====== IWC Ingenieur SL ======

{{wst>author|[[Foskett, Stephen|Stephen Foskett]] ([[https://grail-watch.com/|Grail Watch]])}}

**Ingenieur SL** (for "Steel Line") was a brand used for as series of watches in the [[IWC Ingenieur|Ingenieur family]] produced by [[IWC]] between [[1976]] and [[2000]].

===== The Original Ingenieur =====
The Ingenieur brand first appeared in [[1954]] and has been applied to watches designed for scientific, technical, and exploration usage. Most Ingenieur watches feature [[water resistance]], [[anti-magnetic]] capabilities, and precise timing. In this way, the Ingenieur is similar to the [[Rolex Milgauss]] and [[Rolex Explorer]]. From the beginning, IWC Ingenieur watches have features a logo with "INGENIEUR" in capital letters above a lightning bolt from top left to bottom right.

The Ingenieur line began with the [[IWC Ingenieur 666|Ref. 666A and 666AD]] and was refreshed in [[1967]] with more modern styling as the [[IWC Ingenieur 866|Ref. 866]]. But the line was aging by the 1970s and sales were falling precipitously. Consumers wanted a new style of watch, and [[quartz]] movement technology allowed an explosion of new styles.

===== Gérald Genta's Ingenieur SL =====
{{wst>image_cr|IWC|Ingenieur SL|IWC Ingenieur from the 1970's}}

The Ingenieur brand was refreshed and advanced in [[1976]] with the launch of an all-new design penned by famed watch designer, [[Genta, Gérald Charles|Gérald Genta]]. This was a [[cushion case]] watch like his well-received [[Audemars Piguet Royal Oak]], then a just few years old. It also resembled the contemporary [[Vacheron Constantin 222]] and [[Omega Constellation]], with which it competed. Genta designed three "SL" or "Steel Line" watches, of which only the Ingenieur was presented for sale.

Genta's [[IWC Ingenieur SL 1832|Ingenieur SL Ref. 1832]] featured a [[tonneau]]-shaped case with an [[integrated bracelet]]. The dial was surrounded by a screwed-in bezel with five "bores" to allow a tool to be attached, a signature styling element similar to the 8 through-screws on the Royal Oak. The guilloche dial had a checkerboard pattern said to resemble graph paper. The 40 mm case was considered extremely large at the time, giving this model the "Jumbo" nickname. Inside was IWC's anti-magnetic [[IWC 8541|Cal. 8541B]]. At that time, IWC also produced a quartz version of Genta's Ingenieur design, [[IWC Ingenieur SL 3003|Ref. 3003]] with [[IWC 2405|Cal. 2405]]. These models failed to achieve the success of the Royal Oak, and just 978 examples were produced.

The quartz model was updated in [[1980]] with the slimmer [[IWC 2250|Cal. 2250]], allowing the bulky case to be slimmed down to just 8 mm. This new [[IWC Ingenieur SL 3303|Ref. 3303]] was not much more successful, with only 369 examples sold in steel, gold, and diamond through [[1985]].

Lady Ingenieur models were also produced starting in [[1980]], with both 26 mm and 30 mm cases with quartz and automatic ([[F. Piguet]]) movements. These remained available through [[1989]], with a 25 mm titanium and yellow gold version introduced in [[1983]]. A 32 mm titanium/yellow gold version for men was produced from [[1984]] through [[1989]].

In [[1981]], IWC introduced the quartz [[IWC Ingenieur 3305|"Skinny" Ingenieur SL, Ref. 3305]], which had a smaller case but still remained true to Genta's design. The 34 mm case was just 8.8 mm thick, bringing the watch down to more contemporary sizing. This was joined in [[1983]] by a [[IWC Ingenieur 3505|"Skinny" automatic Ref. 3505]]. Lacking a compact-enough movement, IWC turned to [[ETA]] to supply the [[ETA 2892]], finished to IWC specifications and known as [[IWC 375|Cal. 375]].

