IWC Brings Dark Blue Dial To The Ingenieur

A new generation of the IWC Ingenieur was released in 2023 with a trio of steel references, and a single in titanium. Despite the new 3289 generation going back to its Gérald Genta-era roots, a move celebrated by enthusiasts, the watch itself has flown relatively under the radar thanks to a slightly aggressive pricing strategy, and lack of inventory in the market upon release. After a year of releases largely focused on their Portugieser collection, IWC is signaling a potential return to sport watches with a new Ingenieur reference to close out 2024. The watch brings a sharp new midnight blue dial to the existing 40mm steel frame, and it’s a welcome reminder of what IWC got right with this watch. 

A new dial color can bring out previously underappreciated details of a watch, and with this blue we find a refreshing take on the 3289 generation of the Ingenieur. The existing white, black, and teal dials each bring their own qualities, but this example brings a sharply formal tone to the equation that works better than you might expect. The color is rendered over the same basket-weave-style pattern that became one of the signature elements of this watch. It’s also one of its most polarizing aspects (along with the price, of course). There’s no denying just how dynamic this dial is, however, and because of that, it’s difficult to get a true read on the personality of this dial color in images alone. 

Elsewhere, things remain unchanged from the existing steel models of this watch. The case measures 40mm in diameter and 10.8mm in thickness, with the same integrated three-link bracelet. It’s worth noting that the central link is brushed, leaving the teal dial as the sole reference to utilize a polished center link. Additionally, this watch will use the existing butterfly clasp, and not the adjustable deployant, though the latter is presumably a requestable configuration for interested buyers. 

Inside, IWC is using its manufacture automatic Caliber 32111, which is placed behind a closed caseback. This brings a date complication to the 3 o’clock position on the dial. One welcome detail here is the typeface used on that color-matched date disk, which vibes nicely with the rest of the design of the watch. There’s a harmony with this design that taps into the DNA of Genta’s original SL design from 1976 without ever feeling like a throwback. This is a modern design, and it’s one I’d love to see the brand build on this coming year. 

The most contentious element of the new Ingenieur has undoubtedly been the price, and this new model will remain at $11,700. Make no mistake, this is a very well-crafted watch, especially the bracelet. I’ve argued that, while it may not be worth the asking price as it stands, it’s not by as big of a margin as you might think. You can see more about the new IWC Ingenieur at iwc.com