IWC Ingenieur SL Automatic
- Soldspan>
- Sold
Why We Love it
–
Why We Love it
–When you think of watches by International Watch Company, you'll probably conjure images of their sturdy Aquatimer divers or Big Pilot aviators. But their Ingenieur is without question a pillar of wristwatch design. With its characteristic integrated bracelet and sharp, angular case design, the Ingenieur is indisputably a sought after timepiece, but many don't know that its story started about twenty years prior.
Although IWC began producing anti-magnetic movements as early as 1888, the Reference 666 Ingenieur was IWC's first foray into producing a purpose-built anti-magnetic tool watch. The Ingeniuer, brainchild of Albert Pellaton, IWC's technical director, utilized the automatic movement (Caliber 85) that Pellaton designed in 1950. Pellaton borrowed the soft iron inner case of the WWII-era Mark XI military watch and modified the Caliber 85 to create an entirely new in-house movement, the Caliber 852, with Breguet overcoil and central seconds.
Like the Rolex Milgauss, the Ingenieur was intended to be used by engineers and other scientists whose work involved exposure to high levels of magnetism. From 1955, when the Ingenieur was launched, IWC produced the watch in a variety of case and dial configurations. However, the majority of these early Ingenieurs were housed in thin, elegant steel or gold cases.
In the 1970s, IWC released the Ingenieur in a "jumbo" case, in keeping with the trend toward larger case sizes. This reference, the Ingenieur SL, was designed by none other than Gerald Genta, the "father" of the original Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and Patek Philippe Nautilus. The large steel case with its riveted bezel and integrated bracelet certainly takes design cues from the Royal Oak.
However, due to the poor sales of the "jumbo" Ingenieur, IWC decided to release a slimmer version. The Reference 3506, which we feature here, was released in the mid 1980s. It has all the hallmarks of the distinctive Genta design, just in a smaller size, but still sporty. Elegant touches like the gold hour markers and the textured dial elevate it to a more sophisticated look, making it look not out of place with a suit. Only produced for a short while, the Reference 3506 is seldom seen--don't miss it.
A:S Guarantee
+
A:S Guarantee
+Our Pledge
Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.
Condition
Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.
Warranty
We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.
International Buyers
Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.
Shipping & Returns
+
Shipping & Returns
+All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.
Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.
We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.
Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.
We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.
IWC Ingenieur SL Automatic
- Soldspan>
- Sold