===== Demise of the SL Brand =====
The first [[complicated]] Ingenieur was introduced in [[1985]] A [[perpetual calendar]] module was added to become [[IWC 3757|Cal. 3757]] for the [[IWC Ingenieur Perpetual 9240|Ref. 9240 Ingenieur Perpetual]]. It used a 34.5 mm case similar to the "Skinny" model with a movement similar to the groundbreaking [[IWC Da Vinci]]. This model lasted, with some revisions to the movement and reference numbers, through [[1992]]. But the Perpetual Calendar did not feature the trademark INGENIEUR logo on the dial, nor did it include the initials "SL".

In fact, the "SL" brand was retired after Ref. 3505, even though Genta's novel sandwich case would survive for another decade.

Another complication appeared in [[1988]], the [[IWC Ingenieur Chronograph 3734|Ref. 3734 Ingenieur Chronograph]]. This model used a petite 30 mm case, making it unisex for the time, thanks to the "[[Mechaquartz]]" [[IWC 633|Cal. 633]] from [[Jaeger-LeCoultre]]. Versions would be produced for only a short time, with sales stopped by [[1993]].

Another major advance for the line came in [[1989]] with the introduction of an Ingenieur capable of withstanding 500,000 A/m without a soft iron cage. Instead [[IWC Ingenieur 500,000 A/m|Ref. 3508]] had an escapement, balance wheel, and hairspring constructed of anti-magnetic materials like niobium-zirconium 25. Although advanced, these materials proved difficult to produce reliably. Just 3,000 examples of this petite 34 mm Ingenieur were made through [[1992]].

Most existing Ingenieur models were phased out starting in 1990, with a single model making up the bulk of the range for the next decade. IWC again turned to [[Jaeger-LeCoultre]] for a movement, equipping the new [[IWC Ingenieur Officially Certified Chronometer|Ingenieur Officially Certified Chronometer Ref. 3521]] with [[Jaeger-LeCoultre 889|Cal. 889/2]] between [[1993]] and [[2000]]. The case was again 34 mm and 8.8 mm thick, the same dimensions as the "Skinny" Ingenieur of the previous decade.

The [[IWC Ingenieur Chrono Alarm|Ingenieur Chrono Alarm Ref. 3805]] was the only other Ingenieur model available in the 1990s. Introduced in [[1991]], it used the Jaeger-LeCoultre Mechaquartz movement from the short-lived Ingenieur Chronograph but fitted in a more masculine 34 mm case. The wedge-shaped push buttons at 2 00 and 4 00 would become the form for future Ingenieur Chronograph watches in coming decades.

===== Post-SL Ingenieurs =====
{{wst>image_cr|IWC|Ingenieur Automatic}}

The Ingenieur line was refreshed in [[2005]] with an in-house movement, [[IWC 80110|Cal. 80110]]. This [[IWC Ingenieur Automatic|Ingenieur Automatic, Ref. 3227]] strongly recalled Genta's Ingenieur SL but was an all-new design in a 42.5 mm case. The stainless steel model, Ref. IW322701, was joined by a titanium-cased co-branded [[IWC Ingenieur Mercedes AMG|Mercedes AMG model]], Ref. IW322702/IW322703. IWC also launched a smaller Ingenieur model that year, the [[IWC Ingenieur 4515|"Midsize" Ref. 4515]]. It housed an [[ETA 2892A2]]-based [[IWC 30110|Cal. 30110]] inside a 34 mm by 10 mm case reminiscent of the "Skinny" Ingenieur of two decades earlier. Rounding out the new lineup was a next-generation [[IWC Ingenieur Chronograph 3725|Ingenieur Chronograph, Ref. 3725]]. The case was massively enlarged to 42.5 mm with large wedge-shaped pushbuttons to operate the [[Valjoux 7750]]-based [[IWC 79350|Cal. 79350]]. The steel Ref. IW372501 was joined by titanium AMG models, Ref. IW372503/IW372503.

