Tako Yaki Mar 17, 2021

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    Congrats!
    A very Cool IWC!
    Like it’s reduced, technical orientated design!
    Enjoy!
     
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  17. MikeMan2727 Mar 18, 2021

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    Nice one! I was looking at this reference as well but was worried that it might be too small on me. What is your wrist size, and do you happen to have a wrist shot?

    Oh wow, that 10 is really bizarre - I can't stop looking at it haha. Otherwise would have been a really nice dial layout.
     
  18. MikeMan2727 Mar 18, 2021

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    I also wish IWC would get with the times and revive the Ingeniuer line in the Genta style, similar to the 3239.

    It would be great to see an Ingeniuer at 39-40mm with thickness of 10mm or less. A blue textured dial would look fantastic.

    I can take or leave the crown guards. I think they look nice on the 3239, but wouldn't mind seeing a case design closer to the original "Jumbo" ref 1832.
     
  19. neokind Mar 18, 2021

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    I’m a big fan of this model and was just debating between a Speedy or the 3227 or 3239. As much as I love the 3227 AMG model and the in-house caliber, I find the thinness of the 3239 more appealing. Further, the polished bevels on the bracelet catch pops of light as you wear it and looks absolutely fantastic. Such a great design.
     
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  20. kyle L Grasshopper Staff Member Mar 19, 2021

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    Wrist is about 6 inches but I think this one fits pretty well. Also ordered a strap from IWC to change up the look!

    IMG_20210319_103708__01.jpg
     
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