IWC Marks 50 Years of the Ingenieur SL with Two Limited Editions

IWC Schaffhausen is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Ingenieur SL, the sports watch designed by Gérald Genta and introduced in 1976, with two limited editions: the Ingenieur Automatic 40 50th Anniversary (Ref. IW328910) and the Ingenieur Automatic 35 50th Anniversary (Ref. IW324909). Each model is limited to 1,150 pieces.

A design that was ahead of its time

The original Ingenieur SL, Reference 1832, followed the first generation of Ingenieur models. It was designed by Gérald Genta, the Geneva-based artist and watch designer, in the 1970s, when luxury steel sports watches with integrated bracelets were emerging as a new category in Swiss watchmaking.

The watch was not a commercial success when it was launched: only 598 pieces were made between 1976 and 1983. Today it is one of the most sought-after models in IWC's history, and it served as the blueprint for the modern Ingenieur introduced in 2023. You can read more about the line's background in our article on the Ingenieur series.

Silver dials and a "50" in place of the lightning bolt

Both anniversary watches have brushed, silver-plated dials. They are inspired by a rare 1970s variant of the Ingenieur SL; the Reference 1832 is better known for its structured dial. The dials carry rhodium-plated hands and metal hour markers filled with Super-LumiNova®.

One small detail marks the anniversary: the lightning bolt normally placed below the word "Ingenieur" on the dial has been replaced by the number "50".

The cases and integrated bracelets are stainless steel. The bezel is fixed with five screws and is satin-finished with polished edges. The bracelet is attached through its middle links for better comfort on the wrist. On the 40 mm model the bracelet is satin-finished; on the 35 mm model the middle links are polished.

Two different movements

The 40 mm model is powered by the IWC-manufactured calibre 32111, an automatic movement with a double pawl winding system and a power reserve of 120 hours. As in the original Ingenieur SL, the movement sits inside a soft-iron inner case that protects it from magnetic fields.

The 35 mm model uses the IWC calibre 47110. It is visible through a sapphire glass case back, which shows the movement decorated with circular graining, Geneva stripes and a gold-plated oscillating weight.

Specifications at a glance

• Ingenieur Automatic 40 50th Anniversary, Ref. IW328910: 40 mm stainless steel case and bracelet; IWC calibre 32111, automatic, 120-hour power reserve; soft-iron inner case; limited to 1,150 pieces.
• Ingenieur Automatic 35 50th Anniversary, Ref. IW324909: 35 mm stainless steel case and bracelet; IWC calibre 47110, automatic; sapphire glass case back; limited to 1,150 pieces.

IWC's announcement did not include prices. For availability, contact an IWC boutique or authorised retailer.

Source: IWC Schaffhausen press release, 15 September 2026. More about the brand: IWC Schaffhausen.