The titanium AMG models were a hit, as was the new angular Chronograph case. So IWC began launching larger and sportier pieces. The most important was the [[IWC Big Ingenieur 5005|Ref. 5005 "Big" Ingenieur]] with its massive 45.5 mm case and 8-day [[IWC 51113|Cal. 51113]]. This was joined by a [[IWC Big Ingenieur Chronograph 3784|"Big" Chronograph, Ref. 3784]], with the in-house [[IWC 89361|Cal. 89361]]. These fit the "big watch" trend of the time and began moving the line away from Genta's 1970's design. 2009's [[IWC Ingenieur Automatic 3236|Ref. 3236 "Mission Earth"]] was even larger, with a bulky case but no extra complications.

===== Screwed-On Bezels =====
Ceramic was in, as seen in [[IWC Ingenieur Automatic 3234|Ref. 3234]] with its ceramic bezel. But the [[2011]] [[IWC Ingenieur Double Chronograph 3765|Ref. 3765 Ingenieur Double Chronograph]] was the real breakthrough design. Gone was Genta's screw-down bezel, replaced by a 5-screw attachment system. This would be used on seven other references over the following years.

The main offering was now a less-expensive and smaller [[IWC Ingenieur Automatic 3239|Ingenieur Automatic, Ref. 3239]]. The case was reduced to 40 mm but wedge-shaped crown guards reminiscent of the Big Ingenieur added to the visual bulk. Inside was IWC's [[IWC 30110|Cal. 30110]], a re-worked [[ETA 2892]], since IWC still lacked a compact in-house movement. This was also the only anti-magnetic Ingenieur model of the era.

Like the F1 team, AMG introduced many models with exotic materials and design, including the [[IWC Ingenieur Automatic 3224|Ref. 3224 Carbon Performance Ceramic]], [[IWC Ingenieur Automatic 3225|Ref. 3225 AMG Black Series Ceramic]], and [[IWC Ingenieur Automatic 3246|Ref. 3246 AMG GT]]. The complex [[IWC Ingenieur Perpetual Calendar 3792|Ref. 3792 Perpetual Calendar Digital Date-Month]] also included ceramic parts and reflected the racing/technical character, as did the new [[IWC Ingenieur Dual Time 3264|Ref. 3264 Dual Time Titanium]] and refreshed [[IWC Ingenieur Double Chronograph 3865|Ref. 3865 Double Chronograph Titanium]]. All of these featured the 5-screw bezel design first introduced in the Double Chronograph.

The crowning piece of the era was the [[IWC Ingenieur Tourbillon 5900|Ref. 5900 Ingenieur Constant-Force Tourbillon]]. Not only was it the most complex (and expensive) Ingenieur ever, it was also the first hand-winding model to wear the name. Although it still had a 5-bore bezel and tonneau case like the Ingenieur SL, the Tourbillon no longer had a three-piece case. It would prove to be one of the last models to resemble Genta's signature design.

===== The Modern Ingenieur =====
The Ingenieur lineup was wiped clean again in [[2017]] with four new models introduced, none of which featured the Genta-style cushion case and five-bore bezel or the wedge-shaped crown guards and pushers of the Big Ingenieur. Gone too were the ceramic and titanium models that had been an Ingenieur hallmark since the 1980s. Even the Ingenieur name and logo disappeared from the faces of all but two models.

===== List of Ingenieur SL References =====
==== Ingenieur SL-Branded References ====
The following models use Genta's "sandwich" case with the screw-down bezel and feature the "INGENIEUR SL" logo.

