If you caught the new F1 The Movie in theatres, you may have noticed the timepiece on Sonny Hayes’ wrist. Played by Brad Pitt, the fictional F1 veteran doesn’t go far without his watch—a green-dialled Ingenieur SL, Ref 1832. The watch even gets its own close-ups, quietly sharing the spotlight with the star.
That cameo marks more than just a flash of product placement. It brings the Ingenieur full circle, from a behind-the-scenes tool watch for engineers to a pop culture icon with real screen presence.
Originally launched in 1955, the Ingenieur was created by IWC Schaffhausen as a practical solution for professionals working around electromagnetic fields. For years, it remained a reliable, no-frills instrument. In the mid-1970s, the Swiss manufacture enlisted legendary designer Gérald Genta, the visionary behind some of the most influential timepieces in watchmaking history, to reimagine the Ingenieur as a bold contender in the emerging luxury sports watch category.
His 1976 redesign of the Ingenieur SL introduced a new visual language: five bezel screws, an integrated bracelet, and proportions that blended industrial edge with technical elegance. It was bold, but perhaps too bold for its time. Just 598 pieces were sold between 1976 and 1983.
Today, those original 598 pieces are among the world’s most coveted vintage watches. Genta’s so-called “failure” not only predated the luxury sports watch boom, but it also helped shape the category’s very blueprint.
Unveiled at Watches & Wonders Geneva 2025, IWC’s seven new Ingenieur references spanning ceramic, precious metals, and high complications—show how fully the market has caught up to Genta’s vision, highlighting the collection’s evolution and enduring relevance.
INGENIEUR AUTOMATIC 42
Working with ultra-hard ceramic demands a complete rethinking of traditional manufacturing methods. IWC’s innovation lies in its sophisticated multi-part case construction, in which the case ring, bezel, and caseback ring are all crafted from black zirconium oxide ceramic, while an inner titanium ring provides the structural core that anchors the five functional bezel screws. This hybrid architecture preserves the Ingenieur’s signature proportions while delivering exceptional durability.
Once sintered, ceramic can only be processed using diamond-tipped tools, making every subsequent surface treatment extremely complex. The manufacture achieves a refined combination of satin-finishing, sandblasting, and polishing that creates sophisticated light play across the watch’s surfaces. Powering the timepiece is the IWC-manufactured calibre 82110, which features the watchmaker’s proprietary Pellaton winding system, utilising high-wear components such as the automatic wheel, clicks, and rotor bearing, all crafted from black and white ceramic. The 60-hour power reserve and robust engineering ensure this technical tour de force remains practical for daily wear.
INGENIEUR AUTOMATIC 35
This edition reinterprets the Ingenieur in a more compact 35-mm format. The 5N gold model channels classic luxury, while the silver-plated and black dial stainless steel variants offer refined versatility for those who prefer understated elegance.
Despite the smaller size, the design remains unmistakably Ingenieur. Every detail—from proportions to finishing—has been scaled with precision, resulting in a flatter, more ergonomic profile. The 5N gold version features solid gold appliques and gold-plated hands that match the warm glow of the case. The stainless steel references use rhodium-plated elements for crisp contrast and contemporary polish.
Inside, the IWC-manufactured calibre 47110 offers a 42-hour power reserve and is visible through the sapphire caseback, showcasing Geneva stripes, circular graining, and a gold-plated oscillating weight.
INGENIEUR AUTOMATIC 40
For those seeking a balance between size and statement, the Ingenieur Automatic 40 in 5N gold hits the sweet spot. Its full gold construction—case, bezel, bracelet, and beyond—showcases IWC’s expertise in metal finishing, with polished edges, satin-brushed surfaces, and dynamic contrasts that play with the light.
The black Grid-pattern dial is paired with gold appliques and hands, lending a bold yet refined character. Inside, the IWC-manufactured Calibre 32111 delivers a 120-hour power reserve. Through the sapphire caseback, the movement reveals Geneva stripes, blued screws, and a gold-plated oscillating weight.
INGENIEUR PERPETUAL CALENDAR 41
The technical highlight of the collection marks the first time IWC has paired Genta’s design with the iconic complication developed by master watchmaker Kurt Klaus. Fitting the complex mechanism into the Ingenieur’s bold architecture required a complete reworking of proportions, resulting in a newly designed 41-mm stainless steel case housing the IWC calibre 82650.
Three subdials display the date, month, moonphase, and day with leap year indication. The calendar remains fully synchronised and can be adjusted via the crown—a hallmark of Klaus’ user-friendly approach. The moonphase is accurate to within one day every 577.5 years.
Dial production is equally intricate, featuring the signature Grid motif, sunray-finished subdials, and azurage detailing on outer rings and moon disc. Once coloured and pad-printed, each marker is hand-filled with Super-LumiNova and precisely applied.
HOLLYWOOD MEETS HAUTE HORLOGERIE
One of the most talked-about new releases is the Ingenieur Automatic 40 with green dial—a limited edition of 1,000 pieces tied to F1: The Movie, Apple Original Film’s latest release. Worn by Brad Pitt’s character, Sonny Hayes, the prop was developed in collaboration with IWC and Cloister Watch Company as a custom reinterpretation of the Ingenieur SL Ref 1832, complete with a vivid green dial created specifically for the role.
Now, that fictional watch comes to life. The production model features the signature Grid motif in green, paired with gold-plated hands and markers for a refined, sporty look. The 40-mm stainless steel case is topped with a five-screw bezel and houses the IWC calibre 32111, offering a 120-hour power reserve. A soft-iron inner case provides antimagnetic protection—a subtle nod to the Ingenieur’s original purpose.
