There has been a lot of discussion about various Rolex and Tudor releases at this years W&W. I thought I would make a thread to get people's thoughts on the new IWC Ingenieur.

As many know, I am a huge Ingenieur fan and have owned most references starting with the 666. I currently own a 666A, 866, and 323909 - Laureus edition. I have been waiting for a Genta-inspired Ingenieur for many years now.

I think IWC did a nice job with this year's release. My favorite aspect about this watch are the case and bracelet finishing. It is a lot less blocky and more elegant than the previous 3239 from the mid 2010s. However, I would have preferred to see it without the crown guards.

The dial is also quite nice with the textured works. It is a lot less subtle than the original Jumbo SL, but it stays true to the original design. The personal favorite is the new Aqua color - it seems to really pop in different light settings. The movement has also been upgraded to the 120hr power reserve, which is great. It is now antimagnetic again, unlike their previous Ingenieurs based on the 666 design.

The last thing, and somewhat of a deal breaker - the price. In the US, the steel model MSRP is $11,700 while the titanium grey dial is closer to $15,000. I am a huge fan of this line but do not see the value at those prices. I was expecting something along the lines of $7,500 and was very surprised during the release.

Perhaps their thought process is "Well, the Patek and AP Genta designs retail for 2x more, so let's push our pricing." Still, I'm not sure that their clientele will the be same. I was hoping the new Ingenieur would be an "instant buy" for me, but with the price I really have to ponder. My guess is that in a year or two, these will drop below $10k on the secondary and grey market.

I also think IWC was 1-2 years late in this release. If they had released this during the post-COVID stainless steel sports watch craze, $11,700 may have been acceptable to more people. In the current market, I think they may struggle to sell a lot of units even though it is a lovely watch.

Looking forward to hearing other people's thought!

 

Forgot to attach a photo of my three

 

You summed it up nicely.

 

Were the original Genta-designed versions 40mm? I like the new design, but 36mm seems a better size, especially with the integrated bracelet.

 

Absolutely agree: great summary from @MikeMan2727 !!

I really like these new releases (would be a hard choice between the black version and the “Rhine” Aqua blue), but NOT at this price point!!

Let’s hope they will show up on the secondary market for sub $8k!!

 

Your 3239 is also a great watch, more angular in style maybe but no longer "under appreciated" as you probably know. This new pricing is expensive for me too, was hoping for 8 K , but very much in line with Chopard Alpine, Bulgari and just above the older ( quartz ! ) Inge SL watches. It is a Halo watch, history, Genta etc etc so i understand the higher pricing, but otherwise it is the same watch as a Mark XX.

Your other point is even more valid, it is about 5 -7 years to late to market this now. Maybe because IWC did not have a flat enough movement ? Or there was no okay from Baume & Mercier to use this movement earlier ?

 

It's a nice watch, priced to be a solid choice for those that have no chance to get a Nautilus or Royal Oak. Don't think the Genta angle adds much value to the equation. Everything is expensive these days, whether it has enough value to prospective buyers remains to be seen.

 

They're nice watches, but I'm looking forward more to their grey and pre-owned prices.

 

I watched a video on it this morning and now I appreciate it more... But I think you summed it up perfectly - ultimately it's too expensive, and probably too late.

 

Great summary Mike. As a general rule I don't like screws/pins on the bezel, but I kind of like it on this one. I agree that the crown guards are poorly done and don't fit the style of the watch. The integrated bracelet is well done. I really like the pattern dial, particularly on the blue and silver (it doesn't show up on the white), and the colored date wheel. Size at 40 mm is just right for me, and generally IWC craftsmanship is excellent. But the price?!?!? Holy cow, they are asking double what they should be, on unfortunately sales will be poor.

 

Well said, Mike! Incredible historic piece and so much to love from a design and engineering standpoint but this new release is sadly unrealistic.

 

Agreed on all points. Looks to be a solid watch but overpriced at retail. I have a 666 and a neo-vintage 4515-02, and sold on a 3506, and have no desire for the new one.

 

screws on top of a watch: no, integrated bracelet: never. For me more a WONDER than watch.
Sorry IWC for my complaints but wait........ I guess,I know where your potential clients are located on the globe.
Beat me guys, but it s absolutely not my watch-style.

 

Beautiful watch but those prices are fleecing, fashion drafting, straight up bullshit.

 

Yes, the original jumbo was also 40mm. The current case is similar except for the crown guards added. I expect it will wear comfortable due to the shortened lug to lug compared with the ref 3239. It is also quite thin at just under 11mm.

 

Thanks for sharing! Were you able to go to W&W?

Is this photo natural light or does it have a filter applied? The dial color really pops here.

 

Great thoughts and even nicer Ingenieurs. Thanks for sharing everyone!

I hope I can try one on sometime soon and then wait for the secondary markets prices

Does anyone know when expected delivery to the USA is?

 

I get the feeling they will artificially limit supply to create "demand"

 

I know mine is an unpopular opinion but I don't like the Jumbo at all, especially when compared to the 666.