  * [[IWC Ingenieur SL 1832|Ref. 1832/9232 "Jumbo" Ingenieur SL]] (1976-1984) - 40 mm, [[IWC 8541|Cal. 8541B]]
  * [[IWC Ingenieur SL Quartz 3003|Ref. 3003/9503 "Jumbo" Ingenieur SL Quartz]] (1976-1979) - 40 mm, [[IWC 2405|Cal. 2405]]
  * [[IWC Ingenieur SL Quartz 3303|Ref. 3303/9701/9720 "Slim" Ingenieur SL Quartz]] (1980-1985) - 40 mm, [[IWC 2250|Cal. 2250]]
  * [[IWC Ingenieur SL Quartz 4501|Ref. 4501/4502/4508/6704/6721/6724 "Lady" Ingenieur SL Quartz]] (1981-1986), 26 mm [[IWC 2249|Cal. 2249]] ([[ESA 956]])
  * [[IWC Ingenieur SL Quartz 4503|Ref. 4503/4509/4513/6703/6720/6730 "Lady" Ingenieur SL Quartz]] (1980-1989), 30 mm [[IWC 2249|Cal. 2249]] ([[ESA 956]])
  * [[IWC Ingenieur SL Automatic 4413|Ref. 4413/4414 "Lady" Ingenieur SL Automatic]] (1986-1989), 30 mm [[IWC 3201|Cal. 3201]] ([[f. Piguet 951]])
  * [[IWC Ingenieur 3305|Ref. 3305/3315/9703/9721/9724/9730 "Skinny" Ingenieur SL Quartz]], (1981-1987) - 34 mm [[IWC 2250|Cal. 2250]]
  * [[IWC Ingenieur 3505|Ref. 3505/3515/9225/0914 "Skinny" Ingenieur SL Automatic]] (1983-1985) - 34 mm, [[IWC 375|Cal. 375]] ([[ETA 2892]])
  * [[IWC Ingenieur 3506|Ref. 3506/3516/9230/9231/9236 "Skinny" Ingenieur SL Automatic]] (1985-1989) - 34 mm, [[IWC 3752|Cal. 3752]] ([[ETA 2892-A2]])
  * [[IWC Ingenieur SL Perpetual Calendar 9240|Ref. 9240/9241 Ingenieur SL Perpetual Calendar]] (1985-1987) - 34.5 mm, [[IWC 3757|Cal. 3757]] ([[ETA 2892-A]])
  * [[IWC Ingenieur SL Perpetual Calendar 3540|Ref. 3540/9245/9260/9263 Ingenieur SL Perpetual Calendar]] (1987-1992) - 34.5 mm, [[IWC 35782|Cal. 35780/35782]] ([[ETA 2892-A2]])

==== References with the Ingenieur SL Case ====
Although they do not carry the "Ingenieur SL" brand, the following watches use Genta's "sandwich" case with its distinctive screw-down bezel.

  * [[IWC Ingenieur 3350|Ref. 3350/3351/3360/3361//9727/9737 Ingenieur in Titanium/Yellow Gold]] (1984-1989), 32 mm, [[IWC 2210|Cal. 2210]] ([[ESA 255]])
  * [[IWC Ingenieur 4550|Ref. 4550/4551/4561/6727 "Ladies" Ingenieur in Titanium/Yellow Gold]] (1985-1989), 25 mm, [[IWC 2209|Cal. 2209]] ([[ETA]] Quartz)
  * [[IWC Ingenieur 3508|Ref. 3508/3518/9238/9258 Ingenieur 500,000 A/m]] (1989-1993) - 34.0 mm, [[IWC 35790|Cal. 35790]] ([[ETA 2892-2]])
  * [[IWC Ingenieur 3521|Ref. 3521/3522/9239/9259 Ingenieur Officially Certified Chronometer]] (1993-2001) - 34.0 mm, [[IWC 887|Cal. 8872]] ([[JLC 889/2]])
  * [[IWC Ingenieur Chronograph 3733|Ref. 3733/3734/9533 Ingenieur Chronograph]] (1988-1993) - 30 mm, [[IWC 631|Cal. 631]] "[[Mechaquartz]]" ([[JLC 630]])
  * [[IWC Ingenieur Chrono Alarm 3805|Ref. 3805/3815/9515/9517 Ingenieur Chrono Alarm]] (1991-1997) - 34 mm, [[IWC 633|Cal. 633]] "[[Mechaquartz]]" ([[JLC 630]])

==== References Resembling the Ingenieur SL ====
The following use a different case without Genta's screw-down bezel but recall the original stylistically.

