Watches

IWC Schaffhausen’s Latest Timepiece Is an Ode to Gérald Genta

WatchesApr 10, 2023

IWC Schaffhausen’s Latest Timepiece Is an Ode to Gérald Genta

The Swiss watchmaker was responsible for some of horology’s most iconic and lasting designs.

20230410_IWC-1.jpg
IWC Schaffhausen’s new Ingenieur Automatic 40 is available with a black dial (pictured), silver-plated dial, aqua dial, and gray dial.
Geneva—In the 1970s, Swiss watchmaker Gérald Genta (1931-2011) created some of horology’s most iconic timepieces that are even more in demand today, like Audemars Piguet’s “Royal Oak” and Patek Philippe’s “Nautilus.”
 
Among them was the redesign of the “Ingenieur,” French for “engineer,” for IWC Schaffhausen in 1976, after its original debut in 1955. 
 
Like the Royal Oak and Nautilus, the modern design of Genta’s Ingenieur has remained a staple element of IWC Schaffhausen’s brand DNA, as evidenced at this year’s Watches & Wonders Geneva.
 
The Swiss watchmaker debuted the Ingenieur Automatic 40, an ode to Genta’s original Ingenieur SL, Ref. 1832. 
 
The new edition is powered by the IWC-manufactured 32111 caliber movement with a 120-hour power reserve and date window at 3 o’clock.

20230410_IWC-2.jpg
The Ingenieur Automatic 40 with stainless steel case and bracelet and aqua dial

Just as the original was intended for actual engineers and professionals working near magnetic fields, the Ingenieur Automatic 40 has a soft-iron inner case to protect the movement from magnetic disruption. 
 
It is water resistant to 100 meters.
 
“With the new Ingenieur Automatic 40, the steel sports watch with an integrated bracelet returns to our portfolio,” noted IWC CEO Christoph Grainger-Herr.
 
“While taking inspiration from Gérald Genta’s Ingenieur SL from the 1970s, we invested a lot of time and effort into engineering a new automatic model with perfect case proportions and ergonomics, a high level of detail and finishing, and equipped with modern movement technology. The new Ingenieur Automatic 40 is a versatile luxury sports watch for the 21st century.” 

 Related stories will be right here … 

The Ingenieur Automatic 40 has a refined aesthetic compared to the original, the company said. The lug-to-lug distance is 45.7 mm for an ergonomic fit on even slender wrists. The curved casing ring and replacement of nose-shaped horns with engineered middle-link attachments help streamline the design.
 
The Ingenieur SL of the 1970s had a distinctive look with its five screws on the bezel, though the design choice often left the bezel’s recesses in a different position. Now, the Ingenieur uses five screws to attach the bezel to the case. This technical function ensures positioning is the same in each model. 

20230410_IWC-3.jpg
Pictured is the titanium reference with gray dial. It is priced at $14,600.

The Ingenieur Automatic 40 has a distinctive stamped grid dial that offers an entirely new attitude to the iconic piece. 
 
There are three stainless steel references and one titanium. 
 
The Ref. IW328901, Ref. IW328902, and Ref. IW328903 have stainless steel cases and bracelets and black, silver-plated, and aqua dials respectively. They are priced at $11,700.
 
The Ref. IW328904 has a Grade 5 titanium case and bracelet and gray dial. It costs $14,600.
 
Also new this year for IWC Schaffhausen is its first Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 in 18-karat gold.

20230410_IWC-4.jpg
Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 in 18-karat 5N gold

First introduced in 2021, the new Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 pairs its yellow gold case with a green dial with sunray finishing and green rubber strap with 18-karat gold pin buckle. The strap can be easily interchanged without additional tools.
 
The dial features IWC’s easy-to-read cockpit instrument design. In addition to the chronograph function displayed at 12 o’clock and 9 o’clock, there is a day and date aperture at 3 o’clock and small hacking seconds visible at 6 o’clock. 
 
The model uses the IWC-manufactured mechanical 69385 caliber movement visible through the sapphire case back. It is priced at $20,900.
 
Also new for the brand is the IWC Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar in stainless steel with racing green dial.

20230410_IWC-5.jpg
Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar in stainless steel with racing green dial

Former head watchmaker Kurt Klaus executed IWC Schaffhausen’s perpetual calendar complication, recognizing 30-day and 31-day months and leap years, in the 1980s. The complication won’t require a manual adjustment until the year 2100 when the leap year will be omitted based on an exemption rule in the Gregorian calendar. 
 
