The IWC Ingenieur has seen a healthy development path since its re-introduction in 2023, with a range of sizes, metals, and complications fleshing out the collection in a manner that showcases the designs versatility. There is one configuration that still manages to fly under the radar, however, and that is the 35mm execution of the design. The stated size makes the watch a little scary at the onset, but in the metal this is an exceptional execution of the Inge, and is easily the most wrist friendly of the entire collection. Earlier this year, the 35 saw the inclusion of the dark blue dial first launched in the 40, and this week, it’s getting a new summer-ready dial rendered in what IWC is calling ‘Pool Blue’.
The new color makes a welcome addition to the 35 portion of the Ingenieur collection, which now numbers six in total. This is a very different blue than was released with the launch of the collection, which leans more teal in nature. With pool blue, we find a color that treads dangerously close to Tiffany blue territory, but somehow manages to steer clear. It’s bright, almost floral in nature, and is the first Ingenieur of any size to use a datewheel that has not been color matched to the dial, which feels an odd choice.
As nice as the blue is here, I think the darker blue is likely the better option if you’re looking for versatility in general. I do think that the 35mm form factor would benefit from additional dial colors, and would work even in dateless format. It is perhaps the most compelling of the modern Ingenieur collection on the wrist, and that’s coming from the owner of a 40mm Inge (see full review here). Given the smaller size, titanium might be overkill, but the uniform blasted texture would certainly be a welcome rendition.
This Ingenieur uses the same automatic caliber 47110 that we find in the other 35mm references, and it is visible through an exhibition caseback. The movement may not quite be up to the standard found in the 32111, with a much smaller power reserve (42 hours), and shared access throughout the Richemont group, but it’s not a bad movement by any stretch. It’s use here might have been a good opportunity for a sub $10,000 Ingenieur, however that is not the case as the base steel references, including the new pool blue example seen here, are priced at $11,200. Yes, a watch is more than its movement, especially with a bracelet like this, but there are just too many options out there to not be picky.
Overall, the 35mm Ingenieur doesn’t get enough love, so I’m happy to see it get the spotlight with a release like this. Don’t let the size fool you, it wears closer to 36 or even 37mm in practice, and continues a long tradition of smaller Ingenieurs in general. Here’s hoping we continue to see more options within the collection. IWC
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