  * [[IWC Ingenieur Automatic 3227|Ref. 3227 Ingenieur Automatic]] (2005-2009) - 42.5 mm, [[IWC 80110|Cal. 80110]]
  * [[IWC Ingenieur 4515|Ref. 4515 Ingenieur "Midsize"]] (2005-2009) - 34.0 mm, [[IWC 30110|Cal. 30110]] ([[ETA 2892-A2]])
  * [[IWC Big Ingenieur 5005|Ref. 5005 "Big" Ingenieur]] (2007-2012) - 45.5 mm, [[IWC 51113|Cal. 51113]]
  * [[IWC Ingenieur Automatic 3234|Ref. 3234 Ingenieur Automatic Ceramic Bezel]] (2007-2008) - 44.0 mm, [[IWC 80111|Cal. 80111]]
  * [[IWC Ingenieur Automatic 3236|Ref. 3236 Ingenieur Automatic Mission Earth]] (2009-2012) - 46.0 mm, [[IWC 80110|Cal. 80110]]
  * [[IWC Ingenieur Automatic 3239|Ref. 3239 Ingenieur Automatic]] (2013-2016) - 40.0 mm, [[IWC 30110|Cal. 30110]]
  * [[IWC Ingenieur Chronograph 3725|Ref. 3725 Ingenieur Chronograph]] (2005-2008) - 42.5 mm, [[IWC 79350|Cal. 79350]] ([[ETA 7750]])
  * [[IWC Big Ingenieur Chronograph 3784|Ref. 3784 Big Ingenieur Chronograph]] (2009-2012) - 45.5 mm, [[IWC 89361|Cal. 89361]]
  * [[IWC Ingenieur Dual Time 3244|Ref. 3244 Ingenieur Dual Time Black/White]] (2013-2016) - 43.0 mm, [[IWC 35720|Cal. 35720]] ([[ETA 2893-2]])
  * [[IWC Ingenieur Chronograph 3785|Ref. 3785 Ingenieur Chronograph Racer/Silberpfeil]] (2013-2016) - 45.0 mm, [[IWC 89361|Cal. 89361]]
  * [[IWC Ingenieur Tourbillon 5900|Ref. 5900 Ingenieur Constant-Force Tourbillon]] (2013-2016) - 46.0 mm, [[IWC 94800|Cal. 94800]]

==== Screwed-On Bezel ====
The following have a three-part sandwich case like the Ingenieur SL but use five separate screws to hold the bezel to the case.

  * [[IWC Ingenieur Double Chronograph 3765|Ref. 3765 Ingenieur Double Chronograph]] (2011-2012) - 45.0 mm, [[IWC 79230|Cal. 79230]] ([[ETA 7750]])
  * [[IWC Ingenieur Double Chronograph 3865|Ref. 3865 Ingenieur Double Chronograph Titanium]] (2013-2016) - 45.0 mm, [[IWC 79420|Cal. 79420]] ([[ETA 7750]])
  * [[IWC Ingenieur Automatic 3224|Ref. 3224 Ingenieur Automatic Carbon Performance Ceramic]] (2013-2016) - 46.0 mm, [[IWC 80110|Cal. 80110]]
  * [[IWC Ingenieur Perpetual Calendar 3792|Ref. 3792 Ingenieur Perpetual Calendar Digital Date-Month]] (2013-2016) - 46.0 mm, [[IWC 89802|Cal. 89802]]
  * [[IWC Ingenieur Dual Time 3264|Ref. 3264 Ingenieur Dual Time Titanium]] (2013-2016) - 43.0 mm, [[IWC 35720|Cal. 35720]] ([[ETA 2893-2]])
  * [[IWC Ingenieur Chronograph 3796|Ref. 3796 Ingenieur Chronograph Edition Hamilton/Rosberg]] (2014) - 45.5 mm, [[IWC 89361|Cal. 89361]]
  * [[IWC Ingenieur Automatic 3225|Ref. 3225 Ingenieur Automatic AMG Black Series Ceramic]] (2014-2016) - 46.0 mm, [[IWC 80110|Cal. 80110]]
  * [[IWC Ingenieur Automatic 3246|Ref. 3246 Ingenieur Automatic AMG GT]] (2015) - 46.0 mm, [[IWC 80110|Cal. 80110]]

===== External Links =====
  * [[http://www.moeb.ch/Ingenieur/Ingenieur_e.html|Models of the «Ingenieur» line]]


{{tag>IWC_Ingenieur IWC}}