The patented double moon phase display shows the moon from both Northern and Southern Hemisphere vantages. 
 
IWC released its first Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar in 2006. Now, the new stainless steel and racing green dial version with sunray finish is on the market. It has a green rubber strap with stainless steel rivets, which can be interchanged as part of the IWC EasX-CHANGE system. 
 
The date display and power reserve are visible at 3 o’clock and the month at 6 o’clock. The 9 o’clock subdial shows weekday and small seconds. The double moon phase is at 12 o’clock. There is also an indication for the four-digit year display.
 
The new model is priced at $33,000.
 
Finally, last year, IWC showcased a collection of Pilot’s watches in colored ceramics called “The Colors of Top Gun,” with new colors developed in conjunction with Pantone, like IWC Lake Tahoe White and IWC Woodland Green. 
 
The range was an update to the IWC Top Gun line launched in 2007. 
 
Now, two more colors join the mix, marking the first time the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 gets ceramic cases. 

20230410_IWC-6.jpg
Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 Top Gun in Oceana blue ceramic

The Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 Top Gun is now available in Oceana. The Oceana blue ceramic case is inspired by the blue of U.S. Navy overalls. 
 
The watch has a matching blue dial and blue rubber strap with a denim finish textile inlay. It is priced at $11,700.

20230410_IWC-7.jpg
Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 Top Gun in Jet Black ceramic

The Pilot Watch Chronograph 41 Top Gun is also now available with a Jet Black zirconium oxide ceramic case inspired by the technical components of supersonic jets. It is available for $8,750.
 
Both of the new chronographs utilize the IWC-manufactured 69380 caliber movement. 
 

The Latest

Graphic for Episode 8 of the My Next Question podcast
PodcastsAug 19, 2026
Episode 8: Diamond Industry Update With David Bonaparte & Ronnie VanderLinden

The industry veterans join the podcast to discuss diamond marketing, the FTC Jewelry Guides, and lobbying for lower tariffs.

Mike Alexander and Scott Murphy
MajorsAug 19, 2026
Mike Alexander To Succeed Scott Murphy as Jewelers Mutual CEO

Murphy will retire at the end of the year and Alexander, currently the company’s president, will take over at the start of 2027.

Spinelli Kilcollin Trade-In Bar Program Imagery
Policies & IssuesAug 19, 2026
Spinelli Kilcollin Embraces Dupes With Trade-In Program

The jeweler is encouraging customers who own lookalike rings to come into the store and trade them for credit towards an authentic piece.

Cover.jpg
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk About

Submit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.

Woman wearing Zales jewelry
MajorsAug 19, 2026
Zales Wants You to Wear Fine Jewelry Every Day

The new campaign, “You Are The Occasion,” discourages shoppers from saving their fine jewelry for special occasions only.

Weekly QuizAug 13, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Former GJEPC Chairman and second-generation Indian diamantaire Vasant Mehta
SourcingAug 19, 2026
Vasant Mehta, a Dedicated Diamond Industry Leader, Dies at 81

Mehta led India’s GJEPC through the 2008 financial crisis and was respected worldwide for his wisdom, integrity, and knowledge.

Alfredo Colmenero-Martinez and Jarren Frazier
CrimeAug 18, 2026
2 California Men Arrested in Fatal Vehicle Smash Robbery

One is the driver who allegedly crashed a car into a Sacramento jewelry store in April, striking a 71-year-old employee who later died.

1872-x-1052-July-ad (1).png
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying Events

Retailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.

The Retail Smiths Principal Partner and National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsAug 18, 2026
Peter Smith: The IKEA Effect and Bridal Branding

In a new column, Peter Smith posits that people actually enjoy putting together IKEA furniture, and the same is true for engagement rings.

Police car with lights on
CrimeAug 18, 2026
Thieves Snatch $1M in Jewelry From New Jersey Jeweler

9lakha Jewelers in Iselin, New Jersey, was the target of a smash-and-grab robbery on Aug. 8.

Ring Concierge x 818 Tequila Bridal Giveaway
Lab-GrownAug 18, 2026
Ring Concierge, Kendall Jenner’s Tequila Brand Collab on Giveaway

The jeweler has partnered with 818 Tequila to gift lab-grown diamond studs to a bride-to-be and their bridal party.

Louis Comfort Tiffany Poppy lampshade drawing
Events & AwardsAug 17, 2026
Exhibition on Louis Comfort Tiffany’s Studios to Open at The Met

The exhibition will feature more than 100 drawings of stained-glass lampshades, windows, and more, many created by women and émigrés.

Spinelli Kilcollin Inara Ring
CollectionsAug 17, 2026
Marquise Diamonds Dance in Spinelli Kilcollin’s ‘Wren’ Collection

Marquise-cut diamonds in drop charms are the center of the new collection, reflecting the movement of a dancer in modular styles.

Ft. Lauderdale Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show logo
Events & AwardsAug 17, 2026
There’s a New Jewelry Show Coming to Florida

The inaugural Fort Lauderdale Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show will be held from Jan. 28 through Feb. 1, 2027.

Karl Getschel and Bob Yanega of Smyth Jewelers
IndependentsAug 14, 2026
Smyth Jewelers to Open Fourth Location

The family-owned jeweler will open a new showroom in Bel Air, Maryland, this fall.

Stock image of a gavel
CrimeAug 14, 2026
Wife of Man Convicted in Jeweler’s Murder Sentenced for Conspiracy

Amanda Ileana Hernandez is married to Carlos Hernandez, one of two men in prison for the 2024 murder of Michigan jeweler Hussein Murray.

Paul Morelli Wavey Vine Earrings
TrendsAug 14, 2026
Paul Morelli’s Latest ‘Wavey Vine’ Earrings Embrace Color

The reimagined jewel, our Piece of the Week, trades the diamonds in the original 1998 design for blue, pink, yellow, and green sapphires.

Cover.jpg
Supplier BulletinAug 13, 2026
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk About

Sponsored by American Gem Trade Association

Two Pandora Talisman pendants
FinancialsAug 13, 2026
Pandora’s ‘Talisman’ Collection Shines, Lab-Grown Diamond Sales Fall

In the United States, second-quarter sales were flat amid soft consumer sentiment and lower in-store traffic.

Cuckoo Cuckoo Cadbury Conundrum egg
AuctionsAug 13, 2026
This Gold Cadbury ‘Conundrum’ Egg Set a World Auction Record

The 22-karat gold egg, sold at Batemans Auctioneers in the U.K., was part of a 1980s treasure hunt ad campaign for Cadbury Creme Eggs.

Picture of 2,488 carat rough diamond next to tweezers, a golf ball, and a loupe
SourcingAug 13, 2026
2,488-Carat Diamond, Largest Found in Botswana, Has a New Owner

Lucara Diamond Corp., which recovered the “Motswedi” diamond from the Karowe mine, sold the stone for an undisclosed amount.

John Hardy Heishi Collection Campaign Imagery
CollectionsAug 13, 2026
John Hardy Infuses ‘Icon,’ ‘Heishi’ Collections with Color

The expanded collections now feature hand-cut gemstones like topaz, tanzanite, chrysoprase, chalcedony, smoky quartz, and fire opal.

Jean Dousset Westfield Valley Fair
Lab-GrownAug 13, 2026
Jean Dousset Opens Third Store

The lab-grown diamond jewelry brand’s newest boutique is in Westfield Valley Fair in Santa Clara, California.

Legacy emerald
SourcingAug 12, 2026
Eshed-Gemstar on the Painstaking Process of Cutting ‘The Legacy Emerald’

The gemstone supplier and manufacturer acquired the remarkable 104-gram Zambian emerald at Gemfields’ auction in May.

Surveillance image of jewelry thieves
CrimeAug 12, 2026
Elderly NYC Woman Targeted in Jewelry Swap Scheme

Two suspects offered to trade the woman a “winning” lottery ticket for her jewelry.

The Finsch Diamond Mine in South Africa, owned by Petra Diamonds Ltd.
SourcingAug 12, 2026
Another Diamond Mine Poised to Close

Finsch has been in business rescue since May, and owner Petra Diamonds said it sees no viable path forward for the mine.

Stock image of gavel, handcuffs, and law books
CrimeAug 12, 2026
Jewelry Store Employee Gets 20 Years to Life in Choking Death of Boss

Michel Patrick DeSalles was sentenced after pleading guilty to the 2017 murder of Omid Gholian, who owned a jewelry store in Manhattan.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy